Sonakshi Sarkar

The Assam Cabinet has approved a significant increase in the MLA Local Area Development (MLALAD) fund, enhancing the financial resources available to legislators for development works in their constituencies. The decision was taken during the first Cabinet meeting held after the recent expansion of the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led state ministry.Under the revised arrangement, every Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) will receive an annual allocation of Rs 1.5 crore under the MLALAD scheme during the financial year 2026-27. The allocation will be further increased to Rs 2 crore per year from the financial year 2027-28 onwards.The state government said the…

The Assam Cabinet has approved the creation of a State Capital Region in Dibrugarh and decided to set up a dedicated development authority to oversee its future growth and infrastructure planning. The decision was taken during the first Cabinet meeting held after the recent expansion of the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led ministry. The move is aimed at supporting Dibrugarh's growing role as Assam's second capital and ensuring planned urban development in and around the city. The government believes that a structured development framework will be necessary as administrative activities and public infrastructure continue to expand in the region. According to the…

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said the Northeast is undergoing a significant transformation and is increasingly being viewed as a gateway to Southeast Asia, driven by improved connectivity, economic growth and expanding development opportunities. Addressing the 73rd plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong, Sarma said the region is no longer defined by its geographical distance from the rest of India. Instead, he noted, its strategic location close to Southeast Asian countries is opening new avenues for trade, investment and regional cooperation. "The Northeast is no longer defined by its distance from Delhi but by…

Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia has said the inclusion of Nilima Devi in the upcoming expansion of the Assam Cabinet reflects the party's commitment to strengthening women's participation in governance and decision-making. Speaking in Guwahati ahead of the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Friday, Saikia said preparations have been completed for the induction of twelve ministers into the state cabinet. He said the expansion comes at a time when the government is continuing its efforts to accelerate development and improve governance across Assam under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Saikia stated that extensive arrangements have been made for…

In the run-up to World Environment Day, the Indian Army's Red Shield Division under the Spear Corps, in partnership with the Forest Department and local communities, carried out a large-scale plantation and cleanliness campaign across Upper Assam, planting nearly 10,000 saplings over a period of three days. The campaign, held from June 1 to June 3, covered several locations in Tinsukia and Charaideo districts, including Tinkopani, Jagun, the Amguri area of Phillobari Reserve Forest at Rupai, and Patsaku. The initiative was aimed at expanding green cover, promoting environmental conservation and encouraging greater community participation in protecting natural resources. According to…

Assam Police have arrested three persons and recovered stolen gold and silver jewellery in connection with a burglary case reported under the jurisdiction of Boko Police Station in Kamrup district. The arrests were made during an investigation into a theft that took place at a residence in the Mandira area last month. Police said the breakthrough came after sustained efforts by investigators led to the recovery of several stolen items and the identification of individuals allegedly involved in the crime. According to police, the burglary occurred on the night of May 4 at the residence of Gajibar Rahman of No.…

The Centre has assured the Assam government of full support for strengthening agriculture and rural development in the state, with Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stating that there will be no shortage of funds and resources for key programmes and initiatives.The assurance was given during a meeting between Chouhan and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in New Delhi on June 2. The meeting reviewed the progress of various central schemes being implemented in Assam and discussed measures to further improve agricultural productivity, rural infrastructure and livelihood opportunities. According to an official statement, the discussions focused…

Assam has emerged among the top three states in the country in terms of growth in school internet connectivity, a development that reflects a wider transformation in the state's education sector over the past decade, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday. Reacting to the recognition by the Government of India, Sarma said the achievement goes beyond internet access and represents broader improvements in educational infrastructure across Assam under the NDA government's tenure. In a post on X, the Chief Minister said the state's ranking highlights the steady progress made in several key areas that directly affect the learning…

Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve has expanded market opportunities for local artisans by taking its Eco-Shop to major online platforms, a move aimed at connecting conservation efforts with sustainable livelihood opportunities for communities living around the protected area. The Eco-Shop, managed by the Kaziranga Staff Welfare Society, is now available on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and Amazon, enabling handcrafted products made by local communities to reach customers across the country. Officials said the initiative is expected to strengthen economic opportunities for artisans and producer groups from villages located in the fringe areas of Kaziranga. According to an official statement,…