Assam Cabinet takes several key decisions

 Certain criteria for issuing EWS certificates relaxed

 Rs 839 crore approved for new battalions

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Assam Cabinet has taken some crucial decisions, especially related to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS). A meeting of the State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, was held today.

Informing about the decisions taken by the Cabinet, minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, while addressing media persons, said that the Cabinet had simplified some criteria for issuing EWS certificates. Baruah said, "There is 10 per reservation for the Economically Weaker Section in government jobs, educational institutions etc. However, due to some strict criteria, many eligible people, especially from Assam, face difficulties in getting EWS certificates. Today, the Cabinet has relaxed some eligibility criteria."

EWS certificate is an income and asset certificate issued to the citizens belonging to the economically weaker sections of society. According to existing rules, persons who are not covered under the scheme of reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs and whose family has a gross annual income below Rs 8 lakh are identified as EWS. Persons whose family owns any of the following assets are excluded from being identified as EWS, irrespective of the family income – more than 15 bighas of agricultural land in rural areas; more than 1 bigha of land in urban area; and more than 4,320 square feet land in municipal area.

But today, the Cabinet relaxed these eligibility criteria. Now persons who have up to 30 bighas of agricultural land in rural area; up to 2 bighas of land in urban area and up to 8,640 square feet land in municipal area will be eligible to avail EWS certificate if their gross annual income is below Rs 8 lakh.

The Cabinet approved Rs 839 crore for formation of five commando battalions. The battalions will be stationed in sensitive areas and will boost the Assam Police's capability of dealing with crimes as well as play a crucial role in counter-insurgency operations.

Baruah further said that the Cabinet approved the Assam Aerial Ropeway Bill. "Many ropeways are going on in the State. The Assam Government did not have any policy for ropeway works. But today the Cabinet approved the Assam Aerial Ropeway Bill. Now all ropeways works will be executed under government policy," he said.

The Cabinet today decided to purchase 4,000 square feet of land in Navi Mumbai for setting up namghars, museums and guest houses for tribal communities. The Cabinet also took the decision to set up a National Forensic Science University in Assam.

"The university will start functioning from the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) campus soon, till the construction of the university is completed, " said Baruah.

The State Cabinet today approved the Revised Action Plan on Climate Change. The action plan for 2021-31 seeks to gain better understanding of climate change, its impact and how to tackle it.

The Cabinet also decided to re-appoint 55 Assistant Engineers under 3F in the Public Works Department (PWD) as there is a shortage of engineers in the department.

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