Assam - The Purbottar

24 Oct

Tribes, tea tribes, Morans, and Motoks are exempt from the two-child limit in Assam in order to protect communities

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

In a landmark decision aimed at preserving the unique identity of vulnerable communities, the Assam government announced on Thursday that tribals, tea tribes, Morans, and Motoks will be exempt from the two-child policy for government employment. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, addressing a press conference after chairing the state cabinet meeting, said the exemption was crucial to prevent gradual extinction of these communities. “If we stick to the policy, these populations will lose their distinct identities and gradually become extinct in the next 50 years,” Sarma said. He noted that the Moran community alone numbers just around one lakh, highlighting…

23 Oct

In Kokrajhar, an IED bomb destroys a railway track; train services are suspended, and a probe is underway

Banasree SarkarAssam

A powerful improvised explosive device (IED) blast late on Wednesday night damaged a section of the railway track between Kokrajhar and Salakati stations in Assam’s Kokrajhar district, bringing train movement to a complete halt and triggering panic among passengers. According to initial reports, the explosion took place at around midnight, nearly five kilometres east of Kokrajhar railway station. The impact of the blast was so strong that it tore through the track, bending the metal rails and scattering debris across the line. The incident immediately forced railway authorities to suspend all traffic on both up and down lines as a…

22 Oct

ASSEB releases 2026 HS Final Exam schedule; online form fill-up starts October 22

Banasree SarkarAssam

The Higher Secondary (HS) Final Examination 2026 will take place in February or March of 2026, according to an official announcement made by the Assam State School Education Board (ASSEB), formerly known as AHSEC. The Board announced that the online application procedure for qualified applicants would open on October 22 and run through November 25, 2025. All junior colleges and higher secondary schools under Division-II of the Board have been instructed to make sure that no eligible student is left out of the online application process, per an official announcement released on October 13. The Board made it clear that…

22 Oct

The opposition in Assam claims the chief minister is influencing the investigation and demands a transparent inquiry into Zubeen Garg’s killing

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam’s Congress Legislature Party leader and Leader of the Opposition (LoP), Debabrata Saikia, has raised serious concerns over the investigation into the death of popular singer Zubeen Garg, accusing Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of controlling and influencing the probe. Saikia has demanded a fully independent and transparent investigation to ensure justice is delivered. Addressing the media, Saikia claimed that the Chief Minister’s remarks on the case have “created confusion” among the public and cast doubt on the authenticity of the ongoing investigation. “From his statements, it appears the investigation may not be entirely transparent,” he said, suggesting that Sarma…

20 Oct

Assam governor and chief minister wish everyone a happy Kali Puja and Deepawali

Banasree SarkarAssam

Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma sent warmest greetings to the state's citizens on the auspicious occasions of Kali Puja and Deepawali, encouraging them to observe the holidays with communal peace and environmental responsibility. Governor Acharya emphasized Kali Puja's spiritual significance in his message, calling it a holiday that encourages the emergence of inner strength to face fear and darkness. In addition, he urged everyone to celebrate in a spirit of unity, kindness, and concern. "Deepawali honors the victory of light, hope, and truth. It serves as a reminder of the eternal strength of morality…

20 Oct

To look into the unexplained death of Zubeen Garg, the Assam SIT team will travel to Singapore today

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

In a major development in the ongoing investigation into the sudden demise of Assam’s celebrated singer Zubeen Garg, a two-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) from Assam is set to depart for Singapore today. The move comes as authorities aim to follow key leads linked to the high-profile case. The SIT team will be led by Munna Prasad Gupta, Special DGP (CID) and SIT Chief, along with Investigating Officer Tarun Goel. The delegation’s primary objective will be to retrace Zubeen Garg’s movements during his visit to Singapore and verify the sequence of events surrounding his final international trip. This phase of…

18 Oct

In his sincere homage to Zubeen Garg, Rahul Gandhi likens him to the grace and strength of Kanchenjunga

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi today visited Assam to pay an emotional tribute to the late singer Zubeen Garg, who passed away recently under tragic circumstances in Singapore. Arriving at Borjhar Airport at around 1:30 PM, Rahul Gandhi immediately proceeded to Sonapur to honor the legendary singer at his cremation site in Komarkuchi. During the memorial ceremony, Rahul Gandhi offered floral tributes and presented a traditional Assamese gamosa, a mark of respect in the state. In a touching gesture, he also planted a Nahor tree near the site, paying homage to one of Zubeen Garg’s favorite trees.…

18 Oct

For the Diwali celebration, Kamrup (Metro) has declared October 21 as a local holiday

Banasree SarkarAssam

The Kamrup (Metro) district government has declared October 21 a local holiday in honor of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, in accordance with an order from the Assam governor. According to the announcement, all state government offices and educational facilities in the district will continue to be closed in accordance with the National Industrial (NI) Act. Financial institutions are also covered by the order, which invokes Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act of 1881. In accordance with the directives of the Ministry of Home Affairs, this section permits banks and associated institutions to close on legally recognized holidays. To…

17 Oct

The Satra Commission Bill to protect Vaishnavite monasteries has been approved by the Assam Cabinet

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

In a landmark decision aimed at protecting the spiritual and cultural legacy of Assam, the state government has approved the establishment of the Assam Satra Preservation and Development Commission. The new body will be vested with quasi-judicial powers to safeguard Vaishnavite monasteries—locally known as Satras—along with their ancestral lands and artefacts, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Thursday. The proposed Assam Satra Preservation and Development Commission Bill, 2025, is designed to uphold the centuries-old Vaishnavite tradition initiated by the 15th-century saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva. The commission will work to protect the physical structures, cultural practices, and sacred manuscripts of Satras,…

17 Oct

Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0 kicks off in Nagaon to empower the next generation

Banasree SarkarAssam

The Tobacco Free young Campaign (TFYC) 3.0 was introduced by the Nagaon district administration at the District Commissioner's Conference Hall in an effort to address the growing problem of young tobacco usage. Devasish Sharma, the district commissioner, formally inaugurated the campaign. Citing the high prevalence of tobacco use among adults and children in the region, Sarma described the launch as "timely and strategic" and underlined the necessity of a system-wide strategy to address the issue. In order to effectively prevent tobacco usage, he emphasized the significance of interdepartmental coordination, tobacco vendor licensing, and stakeholder capacity building. Since 2023, the Government…