The Assam Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Thursday approved a series of welfare, infrastructure, agriculture and industrial initiatives aimed at boosting economic growth and public welfare in the state.
Among the major decisions, the Cabinet approved the Assam Sustainable Wetland and Integrated Fisheries Transformation (SWIFT) Project with an estimated cost of ₹796.88 crore. The project will be funded through an ADB loan of ₹637.50 crore and a state contribution of ₹159.38 crore. The initiative will focus on the restoration and rehabilitation of at least 102 community beels across Assam.
The Cabinet also approved a proposal for setting up a state-of-the-art laboratory and ancillary infrastructure for the Spices Board of India at Ulubari in Guwahati.
To support farmers and rural entrepreneurs, the government approved financial assistance under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF). The state will bear the entire 10% promoter contribution for FPOs, cooperatives and similar collective entities, while individual beneficiaries will receive 5% support from the government.
In a festive relief measure, NFSA beneficiaries will receive subsidised sugar at ₹30 per kg in October 2026, along with masur dal, both available for a total of ₹100.
The Cabinet further approved granting the minimum pay scale to 166 Muster Roll, Casual and Fixed Pay workers from September 1, 2026, and ratified measures to facilitate Aadhaar enrolment for eligible women members of Self-Help Groups.
A major industrial boost came with the approval of JK Lakshmi Cement Limited’s proposed ₹11,000 crore investment for setting up a clinker manufacturing unit and four cement grinding units in Assam. The project is expected to create around 2,000 direct jobs.
The government also approved payment of a 20% bonus to eligible Assam Tea Corporation Limited employees, allotment of land for a new College of Agriculture at Patharkandi in Sribhumi district, and an additional Durga Puja holiday on October 17, 2026.
As a special festive gesture, Orunodoi beneficiaries will receive ₹1,500 in October instead of the regular ₹1,250 monthly assistance.
The Cabinet also announced that elections to the Mising Autonomous Council and Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council will be held in November. Additionally, land was approved for the development of an industrial estate in Kamrup district.