Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Guwahati: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma led the Assam Cabinet on Tuesday, August 11, in approving a series of major fiscal and administrative overhauls. The government earmarked Rs 2,100 crore for land acquisition and infrastructure to build the Aerotropolis Satellite City in Guwahati. This urban project aims to expand planned development across the region.
The state also released Rs 450 crore to the Bodoland Territorial Council, covering the first installment of the State-Owned Priority Development fund for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Officials set aside Rs 118.58 crore for the Chief Minister’s Jibon Prerana youth scheme. Cabinet members confirmed the move serves local needs. "The project forms part of the state's plans to develop new urban infrastructure and expand planned development around the Guwahati region," officials stated.
New hiring rules demand police verification for government jobs. Authorities must check a candidate's background and documents within six months, though applicants must still provide notarized affidavits to bypass appointment delays. The state also greenlit OBC Non-Creamy Layer certificates for six specific communities not covered by central lists.
The Cabinet overhauled payment structures for the CM-FLIGHT foreign language program. Trainees now receive Rs 30,000 after three months and another Rs 30,000 after six. A final Rs 40,000 arrives upon certification, plus a Rs 50,000 bonus for placement help. Meanwhile, the Assam Industrial Development Corporation and Indian Hotels Company Limited signed a lease for a Taj Gateway hotel in Jagiroad.
Fresh rules exempt the Moran and Matak communities from a ban on Aadhaar enrollment for adults until March 31, 2027. Additionally, farmers earning under Rs 10 lakh annually now face zero agricultural tax. This policy specifically protects small tea growers from tax burdens.
Updated at 12th August 2026 at 1:48am
The Cabinet also greenlit a crackdown on caste and gang-based discrimination within the prison system. Officials plan to amend the Assam Jail Manual to enforce fair work distribution, upgrade sanitation, and tighten security to ensure uniform treatment for all inmates.
In a push for greener energy, the government inked a 25-year power purchase agreement with APGCL OIL Green Power Limited. The state will buy electricity from a 25 megawatt solar project at a rate of Rs 3.45 per unit.
Updated at 12th August 2026 at 10:01am
Beyond the major city and industry projects, the Cabinet signed off on the VB-G RAM G scheme to boost rural infrastructure. This plan targets interlocking paver block roads, women-led rural haats, school boundary walls, crematoriums, waiting sheds, and community halls that double as gyms or wellness centers. Officials will fund these works by pulling from Finance Commission grants and other available resources.
Energy policy also shifted with a 25-year power purchase agreement locked in with APGCL OIL Green Power Limited. The state committed to buying electricity from a 25 megawatt solar plant at a set rate of Rs 3.45 per unit.
Cabinet members also moved to clean up the state prison system. Officials plan to amend the Assam Jail Manual to curb caste and gang-based discrimination. The changes aim to enforce fair work distribution, upgrade sanitation, and tighten security to ensure consistent treatment for everyone behind bars.
Updated at 12th August 2026 at 2:00pm
Chief Minister Sarma confirmed that the Rs 2,100 crore allocation represents only the first phase of land acquisition for the Aerotropolis project. The total cost for securing the necessary land near the airport will climb to roughly Rs 4,000 crore, with negotiations already underway with property owners.
Regarding the new hiring mandate, the government clarified that appointments stay provisional for six months. If police fail to wrap up the background check within that window, the job appointment becomes automatically confirmed. Candidates do not need to chase police for reports.
The Jibon Prerana scheme provides eligible graduates a monthly stipend of Rs 2,500 for one year. Meanwhile, the Taj Gateway hotel planned for Jagiroad is designed to anchor the commercial ecosystem springing up around the nearby Tata semiconductor facility.
The 25 megawatt solar project tied to the 25-year power purchase agreement is specifically located in Namrup.
Updated at 12th August 2026 at 2:16pm
Sarma noted the Moran and Matak communities earned their Aadhaar enrollment extension because a significant number of their people remain unregistered, and authorities confirmed there is no risk of illegal migrants slipping into these indigenous groups. Previously, this specific exemption only applied to Tea Tribes and Adivasi populations.
The government clarified that the solar project tied to the 25-year power purchase agreement is stationed in Namrup. The CM also explained that the hotel project in Jagiroad is specifically meant to anchor the commercial ecosystem growing around the nearby Tata semiconductor facility.
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