Paromita Editor

Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota on Thursday met a delegation from Bernhard Schulte Cruise and Hospitality Services (BSM) and Schulte Group from Germany and discussed ways to strengthen Assam's river cruise tourism ecosystem.“The discussions focused on strengthening Assam's river cruise tourism ecosystem, developing internationally benchmarked skill training programmes, and creating employment opportunities for the State’s youth in the global cruise and hospitality sectors.The delegation led by Martin Springer, president – Cruise and Hospitality; Frank Oertel, Managing Director – Cruise; and Capt. Sanjay Kushwaha, Director – Cruise and Hospitality, also shared its interest in assessing Assam's training infrastructure and exploring collaboration…

The Assam government on Friday presented a Rs 2,85,084-crore state Budget for the 2026-27 financial year, proposing a four-fold increase in the tax exemption limit for small tea growers, a reduction in VAT on piped natural gas, continuation of major welfare schemes, and a reduction of the State Budget deficit to Rs 419 crore.Tabling the first full budget of the 16th Assam Legislative Assembly, state finance minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said the state budget is guided by the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline, inclusive growth and the aspirations of every citizen.He said the budget is built on the party’s Sankalp…

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said Assam and Meghalaya will soon resume discussions to resolve their long-pending interstate boundary dispute, asserting that there is no friction between the two neighbouring states. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the concluding day of the Behdienkhlam Festival in Jowai, Sarma said both governments continue to maintain cordial relations and are committed to resolving the issue through dialogue. "There is no friction between us. We are talking amicably and we will soon again talk," the Chief Minister said. However, he did not specify a timeline for the next round of…

Gauhati University has issued an official clarification regarding the use of the term "VIP Dining Hall" in tender documents related to construction work at the University Guest House, stating that the expression was used inadvertently and does not reflect the actual nature of the project. In a statement issued by the Registrar's Office, the University said the Guest House caters to a wide range of visitors, including members of selection committees, external examiners, viva voce experts, visiting faculty, resource persons, alumni, parents, students, delegates and guests attending academic, administrative and cultural programmes. The University explained that with the expansion of…

Army Recruiting Office (ARO) Narangi, under Zone Recruiting Office (ZRO) Shillong, conducted a motivational outreach programme on “Career Options in the Indian Army” for NCC cadets of Guwahati Group NCC and Imphal Group NCC at Brahmaputra Hall, Narangi Cantonment. A total of 182 NCC cadets attended the programme, which aimed to create awareness about the diverse career opportunities available in the Indian Army and inspire young aspirants to serve the Nation. During the session, representatives from ARO Narangi provided detailed information on various entry schemes, including Agniveer (Women Military Police), National Defence Academy (NDA), Officer Entries, and NCC Special Entry.…

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) detained 11 suspected Bangladeshi nationals during a recent operation at Guwahati Railway Station, officials said. According to sources, all those detained are men and were allegedly preparing to board a train to Chennai when they were intercepted by RPF personnel. Authorities suspect that the individuals had entered India illegally. Preliminary investigation indicates that the group may have crossed into India through the Tura border in Meghalaya. Officials are also probing claims that the men may have used the services of a Bangladesh-based middleman to facilitate their illegal entry. The RPF has launched a detailed investigation…

A total of 36,358 persons have been declared foreigners by various Foreigners' Tribunals (FTs) in Assam between 2021 and May 31, 2026, Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora informed the Assam Legislative Assembly. Replying to a question raised by Congress MLA Mohibur Rohman during Question Hour, Bora said 2,494 of those declared foreigners were identified as pre-1971 foreigners, while 33,864 were classified as post-1971 foreigners. According to the minister, the tribunals declared 7,151 persons as foreigners in 2021, 9,028 in 2022, 6,859 in 2023, 6,178 in 2024, 5,106 in 2025 and 2,036 between January 1 and May 31, 2026.…

More than a recreational outdoor programme, a three-day Summer Nature Camp in the Manas Landscape gave young participants an immersive understanding of biodiversity, indigenous knowledge, sustainable livelihoods and community-led conservation, demonstrating how people and nature can thrive together. Held during July 4-6 at Koklabari, the camp brought together students and young nature enthusiasts for experiential learning across forests, rivers and villages surrounding the Manas World Heritage Site. The camp was inaugurated by Mr. Mrinal Daimari, Assistant Field Director, Manas Tiger Reserve; Mr. Chandrakanta Basumatary, Range Officer, Bhuyanpara; Mr. Kamal Azad, Assam Gaurav awardee and noted social worker; Mr. Rustom Basumatary,…

Nearly 83,000 hectares of Assam's land are currently under the occupation of four neighbouring states, the Assam Assembly was informed on Wednesday. Replying to a question raised by Congress MLA Rekibuddin Ahmed during the Budget Session, Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora said that 82,751.86 hectares of land across 18 districts of Assam are presently under the control of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Mizoram. According to the minister, Nagaland accounts for the largest share, with 59,490.21 hectares of Assam's land under its occupation. Arunachal Pradesh is occupying 16,144.01 hectares, followed by Mizoram with 3,675.78 hectares, while Meghalaya accounts…