Assam - The Purbottar

30 Mar

26,412 electors approved for home voting in Assam Assembly polls

Paromita EditorAssam

A total of 19,774 electors of above 85 years of age and 6,638 persons with disabilities (PwDs) have been approved by the Returning Officers for home voting in Assam Assembly elections.This was informed by the Election Commission of India in a press statement issued today.Home voting in different constituencies of Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry has already commenced and will be completed by April 5.The elector will be informed of the schedule of home voting in advance and a team of polling officials will visit the elector’s residence to collect their vote.A second visit will also be undertaken if the voter is not…

30 Mar

Poll Duty Official Killed, Three Critically Injured in Road Accident in Dhubri

Paromita EditorAssam

An election duty official was killed and three others, including a senior administrative officer, were critically injured in a road accident at Matiabagh in Dhubri early Monday while on their way to the District Commissioner’s office. Officials said the team was travelling in a vehicle deployed for an Election Flying Squad when it collided head-on with a truck. The squad was heading to report for duty ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Romiya Ghosh, an assistant officer from Tulsibil, died on the spot. Three others — Shashi Bhushan Rajkhowa, Circle Officer of Chapar; Dipankar Adhikari, Field Officer in the Disaster…

30 Mar

Assam District Completes Second Round of EVM, VVPAT Randomization

riya EditorAssam

In preparation for the upcoming Assam Legislative Assembly Election, the second randomisation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) took place in Tamulpur district at the District Commissioner’s Office Conference Hall. The event was attended by Returning Officers from the 43–Tamulpur (ST) and 44–Goreswar Constituencies, the District Election Officer, contesting candidates or their agents, and the General Observer. The process utilized the EVM Management System 2.0 to allocate EVMs and VVPATs on a polling station basis, ensuring the availability of reserve machines for Poll Day if necessary. Tamulpur district consists of 482 polling stations, with…

30 Mar

Government of Meghalaya Grants BNSS 2023 Recognition to Aaranyak Wildlife Genetics Laboratory

riya EditorAssam

In a significant development, the Government of Meghalaya has notified the Wildlife Genetics Laboratory (WGL) of Aaranyak and its Director, with the aim of utilizing their expertise in wildlife genetics and forensic DNA analysis, as required by Section 329 (4) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. This marks the first official recognition of a laboratory and an expert in the wildlife sector under the BNSS, signifying a pivotal step towards aiding wildlife crime investigations and control via forensic evidence collection through DNA sampling techniques. The notification follows an order from Meghalaya's Governor on March 24, 2026, and was…

30 Mar

Gaurav Gogoi, Wife Not Pakistani Agents, Says Media Across Border

riya EditorAssam

After depicting Himanta Biswa Sarma as anti-Muslim for evicting suspected illegal encroachers, Afkar Digital, a prominent Pakistani news outlet, aired a special segment addressing the alleged connections of Gaurav Gogoi's wife to Pakistan. The segment, while criticizing the Chief Minister, clarified that neither Gaurav Gogoi nor his wife are Pakistani agents; their visit to Pakistan was solely for NGO-related work, emphasizing that there is no necessity for Pakistan to retain agents like them in India. The report also highlighted that the ongoing eviction drive in Assam has led to the Pakistani media promoting hashtags like "Save Assam Muslim." Furthermore, the…

29 Mar

Vipassana Programme Held in Tawang Promotes Mindfulness

riya EditorAssam

On Sunday, an enlightening programme titled “Introduction to Vipassana Meditation – A Path to Inner Peace and Mental Well-being” took place at Kalawangpo Convention Hall in Tawang, attended by public leaders, officials, and community members. Sponsored by MLA Tsering Lhamu and coordinated by Sangey Phuntsok Nguimo, the session featured guidance from resource persons Diganta Kalita and Rishikesh, a trustee of the Assam Vipassana Trust, Guwahati. MLA Tsering Lhamu emphasized the urgent need for mental peace in the modern, fast-paced world, noting the often-overlooked mental well-being amidst societal advancements, which has led to rising stress, anxiety, and depression issues. She also…

29 Mar

‘Junior Circuit’ Debuts in Guwahati with Thrilling Kids’ Obstacle Race

riya EditorAssam

Guwahati hosted its inaugural kids' obstacle race, 'Junior Circuit', at Arya College Playground, attracting over 500 participants, including around 250 children and 300 parents. Organized by Culture Club - preschool and supported by House of Play, the event emphasized participation and physical activity rather than competition, catering to children aged three to 15 years. The 1-kilometre course featured 15 obstacles, promoting parent-child engagement and transforming the race into a communal experience. Nikhil Mozika, founder of Culture Club, highlighted the growing interest in outdoor activities that foster confidence and resilience. The event aimed to combat sedentary lifestyles among children and recognized…

29 Mar

Bridge Collapse Sparks Gaurav Gogoi’s Demand for Central Intervention

riya EditorAssam

The collapse of a 63-year-old bridge on one of Assam's most critical highways in the early hours of March 27, 2026, has prompted Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi to write to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, seeking urgent intervention and immediate restoration of connectivity. Apart from "swift restoration of connectivity," Gogoi called for a review of "existing maintenance and monitoring mechanisms," and "stronger safeguards to prevent such incidents in the future." Notably, the Gammon Bridge over the Dikhow River in Sivasagar district, which carries traffic on National Highway 37, collapsed while repair work was already underway. In his…

29 Mar

Sonowal Targets Indian National Congress Over Alleged Corruption in Welfare Schemes

riya EditorAssam

Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal has accused the Congress party of corruption, claiming that welfare funds were misappropriated by middlemen during their governance. He stated that the BJP-led NDA government has rectified this issue by ensuring direct transfers of benefits to beneficiaries' bank accounts, thereby achieving true social justice. Speaking at a rally in North Bongaigaon in support of NDA-backed Asom Gana Parishad candidate Deeptimoyee Choudhury, Sonowal emphasized the current wave of development, good governance, and women’s empowerment under the NDA. He criticized the Congress era for the misallocation of funds intended for the poor, asserting that the BJP addressed this…

29 Mar

Election Commission of India Clears 4 Auxiliary Polling Stations in Assam Ahead of 2026 Polls

riya EditorAssam

The Election Commission of India has sanctioned the creation of four Auxiliary Polling Stations in Assam in preparation for the forthcoming Assembly elections. These stations will be established in Tinsukia, Goalpara, Biswanath, and Sribhumi districts. This decision came after proposals were made to the Election Commission, prompted by an excessive number of electors at certain Polling Stations in these areas, exceeding the Commission's prescribed limits. Additionally, for voter convenience and due to natural circumstances, the Election Commission has approved the relocation of Polling Station 4 No Kabu Sivaguri Lower Primary School to No. 4 No Silai M.E. School within the…