Protection of tenure of ward commissioners, promotion of forensic education & other key decisions taken in Cabinet

July 18: In the weekly Assam Cabinet on 18 July, several key decisions related to creation of new battalions, developing new ropeways, setting up Assam Complex in Maharashtra, promoting forensic education, easing norms for EWS candidates, protection of tenure of ward commissioners, etc., among others were taken. The Cabinet Meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma. 

KEY DECISIONS:

Promoting Cultural Heritage:

• Approval for acquisition of land for setting up Assam Complex at Tiware village in Raigarh district of Maharashtra
• A namghar, a museum, a guest house and a conference hall to be constructed in the proposed complex by Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra Society.

Appointment of Engineers:

• Approval for appointment of 55 Assistant Engineers (Civil) under Regulation 3(f) against existing vacant posts till the vacant posts get filled by APSC after proper advertisement and process

Relief for EWS:

• To remove hurdles for EWS candidates in getting government jobs and admissions, the criterion of built-up area of house Municipal Corporation/ Municipal Board/ Town Committee areas enhanced by almost double from current norms (1,000 sq ft to 2,000 sq. ft & above)
• This has been done as the aforementioned areas are basically semi-urban in nature where the residents extend the main living area for household purposes like separate kitchen/ separate study room for their children, etc.

Tenure of Ward Commissioners:

• Assam Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2022 to be amended to provide protection to the tenure of existing Ward Commissioners elected pursuant to the general election to the Municipal Boards so that upgradation of Municipal Board to Corporation is carried out smoothly

Boost to Ropeways:

• Assam Aerial Ropeways Bill, 2022 to be tabled in upcoming Assembly session to authorise, facilitate and regulate the construction and working of aerial ropeways and to ensure legislative and administrative safeguards

Trained manpower in Forensic Dept:

• Assam Forensic Science Laboratory Service Rules, 1985 to be amended to include degree in Forensic Science with specialisation in concerned subject as minimum qualification for each division of Directorate of Forensic Science.

Funds for New Battalions: 

• Rs.839.95 cr approved for formation of 5 Commando Battalions

• The Battalions to be stationed in sensitive areas will boost Assam Police’s capabilities of dealing with crimes as well as play crucial role in counter insurgency ops.

Promoting Forensic Education: 

• In-principle approval for allotment of land for establishment of National Forensic Science University (NFSU), Assam campus
• Revenue and Disaster Management Dept to allot land for establishment of permanent campus of NFSU
• Health & Family Welfare Dept to provide infrastructure at GMCH for opening a transit campus of the NFSU till permanent campus is established.