Assam - The Purbottar

21 May

Assam Cabinet rolls out paid PSO scheme, mega concert plan and wage hike for tea garden workers

Mohini BarmanAssam

In a series of decisions taken during the cabinet meeting today, May 21, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while addressing a press conference at the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy in Dergaon, Golaghat district, announced several cabinet-approved initiatives ranging from security measures to economic and infrastructure development. Highlighting growing concerns over personal safety, CM Sarma announced the implementation of a paid Personal Security Officer (PSO) system. Individuals who feel their lives are under threat can now avail a government-assigned PSO by paying Rs 75,000 as remuneration. “This system is being introduced for those who genuinely feel threatened and have been…

21 May

NIA transfers 4 major insurgency cases to Kokrajhar Sessions Court

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

In a significant development in Assam’s counter-insurgency legal framework, 35 former cadres of the banned National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB), including one of its most senior leaders M. Batha, were transferred from Guwahati Central Jail to Kokrajhar District Jail on Tuesday afternoon. The move marks a crucial step in the judicial handling of multiple high-profile cases tied to the insurgent group. The transfer follows the official handover of four ongoing cases by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to the jurisdiction of the Sessions Court in Kokrajhar. These cases — registered under Special NIA Case Nos. 01/2025, 06/2015, 01/2016, and…

20 May

India showcases combat readiness with largest drills in Northeast

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Indian Armed Forces have launched an intensive series of live-fire drills at the Dollungmukh Firing Range in Assam’s Lakhimpur district. Nestled within the Dulung Reserve Forest, near the sensitive Arunachal Pradesh border, the high-intensity military exercises began on May 20 and are set to continue through August 31. The operations, which include real-time bombing, rocket launches, and aerial assaults, mark a significant escalation in the use of this strategically located firing range. For the first time, the Dollungmukh area is hosting full-spectrum aerial and rocket warfare simulations—an expansion from its earlier, more limited use by the Indian Air Force,…

20 May

Assam Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass proposes the idea of keeping Manas National Park open throughout the year

Banasree SarkarAssam

Given that Manas National Park is flood-free and has the potential to greatly improve the region's tourism prospects, Assam Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass has suggested keeping the park open to visitors all year round. Speaking at a public gathering in Baksa district's Salbari, Dass emphasized that Manas has not seen any floods since 2011, in contrast to Kaziranga National Park, which frequently experiences seasonal flooding. He pointed out that this makes the park appropriate for year-round visitors. Dass highlighted the park's rising stature in Assam's tourism industry by saying, "Given the Chief Minister's recent visit to Manas, it would be…

19 May

No proof, just politics? Sarma’s ISI allegations against Gogoi raise eyebrows

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The political rivalry between Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma intensified on Sunday, May 18, after explosive allegations and scathing rebuttals lit up social media, turning the political arena into a battleground of sharp accusations and personal attacks. The latest flare-up in the ongoing feud came after CM Sarma made a sensational claim alleging that Gogoi had visited Pakistan at the invitation of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), not as part of any official engagement but under questionable circumstances allegedly arranged by Pakistan’s Home Department. “He went there to receive training,” Sarma alleged during a public…

17 May

Himanta wants Gaurav Gogoi’s named to be dropped from list of MPs chosen for diplomatic outreach

Mohini BarmanAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to drop the state's MP from the list of four parliamentarians nominated by the grand old party for the delegations to be sent abroad to explain India's stance on terrorism from Pakistan. Without naming Gaurav Gogoi, the Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha who is among the four MPs nominated by the party, the CM maintained that he should not be included in the all-party delegations "in the interest of national security". Sarma has been making allegations against Gogoi over his alleged Pakistan links through his…

17 May

Authorities in Barpeta implement tough measures in response to ASF outbreak

Banasree SarkarAssam

Due to the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in Gahia village in the Sarukhetri development block, the sale of pigs and meat was prohibited in Assam's Barpeta district on Friday. To stop the infection from spreading, Diganta Baishya, the District Magistrate (In-charge) of Barpeta, has used Section 16 of the Assam Epidemic Disease Act, 2023, to prohibit the sale of pigs, piglets, pork, and associated goods. In addition, pig transportation is prohibited both inside and outside the district, with the exception of travel over the National Highway. People have been rigorously forbidden from disposing of pig carcasses in open fields,…

17 May

Rabha to be taught in 105 schools across Assam

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

A landmark decision by the Assam government has brought joy and pride to the Rabha community as 105 government schools have been officially notified to teach in the Rabha language. This historic announcement marks the first time Rabha, a tribal language spoken widely in Assam, will be introduced as the medium of instruction in public schools. The Education Department of Assam issued the notification on Thursday evening, designating 81 Lower Primary (LP) schools in Goalpara district and 24 in Kokrajhar district to begin teaching in Rabha medium. This move is seen as a significant step toward preserving the Rabha language…

16 May

Assam govt issues notification against human trafficking, witch hunting

Mohini BarmanAssam

The Assam government on Friday notified a state policy aimed at combating human trafficking and witch-hunting to ensure that all people can live a life of equal worth, free from all forms of abuse. "The Assam State Policy to Combat Human Trafficking and End Witch-Hunting is now officially notified. A significant move to safeguard human rights and uphold dignity," the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said in a post on X. The notification, issued by an order of the governor on May 6, stated that the policy will come into effect from the date of its publication in the official gazette.

16 May

Assam Government expands co-district model to 49 units

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

In a major administrative decision aimed at improving grassroots governance, the Assam government has announced the formation of ten new co-districts, which will become operational by August 15, 2025. This move will take the total number of co-districts in the state from the current 39 to 49, strengthening the state’s efforts to bring administration closer to the people. The announcement was made through an official notification issued by the General Administration Department (GAD). The notification, bearing reference number 375037/496, confirmed that the expansion of co-districts has been approved “as directed by the Honourable Governor of Assam” and is “in the…