Assam - The Purbottar

27 Nov

Assam cabinet clears ST status for six communities, okays textile heritage museum

Banasree SarkarAssam

In a landmark move aimed at strengthening community inclusion and preserving Assam’s cultural heritage, the Assam Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, approved key policy decisions during its recent meeting. In a significant development, the Cabinet cleared the report recommending Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six major communities in the state: Tai Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Motok, Koch-Rajbongshi, and the Tea Tribes (Adivasis). The report, prepared by a Group of Ministers (GoM) led by Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu, with Ministers Pijush Hazarika and Keshab Mahanta as members, will now be placed before the Assam Legislative Assembly and…

27 Nov

Assam Cabinate Approves Report On ST Status Communities

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Assam Cabinet has approved the report of the Group of Ministers (GoM) on granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six major communities – Tai Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Motok, Koch-Rajbongshi and Tea Tribes (Adivasis) – of the state. Addressing mediapersons in Guwahati late Wednesday evening after chairing the Cabinet meeting, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the report of the Group of Ministers would be placed in the Assam Legislative Assembly, and thereafter, submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Notably, the three member GoM was headed by Ranoj Pegu with other two members being…

27 Nov

Assamese cinema steals the spotlight at IFFI 2025

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assamese cinema cast a luminous spell at IFFI 2025 as the teams behind two remarkable works—'Bhaimon Da’ (Feature Film) and ‘Patralekha’ (Non-Feature Short Film) opened their hearts and creative journeys to an enthralled audience during a warm, emotionally charged press conference. Steeped in the cultural soul of Assam, both films stood as heartfelt tributes to two towering artistic giants: Munin Barua, the beloved Bhaimon Da of Assamese cinema, and Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, the musical maestro whose voice continues to echo across generations. Their legacies pulsed through the stories, visuals, and emotions presented, making the moment not just a festival appearance,…

25 Nov

Assam Christian Forums Expresses Serious Concern About the Fee Regulation Bill, Fearing the Erosion of Missionary Education Legacy and Minority Rights

Sonakshi SarkarAssam, Education

The Assam Christian Forums (ACF), representing Christian communities and their rights across the state, today expressed profound alarm at the Assam Cabinet's approval of the Assam Private Educational Institutions (Regulation of Fees) Amendment Bill, 2025. This proposed law, set for tabling in the Assembly on November 25, would strip away long-standing protections for minority-run schools, by allowing unchecked government control over their fee structures.In simple terms, the Bill ends the previous hands-off approach for minority schools and hands the state sweeping powers to fix fees, monitor collections, and intervene at will. For Christian missionary institutions – which have been pillars…

25 Nov

Assam CM unveils high-tech Agriculture Hub in Khetri under Indo-Israel project

Banasree SarkarAssam

The Center of Excellence for Vegetables in Khetri in Kamrup (Metro) district was opened on November 24 by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. It is a flagship facility created under the Indo-Israel Agricultural Project to bring state-of-the-art agricultural technologies. Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Bora and Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar attended the inauguration ceremony, which marked a significant turning point in India-Israel collaboration in contemporary irrigation and farming. Speaking at the function, Chief Minister Sarma stated that the recently established facility exemplifies the solid agricultural innovation collaboration between Israel and India. He thanked the visiting delegation and the…

25 Nov

1,300 “Lachits” recreate the legacy of Lachit Borphukan by marching alongside Hengdang in Assam

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

In a powerful public display of Assamese pride and historical remembrance, a massive procession of 1,300 participants—each symbolically representing legendary Ahom general Lachit Borphukan—marched along the Sootea–Jamugurihat stretch on Monday. Carrying traditional hengdang (Ahom-era swords), the participants walked more than 10 kilometres, turning the entire route into a vibrant celebration of courage, culture, and collective memory. The march, organised on the occasion of Lachit Divas, drew widespread attention from locals who lined up along the highway to witness the spectacle. The event was coordinated by Kanyaka Bohumukhi Krishi Pam, which now aims to enter the feat into the Assam Book…

24 Nov

Rhino & River Opens Doors to Boutique Luxury at Pobitora near Mayang, Assam

Sonakshi SarkarAssam, Business

a boutique wildlife retreat, has been officially unveiled in the verdant plains of Mayang, just minutes from the famed Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. Surrounded by sweeping farmlands and the Brahmaputra River, the property offers travellers an immersive experience that blends wildlife, culture, and modern hospitality.The retreat features loghut-style rooms designed to harmonize rustic charm with contemporary comfort. Guests can choose from Tea Garden Rooms or Safari Rooms, all with private balconies and curated amenities. At the heart of the property are experiences that celebrate Assam’s natural and cultural wealth, from jeep and elephant safaris in Pobitora, birding trails with naturalists, visit…

24 Nov

Boutique wildlife retreat opens in Assam’s Pobitora, opens up tourism avenues

Mohini BarmanAssam

Rhino & River - a boutique wildlife retreat, has been officially unveiled in the verdant plains of Mayang, just minutes from the famed Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. Surrounded by sweeping farmlands and the Brahmaputra River, the property offers travellers an immersive experience that blends wildlife, culture, and modern hospitality. The retreat features loghut-style rooms designed to harmonize rustic charm with contemporary comfort. Guests can choose from Tea Garden Rooms or Safari Rooms, all with private balconies and curated amenities. At the heart of the property are experiences that celebrate Assam’s natural and cultural wealth, from jeep and elephant safaris in Pobitora,…

24 Nov

Assam Cabinet clears 27 key Bills; Tiwari Commission report to be tabled

Mohini BarmanAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday evening addressed a press conference at Lok Sewa Bhawan, Dispur, following a meeting of the state cabinet. Speaking to the media, the Chief Minister said the Assam Cabinet has approved 27 key legislations to be tabled in the upcoming Assembly session beginning on November 25. The proposals include: Transfer of land in tea garden labour colonies to the labourers. Amendments to the School Provincialisation ActRelaxation under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to permit traditional buffalo fights such as Jallikattu. Introduction of a new policy under the Mission for Rural Organisation…

24 Nov

The 2025 Bhutan–India Friendship Football Tournament gets underway in Samdrup Jongkhar

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Bhutan–India Friendship Football Tournament 2025 began with vibrant energy and a strong sense of camaraderie on Saturday evening at the Samdrup Jongkhar Public Ground in eastern Bhutan. The annual sporting event, hosted by the Bhutan–India Friendship Association (BIFA), once again highlighted the deep and enduring bond shared between the two neighbouring countries. The tournament was formally inaugurated by the District Commissioner of Samdrup Jongkhar, who welcomed players and spectators to what he described as “a celebration of friendship and sportsmanship.” The opening ceremony was attended by several prominent officials, including Tamulpur Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Chakravarty, Senior Superintendent of Police…