Guwahati, June 23: The Assam Cabinet on Sunday unveiled a roadmap blending social equity, environmental conservation, and economic growth.

Among the important announcements was the recognition of the transgender community as a Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC) — a historic step toward inclusive governance and social justice. The move aligns with the spirit of the Supreme Court’s directions on upliftment of marginalised gender identities.

Under this policy, transgender persons who are original inhabitants of Assam will be eligible for official Transgender Identity Cards, issued after verification by District Commissioners. This is will open up access to education, jobs, and state-run welfare schemes for the community.

The Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, also cleared the following key measures:

Major Decisions Across Sectors:

• ‘Shradhanjali’ Scheme: Launching October 1, this scheme will ensure free transportation of mortal remains of Assamese residents who die outside the state under accidental or unnatural circumstances. Assam Police’s Special Branch will serve as the nodal agency, supported by helpline 112 and social media facilitation.
• Rabha Development Council: A new council will address the development needs of Rabha communities living outside the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council.
• Women & Child Development: Half the supervisory posts in the Anganwadi system will now be reserved for workers with over 10 years of service; the rest will be filled through competitive exams.
• Wetlands Declared Proposed Reserve Forests: Two vital ecosystems — Urpad Beel (1,256 ha) and Hasila Beel (245 ha) in Goalpara — were notified as Proposed Reserve Forests, with public consultations open for Hasila Beel.
• Welfare Enhancements:
  • Cook-cum-Helpers under PM POSHAN will see their monthly honorarium doubled from ₹500 to ₹1,000 for 10 months annually.
  • Newly recruited teachers will receive their first salary increment in July 2025, earlier than scheduled.
• Inclusive Housing & Transport Schemes: The “Apon Ghar” and “Apon Bahan” schemes have been expanded to cover regular and contractual staff across major PSUs, up to 60 years of age.
• Green Energy & Industrial Growth:
  • A ₹5,400 crore 900 MW Pumped Storage Project by Hinduja Renewables in West Karbi Anglong was approved, pushing the state toward its 2 GW renewable energy goal by 2030.
  • A ₹3,000 crore Assam Industrial and Green Growth Fund was announced, with a ₹500 crore seed corpus to boost startups, MSMEs, tourism, and cleantech sectors.
• Education Infrastructure: Forty bighas of land in Kamrup (M) will be handed over to set up a new Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, boosting access to quality education.
• Responsible Mining: Formation of a State Mineral Exploration Trust was approved under new rules, encouraging sustainable exploration of minor minerals like sand, limestone, and china clay.

Also Read: Meghalaya releases 1st instalment of Post-Matric ST Scholarship; 66,000 students receive payment

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