Cabinet approves ₹130.64 cr towards interest subvention for state govt employees to build houses

Dec. 25: In the weekly Assam Cabinet on Friday, several key decisions regarding housing benefits for Govt employees, retirement benefits for Anganwadi workers, reservation for ex-servicemen, empowering power PSUs etc. among others were taken. The Cabinet Meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma.

KEY DECISIONS:

Housing Benefits For Government Employees:

• Cabinet approved ₹130.64 crores towards interest subvention for state government employees to build houses under Apon Ghar Scheme
• Total sanctioned amount: 4,312.66 crores
• Total beneficiaries: 31,996
• Interest subvention since 2017-18: 162.74 crores

Retirement Benefits For Anganwadi Workers:

• In recognition of their services towards women and children welfare, Cabinet approved one-time terminal benefit to Anganwadi workers at the time of retirement on their attaining 60 years:
• Rs.4 lakh to Anganawadi worker serving at Anganwadi Centre
• Rs.3 lakh to Anganawadi worker serving at Mini Anganwadi Centre
• Rs.2 lakh to Anganawadi helper working at Anganwadi Centre
• Next of kin of Anganwadi workers to get the same benefit in case of death in harness
• 50 percent benefits to workers serving a minimum of 10 years on resignation or relinquishment of service before attaining the retirement age of 60.

Reducing Cost Of Power Distribution And Transmission:

• The government is committed to turning the power utility companies into profit-making and vibrant entities. In this regard, cabinet decided to convert government loans and grants to AEGCL and APGCL into equity and waive the unpaid loan interests.

More Power To APDCL:

• Cabinet approval to the implementation of Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) in Assam with an investment plan of 8727.08 crores.
• Construction of High Voltage Distribution System (HVDS), Aerial Bunched (AB) cables, new sub-stations and lines, bifurcation of feeders, re-conductoring of existing lines, SCADA, etc.
• Rs.137 crore for payment of tariff subsidy to APDCL.

Reservation For Ex-Servicemen: 

• In recognition of their service to the Nation, Cabinet approved to provide 2 percent reservation in Grade-II and Grade-IV posts for ex-Servicemen
• 25 percent to be registered for disabled ex-Servicemen (disability arising in service) and family of deceased ex-Servicemen killed in the line of duty.
• 75 percent to be reserved for other ex-Servicemen

Mandatory Government E-Marketplace:

• In the interest of transparency and expeditious procurement, Cabinet approved public procurement of all goods and services available in GeM to be made mandatory with appropriate exceptions.

Investment Holding Company:

• To harness the benefit of certain investments in the oil and gas sector, Cabinet decided to set up an Investment Holding Company to hold and manage the portfolio of investments in oil, gas, and fertilizer, etc. companies.
• This will propel growth in this important sector and add to the revenue stream of the government.

Residential Certificate for Police Job:

• Cabinet approved requirement for Residential Status Certificate/Domicile Certificate for candidates selected for various posts in Assam Police after the publication of results.
• SCs, STs, and OBCs are excluded from giving such a certificate.