Several key decisions taken in Assam Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday

March 16: In the weekly Assam Cabinet on 15 March, several key decisions regarding pertaining to improving finances of local bodies, providing financial support to our medal hopefuls, boosting healthcare in western Assam, ease in issuance of caste certificates to Tea Tribes, etc., among others were taken. The Cabinet Meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma. 

KEY DECISIONS:

Bolstering Finances of Local Bodies:

• Rs. 8,297 crore as Devolution Grant and Grant-in-Aid to Local Bodies to bolster their finances for the period 2021- 2025 as per the recommendations of 6th Assam State Finance Commission.

• This will enable local bodies to carry out developmental works.

Operationalising Women Varsity:

Approval to first statutes of Assam Women’s University, Jorhat to enable its functioning with the formation of different councils boards committees.

Supporting Sportspersons: 

• Provision of a personal coach for Olympic medalist Lovlina Borgohain to help her prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympics and ensure her success
• Monthly incentive of Rs.1 lakh to sprinter Hima Das to cover her fitness and training expenses for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Augmenting Healthcare in Western Assam:

Dhubri Civil Hospital to be upgraded to Dhubri Medical College and Hospital with the following facilities:

• 500 beds (adding to existing hospital’s capacity)
• Residential campus with hostels for students (estimated total capacity 375 students), interns, doctors & nurses
• Residential quarters for teaching and non-teaching staff
• 100 annual admissions (for MBBS degree)

Eliminating Delays in GPF Advances:

Approval to amendment of existing sanctioning procedures of General Provident Fund under Fifth Schedule (Rule 14) of the General Provident Fund (Assam Services) Rules, 1937.

• This will streamline the process of sanctioning GPF advances, eliminating delays by appointing Head of the Office as appropriate sanctioning authority.
• Will help Government employees in getting GPF advances conveniently for emergencies such as marriages, education, medical expenses, etc.

For Benefit of Tea Tribes: 

Presidents and General Secretaries of Central and District Committees of Chah Janajati Jatiya Sanmilani to issue OBC/MOBC certificates to Tea & Ex-Tea Garden communities & countersigned by respective DCs/ SDO(C)s.