Addressing a press briefing, the chief minister outlined the cabinet’s approvals, including land allocation for Zubeen Khetra, OBC status for tea tribe communities, and land pattas for residents living in Guwahati’s hill areas.

The decisions were presented as part of the government’s administrative and development initiatives in the state.

Land for Zubeen Khetra, Ali-Aye-Ligang Declared State Holiday

The Assam government has earmarked 10 bighas of land for the construction of Zubeen Khetra in memory of the late legendary singer Zubeen Garg, who passed away last year.

According to the chief minister, the land has been handed over to the Department of Cultural Affairs, which will oversee all matters related to the project.

Sarma also announced that Ali-Aye-Ligang, the traditional festival celebrated by the Mishing community, will henceforth be observed as a state holiday in recognition of its cultural importance in Assam.

Renaming of Barpeta Medical College and Pattas for Guwahati Hills

The cabinet also approved renaming Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital in Barpeta as Barpeta Medical College Hospital.

Sarma stated that although the institution was earlier named after Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, the first President of India from Assam, another institution would be established in the future in his honour.

In another decision, the government will grant land pattas to 816 families residing in the hill areas of Guwahati. The chief minister said the government has received around 12,000 applications, which are currently under verification. Pattas will be issued only to families whose three generations have lived in Assam.

OBC Status for Tea Tribes, Infrastructure and Welfare Measures

The cabinet approved granting OBC status to 37 tea tribe communities in the state. Sarma said these groups had earlier been recognised only as sub-groups and were not receiving benefits under the OBC category. The proposal for granting OBC benefits will be placed by the SC Development Council.

The government also decided to extend the PM SVANidhi Scheme, which offers loans to street vendors, to village panchayat areas. Earlier limited to urban centres, the expansion is expected to benefit vendors operating in rural regions.

Additional funds have also been approved to strengthen the drinking water supply infrastructure in Guwahati.

The cabinet further cleared land allocation for industrial development in Goalpara district and approved six investment proposals worth Rs 24,800 crore aimed at boosting industrial growth and generating employment.

Meanwhile, the under-construction engineering college in Behali will be named after Chabilal Upadhyay, a former Assam Congress president and a prominent figure during the independence movement.

At the beginning of the press briefing, the chief minister handed over an appointment letter to Upasana Bokaliyal Gogoi, the wife of late Assamese folk artist Rajib Sadiya. She has been offered a Grade-III position in the Revenue Department in Tinsukia district as support for the bereaved family.