The Assam Cabinet has approved a series of policy and administrative measures covering government recruitment, environmental taxation, infrastructure, water supply and urban administration.
Among the key decisions announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on October 5 are a 12% reservation for eligible Agniveers in several constable-level government recruitments and a ₹3,000 Green Tax on the sale or transfer of certain older vehicles.
12% Quota for Agniveers in State Recruitment
The Agniveer reservation will apply to selected uniformed government positions in Assam.
The covered posts include Assam Police Armed Branch and Unarmed Branch constables, commando personnel, jail warders, firemen, SDRF constables, forest guards and excise constables.
The quota will be available to Agniveers who are permanent residents of Assam. Completing military service alone will not make Agniveers from other states eligible for the state-specific reservation.
The government said the measure is intended to make use of the skills, discipline and training acquired by Agniveers during their military service.
₹3,000 Green Tax on Certain Older Vehicles
The Cabinet has also approved a Green Tax of ₹3,000 on the sale or transfer of eligible vehicles that are more than three years old.
Several categories will be exempt from the proposed levy. These include electric and CNG vehicles, two-wheelers and three-wheelers, as well as certain smaller-capacity vehicles.
The tax will also not apply in specified cases where a vehicle is transferred to the owner's son or daughter following the owner's death.
According to the state government, revenue generated through the measure will be directed towards environmental initiatives, including afforestation and measures to prevent soil erosion.
PWD National Highways Wing to Be Merged
Another Cabinet decision involves the merger of the PWD National Highways wing with PWD Roads.
An additional commissioner-level position will be created to supervise work related to national highways following the restructuring.
The move is aimed at bringing highway-related functions under a consolidated administrative framework.
Jal Jeevan Mission Arrangements Approved
The government also approved three draft MoUs for implementing Jal Jeevan Mission projects in areas administered by the Bodoland Territorial Council, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and Dima Hasao Autonomous Council.
Under the proposed arrangements, the respective autonomous councils will be responsible for implementing and managing projects within their jurisdictions.
Changes to Municipal Election Rules
The Assam Cabinet approved amendments to the Assam Municipal Corporation Election Rules in response to changes in the state's municipal corporation structure.
The amendments will also affect the handling of election-related disputes involving the Silchar and Dibrugarh municipal corporations. Such cases can now be taken before the respective district judge rather than being routed through Guwahati.
₹10 Crore Grant for Assam Regiment
The Cabinet sanctioned a one-time ₹10 crore grant for infrastructure development of the Assam Regiment.
Sarma said the regiment has a longstanding connection with the state, noting that a substantial proportion of its personnel are from Assam.
Monthly Support for Madhupur Satra
The government approved a monthly grant of ₹1 lakh for Madhupur Satra to support its regular expenses.
The decision followed a request from the Satra authorities, who reportedly cited fluctuations in donations as a financial challenge. The state is also considering a longer-term donation arrangement similar to the support system associated with Bordowa Satra.
Guwahati Riverfront Extension Still at Planning Stage
The Cabinet has engaged Tata Consultancy Services to prepare a Detailed Project Report for a possible extension of the Guwahati riverfront.
The proposed study would examine a possible extension from Kachari Bazar towards Kamakhya Temple and Nilachal Hill, including the area in front of Raj Bhavan.
However, the government has clarified that construction of the extension has not yet been approved. A decision will be taken after the DPR is prepared and assessed.
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Proposed Forest Area to Become Revenue Village
The Cabinet also approved the conversion of the Phakgaon Proposed Reserve Forest in the Bodoland Territorial Region into a revenue village.
The government said the area no longer has the forest cover that existed when it was originally designated as a proposed reserve forest, while residents from different communities now live there.
The conversion is expected to help residents obtain land-related documentation and access government schemes and other public services.
Other Developments
Separately, Hero MotoCorp handed over 50 motorcycles to the Guwahati Traffic Police under its corporate social responsibility programme.
Sarma also congratulated Bodoland Territorial Council chief Hagrama Mohilary as the council government completed one year in office.
The Cabinet's decisions collectively cover employment opportunities for former military personnel, environmental measures, infrastructure administration, local governance and development initiatives across Assam.