Assam Cabinet Forms 15 New Councils to Oversee Welfare Schemes

Guwahati: The Assam Cabinet gave the green light to 15 new councils on Tuesday, November 3. These groups will track how government welfare schemes actually reach the people. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the plan to identify gaps in state services. Feedback drives these reforms.

The state identified five specific bodies including the Assam Rural Livelihood Council, Health and Wellness Council, Education Entitlement Council, Assam Social Security Council, and Public Housing Council. These councils will scrutinize high-stakes programs like Orunodoi, Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat, Mukhya Mantri Ayushman Assam, and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. They also cover healthcare and education projects in tea garden areas.

Each council includes nine members. A Cabinet minister will serve as chairperson, supported by a vice-chairperson and seven others. The groups do not hold independent authority. They act as a direct link to the public. As Sarma noted, the councils will "engage directly with beneficiaries and members of the public to gather feedback on the delivery and effectiveness of government schemes."

These councils will report findings back to the state government. Officials will then weigh these recommendations to decide if a program needs an overhaul. This move shifts the state toward a feedback-based model for all public welfare initiatives.