Guwahati, Feb 26: On Thursday, the Assam Cabinet revealed a significant Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) initiative under the Orunodoi scheme. On March 10 at 11 am, approximately 39.70 lakh beneficiaries will receive a total of Rs 9,000 each, summing up to nearly Rs 3,600 crore in a single day.
“This marks the largest single-day fund transfer to beneficiaries in Assam's history. Events will be organized in every panchayat, municipal ward, and autonomous council area to celebrate this distribution. The central event will be held at Jyoti Bishnu Kala Kendra in Khanapara,” stated Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The Cabinet also made a pivotal policy decision to decentralize authority, transferring initial tender powers to autonomous councils. This includes the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, and Dima Hasao Autonomous Council, enabling them to manage preliminary tender processes for smaller projects.
“The Cabinet has opted for a decentralized approach, allowing BTC, Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao to handle initial tender processes for projects under Rs 10 crore related to PWD, water resources, flood control, or irrigation,” Sarma explained.
He emphasized that while the final approval will still rest with the state government, the councils will have the authority to issue preliminary tenders.
“This change will expedite the execution of government schemes in BTC and other Sixth Schedule areas. The proposal was presented by BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary and has received Cabinet approval,” he added.
On the topic of tea garden workers, Sarma mentioned that a tripartite meeting with stakeholders has led to a decision to adjust wages in accordance with the new labor codes introduced by the central government.
“Starting April 1, 2026, the daily wage for tea garden workers will increase by Rs 30. Consequently, workers in the Brahmaputra Valley will earn Rs 280 per day, while those in the Barak Valley will receive Rs 258,” he stated.
Industrial & Hospitality Initiatives
• Incentives have been approved for an integrated shipyard and container shipping line in Guwahati.
• A five-star hotel project in Silchar has received clearance.
Both initiatives are anticipated to create substantial employment opportunities.
Education & Agriculture Enhancements
• Administrative approval has been granted for a College of Agriculture in Patharkandi, aimed at bolstering higher education and supporting farmers in the Barak Valley.
Land & Infrastructure Developments
• Land has been allotted to 326 beneficiaries under Mission Basundhara.
• A Rs 519 crore NABARD loan has been approved for infrastructure development in border and Sixth Schedule areas.
• VAT on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) has been reduced to enhance connectivity and promote tourism.
Healthcare & Women’s Empowerment Initiatives
• The ASHA Express scheme has been launched to provide scooters to over 33,000 ASHA workers and supervisors to improve healthcare delivery.
• The second installment of the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA) will be sanctioned starting March 11.
