Assam, December 18, 2025 (Thursday): The Assam Cabinet sanctioned a financial package of Rs 250 crore for the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) under the State-Owned Priority Development Fund (Rural) for 2025-26. The move is being hailed as a significant step towards accelerating regional development in one of Assam’s most sensitive and strategically important areas, with the package expected to strengthen infrastructure, rural livelihoods, and socio-economic initiatives across the BTC region.
The decision, taken at a Council of Ministers meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at Lok Sewa Bhawan, underscores the government’s commitment to sustaining the peace dividend following the Bodoland Territorial Region accord. Officials indicated the allocation would fund rural infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity, livelihoods, and basic civic amenities across BTC areas.
The Cabinet emphasised that targeted financial support remains essential for promoting inclusive growth in the region, which has undergone considerable transformation in recent years. The funds are expected to strengthen grassroots development and enhance public service delivery in rural Bodoland.
In parallel environmental action, the Cabinet approved the designation of two significant wetlands in Goalpara district as Proposed Reserved Forests under the Assam Forest Regulation, 1891. Kumari Beel, spanning 270 hectares, and Dhamar Beel, covering 337 hectares, will receive protection to conserve biodiversity in these ecologically sensitive areas.
The government also moved to recognise sporting achievement by appointing Simu Das, a member of India’s women’s blind cricket team that recently clinched the Women’s T20 Blind World Cup, as a Physical Instructor under the Directorate of Sports and Youth Welfare. The appointment aims to honour her accomplishment whilst inspiring young athletes across the state.
Security infrastructure received attention as well, with the Cabinet approving the transfer of 607 bighas of government land at Kareng Chapori in Dhemaji district for a new Group Centre of the Central Reserve Police Force. Also, under Mission Basundhara, the government’s flagship land rights initiative, 308 families were approved for land allotment, providing legal security and resolving long-standing disputes.
The Cabinet session concluded with clearance for land required for an upcoming Ammonia-Urea Project, whose foundation stone will be laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 21st December. The project is anticipated to bolster fertiliser production and support industrial expansion in the state.
-
-
-
-
-
