Guwahati, 31 July (HS): The Assam Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, took several significant decisions during its meeting held on Thursday.

CBI to probe the suspicious death of PWD engineer Joshita Das:

The case related to the alleged suicide of Assistant Engineer Joshita Das from the Bongaigaon PWD Sub-Division has been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). A seven-member SIT, including RFSL and crime scene officers, had earlier investigated the matter. So far, three arrests have been made, and procedures such as post-mortem, CDR analysis, seizure, and issuance of notice under Section 94 of the BNSS have been completed.

‘Jeevan Anuprerana Scheme’ expanded to benefit more scholars:

The CM's Jeevan Anuprerana Scheme will now include all full-time research scholars (including persons with disabilities) who enrolled on or after April 1, 2021. With this expansion, the number of beneficiaries has increased from 1,300 to 9,953. A total financial outlay of ₹26.21 crore has been approved for implementation.

24x7 piped water supply project approved for Badarpur Town:

A drinking water supply project drawing from the Barak River has been sanctioned for Badarpur town, aiming to provide uninterrupted potable water to the population. The ₹49.588 crore project includes a seven-year operation and maintenance provision.

Change in performance guarantee rules under JJM:

In Jal Jeevan Mission projects, contractors’ pending bills can now be adjusted against performance guarantees if the bill amount exceeds the guarantee. However, retention money will continue to be held as security.

Ex-gratia for families of Swajal Mitras and Jal Sahayaks:

The Cabinet approved a financial assistance of ₹5 lakh to the family of any Swajal Mitra or Jal Sahayak who dies while on duty, as a recognition of their service and to support their families.

Clarity on Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) for college teachers:

Under CAS, the seniority for promotion to selection/senior grade will now be counted from the date of eligibility. This seniority will be considered only for calculating the next promotion, not for salary fixation or arrears.

Land patta for 1,742 landless families in Dhemaji:

The jurisdiction of the Dhemaji Municipal Board has been reduced from 5 km to 1 km, enabling landless tribal families living between 1 km and 5 km to be considered for land allotment. Eligible families who applied earlier can reapply by October 31, 2025.

Seven communities included under the protected class in Tirap Tribal Belt:

Seven communities—Ahom, Matak, Moran, Chutia, Gorkha, Tea Tribes, and Adivasis—who have been residing on land since before 2011, have been granted ‘protected class’ status in the Tirap Tribal Belt. Over 20,000 people will now be eligible for land rights.

Guwahati: Assam CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma chairing the Cabinet meeting on July 31.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash