Assam - The Purbottar

25 Mar

Assam Legislative Assembly approves bill to ensure secularism in private universities

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Assam Legislative Assembly has passed a significant bill aimed at restricting private universities from engaging in activities related to religious conversion. The Assam Private Universities Bill, 2025, was approved on March 24, reinforcing the state's commitment to maintaining secularism in educational institutions. The Bill explicitly prohibits private universities from conducting or promoting any form of religious conversion among students, faculty, and staff. Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, who tabled the bill, emphasized that universities should uphold a secular character and focus solely on academic excellence. Additionally, the legislation bars private universities from introducing new courses in technical, medical, paramedical, nursing,…

24 Mar

A historic partnership will allow Assam’s Joha Rice to enter the Vietnamese market

Banasree SarkarAssamJoha rice

Vietnam will soon be able to enjoy the distinct flavor and scent of Assam's renowned Joha rice, marking an important step in strengthening cultural and economic links between the two areas. LeKha Distributor Co. Ltd., a well-known Vietnamese company, has teamed up with Assam to sell its premium agricultural products to Vietnamese consumers. By early April, the first shipment, which will include 1,000 kg of Joha rice, is expected to arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. Le Trong Kha, Director of LeKha Distributor Co. Ltd., spoke about this partnership and commended the outstanding quality of Assamese agricultural products. "The natural…

22 Mar

New Assam Assembly building yo come up in Dibrugarh, CM Himanta inspects site

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday inspected the site for the upcoming legislative assembly complex and MLA hostel at Khanikar in Dibrugarh. Sarma had said in January that the district headquarters of Dibrugarh, around 450 km from Guwahati, will be developed as the second capital of the state within the next three years. "Work on the new Assam Assembly Complex is scheduled to begin by the end of 2025. We will reclaim the lost glory of Dibrugarh and transform the city into a modern second capital of Assam. Inspected the construction site this evening,” Sarma posted on X.

22 Mar

Bihar Diwas: Assam CM extends greetings

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on March 22 extended his heartfelt greetings to the people of Bihar on the occasion of Bihar Divas, celebrating the rich heritage and contributions of the state to India's history and progress. In his message, CM Sarma acknowledged Bihar's deep-rooted cultural legacy and its pivotal role in shaping the nation's development. He praised the resilience and dedication of the people of Bihar, who continue to strive for a brighter future and contribute to the state's growth. Notably, Bihar Day (Bihar Diwas) is observed every year on March 22, marking the formation of the state…

22 Mar

Assam SPSEs receive ₹1,939 crore despite lapses in financial reporting

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Enterprises (SPSEs) that have not updated their accounts for periods ranging from one to 16 years, according to a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). The report, tabled in the state Assembly, highlights concerns over financial transparency and accountability in these enterprises. The CAG report revealed that between 2022-23, the government invested ₹1,976.37 crore in 19 SPSEs despite their failure to maintain updated financial records. Notably, nine major SPSEs received ₹1,939.60 crore—over 98% of the total funds allocated—despite having pending accounts. Among these enterprises, Assam Hills Small Industries Development Corporation Ltd had the longest delay, with accounts in…

22 Mar

On World Sparrow Day, Bordihingia Lower Primary School observed

Banasree SarkarAssamWorld Sparrow Day

Bordihingia Lower Primary School celebrated World Sparrow Day with an environmental awareness program. Jatin Kakati, the former principal of Kamargaon Girls' High School, attended the ceremony and gave a speech about the importance of the day and the role that society plays in conservation. Speaking during the ceremony, Maheswar Robidas emphasized how sparrow populations are declining in rural regions as a result of traditional bamboo homes being lost and food supplies becoming scarcer. To save the species, he underlined the necessity of conservation initiatives. Aaranyak Project Officer Arif Hussain, former gaon panchayat president Lukeswar Hazarika, and retired educator Mukheswar Saikia…

21 Mar

Drugs worth Rs one crore seized in Nagaon, one held

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

One person was arrested with heroin worth Rs 1 crore in Assam's Nagaon district, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Friday. Acting on a tip-off, police intercepted a vehicle in the Gereku area and seized 461 gm of heroin, he said. Sarma congratulated the police for the successful operation.

21 Mar

Assam cabinet approves 24/7 shop operations in Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Silchar

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Assam cabinet has permitted shops in major cities of the state, Guwahati, Dibrugarh and Silchar to operate 24/7, with the aim of boosting economy to encourage trade, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced. Liquor shops and bars in those cities have been exempt from this approval, with them operating the same times as before. The decision was taken during the cabinet meeting which was held in Dibrugarh on Thursday, which is set to be the state's second capital, as per CM Sarma. "Now shops can operate 24*7 in Guwahati, Dibrugarh and Silchar and with extended timings in other areas…

21 Mar

Controversial ‘Bihar Diwas’ event in Assam canceled by BJP

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called off its plan to celebrate ‘Bihar Diwas’ in Tinsukia, Assam, following strong opposition from regional political parties and community-based organizations. The event, originally scheduled for March 22, faced backlash from indigenous groups and opposition leaders, forcing the party to reconsider its decision. State BJP president and Member of Parliament Dilip Saikia confirmed the cancellation on Wednesday night, stating that the party did not wish to hurt local sentiments. However, he defended the initiative, citing that states like Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Nagaland have previously celebrated ‘Assam Diwas’ to promote cultural unity. “The…

21 Mar

Sanction letters are ceremoniously distributed to PMAY-G beneficiaries

Banasree SarkarAssamPMAY-G

The Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G) primarily hosted in Guwahati, Kamrup, saw the ceremonial distribution of sanction letters to beneficiaries. The P&RD department organized the live telecast of the event at the Primary Auditorium hall in Donbosco, Haflong. Assam Minister Nandita Gorlosa served as the Chief Guest, while the distinguished attendance of MAC's Ratan Jarambusa and NCHAC's Executive Members Niranjan Hojai and Biswajit Daolagupu also contributed to the occasion. District Commissioner Simanta Kumar Das ACS, Principal Secretary Partha Johari, all Village Development Officers, and members of the public also attended the program.