The Assam Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, approved a series of decisions covering self-help groups, agriculture, industrial development, wetlands and investment on September 24. The decisions include additional time for women in self-help groups to complete Aadhaar enrolment, land for a new agriculture college and a major wetland and fisheries project.
The Cabinet also cleared proposals linked to industrial investment and agricultural infrastructure. Together, the decisions cover several areas of the state’s economy and public welfare.
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SHG Women Get More Time for Aadhaar Enrolment
One of the Cabinet’s decisions concerns women members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The government approved a one-time exemption that gives eligible SHG members additional time to complete their Aadhaar enrolment.
The extended deadline will run until March 31, 2027. The move gives members who have not completed the process more time to meet the requirement.
Self-help groups play an important role in Assam’s rural economy. Women members often participate in small businesses, savings activities and livelihood programmes through these groups.
The additional time can help eligible members complete the required documentation without losing access to programmes linked to SHG participation.
Land Allotted for Agriculture College
The Cabinet also approved the allotment of 256 bighas of land at Pratapgarh in Patharkandi for establishing a new College of Agriculture.
The proposed institution will expand agricultural education opportunities in the region. It can also strengthen the connection between higher education, agricultural research and farming practices.
Agriculture remains an important part of Assam’s economy. A dedicated agricultural institution can provide students with training in modern farming methods, crop management and other areas related to agriculture.
The land allotment marks a step forward for the proposed college and its future development.
New Industrial Estate Planned in Kamrup
For industrial development, the Cabinet approved 504 bighas of land in Hajo Revenue Circle in Kamrup for a new Industrial Estate.
The proposed estate will provide space for industrial units and related economic activities. Industrial estates can also create opportunities for supporting businesses, suppliers and service providers.
The move comes as Assam continues to seek new investments across manufacturing and other sectors. Providing dedicated industrial land can help businesses access infrastructure and establish operations in organised industrial locations.
The government has also approved investment-related incentives for eligible manufacturing units under its industrial policy framework.
Rs 796.88-Crore Wetland and Fisheries Project
A major environmental and economic decision involves the Assam Sustainable Wetland and Integrated Fisheries Transformation (SWIFT) Project.
The Cabinet approved the project at an estimated cost of Rs 796.88 crore. The project will focus on restoring wetlands and improving fisheries-related infrastructure and livelihoods.
According to reports, the project will receive Rs 637.504 crore through an Asian Development Bank loan, while the Assam government will contribute Rs 159.376 crore. The programme will also support the restoration and rehabilitation of at least 102 derelict community beels.
The project will cover wetland restoration, fisheries support, infrastructure, equipment and livelihood development. It also aims to create opportunities for entrepreneurship in communities that depend on wetlands and fisheries.
Support for Farmers Under Agriculture Infrastructure Fund
The Cabinet approved state guidelines for financial assistance towards the promoter’s contribution under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF).
Under the approved arrangement, the Assam government will cover the full 10 per cent mandatory promoter’s contribution for Farmer Producer Organisations, Farmer Producer Companies, Primary Agricultural Credit Societies and cooperatives.
Individual beneficiaries will receive a different arrangement. The state government will cover 5 per cent, while the beneficiary will contribute the remaining 5 per cent.
The measure can reduce the financial burden on agricultural organisations and individuals seeking support under the AIF. It can also encourage investment in agricultural infrastructure and related activities.
Spice Laboratory Planned in Guwahati
The Cabinet also approved the establishment of a state-of-the-art Spice Laboratory of the Spices Board in Guwahati.
The facility will support spice testing and certification. It can also help producers and businesses meet quality requirements for domestic and international markets.
The government has been seeking to expand the market for Assam’s agricultural products. A specialised laboratory can support quality control and improve the state’s capacity to process certification requirements locally.
The Cabinet approved a rent-based or pro-bono model for the construction of the laboratory and associated infrastructure at Ulubari in Guwahati.
Incentive for Manufacturing Units
Another decision concerns manufacturing companies that qualify under the substantive provisions of the Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme (UNNATI), 2024, but could not obtain registration under the scheme.
The Cabinet approved a State Capital Investment Subsidy for eligible manufacturing units that meet the required conditions.
The measure aims to support investment in manufacturing and provide assistance to units that fall within the eligibility framework.
Assam has continued to promote industrial development through investment incentives, infrastructure and sector-specific policies. The latest decision adds another support mechanism for eligible manufacturing projects.
Rs 11,000-Crore JK Lakshmi Cement Investment
The Cabinet also approved customised incentives under IIPA 2019 for JK Lakshmi Cement Limited for its proposed investment of Rs 11,000 crore in Assam.
The company plans to establish a clinker manufacturing unit and four associated cement grinding units in the state.
The proposed investment represents one of the major industrial proposals considered by the Cabinet during the meeting. The project is expected to add to Assam’s manufacturing capacity and create associated economic activity.
The Cabinet’s decision forms part of the state’s broader effort to attract large-scale industrial investments.
Decisions Cover Welfare, Agriculture and Environment
The latest Cabinet meeting covered a wide range of sectors. The decisions on SHGs focus on documentation and access for women members. The agriculture measures address education and infrastructure financing.
At the same time, the wetland project combines environmental restoration with fisheries and livelihood development. Industrial decisions focus on new infrastructure, manufacturing incentives and large-scale investment.
The range of decisions reflects the government’s current focus on combining economic development with community support and environmental programmes.
Assam Cabinet Pushes Multiple Development Initiatives
The decisions announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on September 24 include several measures with different timelines and implementation requirements.
The SHG Aadhaar exemption runs until March 31, 2027. The agriculture college will require further development after the land allotment. The new industrial estate will need infrastructure and investment before companies can begin operations.
Meanwhile, the SWIFT project will focus on restoring wetlands and strengthening fisheries-related activities across the state.
As the government moves these decisions into implementation, their impact will depend on execution, funding, infrastructure and participation from local communities, farmers, SHG members and businesses. The Cabinet’s latest measures place women’s self-help groups, agriculture, industrial development and wetland conservation among the key areas of Assam’s current policy agenda.