Paromita Editor

With incidents of monkey-human conflict on the rise across Assam, the state government is preparing to conduct a comprehensive census of the monkey population before launching a pilot sterilisation programme in identified conflict hotspots. The initiative follows a recent visit by an Assam delegation to Himachal Pradesh, where officials studied one of India's longest-running monkey sterilisation programmes. Introduced in 2006, the Himachal initiative has sterilised more than 1.86 lakh monkeys and is credited with significantly reducing the macaque population and related conflicts. According to official sources, Assam's Forest Department will first undertake a statewide survey to estimate the monkey population…

A controversy surrounding the Chhatra Janata Parishad’s (CJP) “School Thik Koro” campaign has intensified in Assam, with the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), CJP, and political leaders exchanging sharp views over the initiative aimed at highlighting the condition of government schools. The debate began after AASU general secretary Samiran Phukan raised concerns about CJP’s activities in the state, alleging that the organisation’s school visits were politically motivated and could contribute to instability. Phukan urged the people of Assam to closely observe the activities of the CJP and argued that while developmental work is welcome, such efforts should not be driven…

Assam Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Kaushik Rai on Sunday chaired a meeting with senior officials to review and finalise proposals for high-impact urban development projects to be submitted under the 'Viksit Assam' initiative.The meeting, held at the conference hall of the Minister's office in Dispur, focused on identifying and prioritising projects aimed at accelerating urban development, strengthening civic infrastructure and improving the quality of life of citizens across the state.Rai emphasised the need for coordinated efforts among all concerned agencies and directed officials to prepare comprehensive, outcome-oriented proposals with clear priorities and implementation strategies.The proposals being compiled by various…

The Nagaon and Morigaon district administration are all set to conduct the by-election to Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency on Tuesday with about 19 lakh voters to decide the fate of 15 candidates. Official sources said all aspects, including law and order and effective enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, have been reviewed in both election districts. All necessary arrangements have been made for polling to be conducted from 7am to 5pm. Polling personnel have reached their respective polling stations along with their polling materials. Of the 1902009 voters, 9,58,595 are male, 943364 are female while 50 are third gender…

The Pro Panja League's Northeast Trials concluded at the Rukmininagar Auditorium in Guwahati on Saturday. The event brought together promising arm-wrestling talent from across the Seven Sisters, along with athletes from other states. It was held in partnership with Assamese film production house, Zeal Creations, which came on board as primary sponsor and partner. The trials gave athletes a platform to compete across multiple weight categories and showcase their strength on the Pro Panja League stage. Parvinn Dabass, co-founder, Pro Panja League, and Preeti Jhangiani, president, People's Armwrestling Federation of India (PAFI) and Vice-President, Asian ArmWrestling Federation, attended the trials.…

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has criticised Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi over his ongoing protest demanding compensation for flood-affected residents of Sivasagar, claiming that the agitation itself has delayed the distribution of relief funds. Reacting to Gogoi’s protest, Sarma said that compensation would reach the affected people of Sivasagar if the MLA withdrew his agitation. The Chief Minister further alleged that Gogoi was attempting to take credit for the compensation, even though the financial assistance was being provided by the government. According to Sarma, the process of disbursing compensation has been slowed due to protests surrounding the issue.…

Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah on Friday inspected the ongoing construction and development work at the Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden in Guwahati and inaugurated the Wildlife Week 2026, highlighting the state government's efforts to transform the zoo into a leading wildlife destination with modern infrastructure and improved visitor facilities. During the visit, the Minister reviewed the progress of various construction works being undertaken at the zoo under the guidance of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He said several new facilities were being developed to enhance the zoo's infrastructure while preserving and utilising its natural environment. The Minister expressed…

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma apologised to a patient and his family after an ambulance was halted to make way for his convoy. He also asked the concerned officials to take firm action against those responsible and to constitute an inquiry.Taking action quickly, the government has suspended four police personnel who were on duty in that area. They had stopped the ambulance to make way for the Chief Minister.In a post on X on Wednesday, Sarma said, "Today in Silchar, an ambulance was halted to make way for my convoy. This is unacceptable, and I apologise to the patient and…

The Assam government's decision to sharply increase MBBS admission and tuition fees in state-run medical colleges has triggered widespread concern among students and parents, particularly those from middle-class and economically weaker families. Until last year, students pursuing MBBS in government medical colleges paid a government fee of around ₹2,400 annually, while the total amount payable, including institutional charges levied by individual colleges, was approximately ₹24,000 per year. However, under the revised fee structure, the government has introduced income-based categories and substantially increased admission and tuition fees. Under the new system, students from families with an annual income above ₹9 lakh…

A vibrant convergence of art and conservation titled ‘Colours of vultures’ for raising awareness for vulture conservation was organised by Aaranyak in collaboration with Universal Creative Point, Jorhat, at Gallery Vision Art, Asom in Jorhat. The exhibition that attracted around 30 artists and more than 50 artworks, used art as a powerful medium to raise awareness about vultures and their vital role in maintaining ecological balance. The initiative drew artists, conservationists, educators, students, nature enthusiasts and members of the public, creating an engaging platform for dialogue around wildlife conservation. The exhibition was coordinated by Wasima Begum of Aaranyak, and Nayanika…