Assam Cabinet Grants Reserve Forest Status to Goalpara Wetlands to Enhance Biodiversity

On June 22, 2025, the Assam Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, approved several transformative decisions across environmental conservation, social inclusion, economic growth, and welfare reforms, marking a significant step in the state’s developmental agenda.

One of the most notable decisions was the Cabinet’s approval to declare Urpad Beel (1,256 hectares) and Hasila Beel (245 hectares) in Goalpara district as Proposed Reserve Forests (PRFs) under Section 5 of the Assam Forest Regulation, 1891. These ecologically sensitive wetlands, rich in biodiversity, will be preserved to maintain environmental and social balance. A one-month period will be allotted for public suggestions before the official notification is issued.

In a move toward social dignity and support, the Cabinet launched the ‘Shradhanjali’ scheme, which will ensure the respectful, government-supported transportation of mortal remains of youths and students from Assam who die while working or studying in other states. Effective from October 1, 2025, the scheme is especially targeted at economically weaker families and cases of accidental or unnatural deaths. Medical-related deaths outside Assam will not be covered. Families can alert authorities by dialing 112 or through a dedicated social media ID.

In a landmark move for social inclusion, the Cabinet officially recognized transgenders as ‘Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC)’, aligning with the Supreme Court’s directives. This recognition will enable eligible members of the transgender community in Assam to access reservation benefits in education and employment.

In the renewable energy sector, the Cabinet approved the allocation of land to Hinduja Renewables Energy Pvt. Ltd. to establish a 900 MW off-stream Pumped Storage Project (PSP) in West Karbi Anglong. This ₹5,400 crore investment is a part of Assam’s goal to achieve 2 GW of PSP capacity by 2030, and marks a significant step toward sustainable energy development.

To address the needs of underrepresented tribal groups, the Cabinet approved the creation of a Development Council for the Rabha community living outside the jurisdiction of the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC). The Council will focus on educational, cultural, and socio-economic upliftment for Rabhas residing beyond RHAC areas.

In support of long-serving frontline workers, the Cabinet decided to reserve 50% of Anganwadi supervisor posts for eligible workers with over 10 years of service. The remaining positions will continue to be filled via direct recruitment through the State Level Recruitment Commission for Class III Posts.

As part of its welfare initiatives, the Cabinet increased the state’s share of additional honorarium for Cook-cum-Helpers under the PM POSHAN scheme from ₹500 to ₹1,000 per month (for 10 months annually), effective October 2025. This brings the total monthly honorarium to ₹2,000, including the Centre’s share.

In a relief to new educators, LP, UP, and Secondary school teachers appointed under the Special Recruitment Drive (SRD) will receive their first annual increment in July 2025, a year earlier than scheduled under the ROP Rules, 2017.

Further, the Cabinet approved the formulation of the Assam State Mineral Exploration Trust Rules, 2025, establishing the State Mineral Exploration Trust (SMET) to oversee exploration of minor minerals like granite, sand, gravel, limestone, and china clay.

To boost sustainable economic growth, the Cabinet cleared the formation of the Assam Industrial and Green Growth Fund, a ₹3,000 crore SEBI-registered alternate investment fund with ₹500 crore as anchor capital, aiming to support renewable energy, green infrastructure, agro-tech, MSMEs, tourism, and priority start-ups across the state.