Assam set to sign MoU with Reliance to boost green fuel sector

Himanta’s Diwali bonanza: State employees DA hiked by 3%

Guwahati, Oct 27: The Assam government has announced an upcoming Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Reliance Bio-Energy Ltd to boost the bio-gas compressed industry and promote green energy in the state.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, after a Cabinet meeting, highlighted that this partnership aims to reduce fossil fuel dependence and pollution while enhancing employment and income opportunities for farmers.

“Under this MoU, Reliance Bio-Energy will set up a comprehensive network of integrated compressed bio-gas infrastructure across Assam. This initiative also includes research and studies on green fuel’s potential as a substitute for fossil fuels, fostering a bio-value chain ecosystem without compromising food security,” Sarma said.

Equity infusion in NRL

Sarma said the Cabinet approved an investment of ₹205.72 crore in Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) to retain the state’s 26% equity share as per NRL’s third cash call. This investment will support NRL’s ongoing expansion project, which aims to triple its capacity from 3 million metric tons (MMT) to 9 MMT per year.
“The expansion is expected to stimulate significant economic activity and open new employment opportunities for local youth, strengthening Assam’s position in the energy sector while boosting the state’s development,” he said.

Hike in DA

The Cabinet has approved a 3% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for state employees and pensioners, effective July. With this increase, DA and DR will now stand at 53%.
Sarma announced that the enhanced DA will be included with the October pay/pension and disbursed in November. “The arrears for July, August, September, and October will be paid in four equal instalments over December, January, February, and March, respectively. This decision aligns with the recent hike in DA and DR for central government employees and pensioners,” the Chief Minister said.

Social security net to TE employees

The Cabinet further approved amendments to paragraphs 22 and 29 of the Assam Tea Plantation Provident Fund (ATPPF) Scheme, 1968, to clarify which classes of employees are entitled to and required to participate in the provident fund. Sarma explained that the amendment would enable provident fund (PF) deductions from employees earning above ₹15,000, addressing ambiguities and inconsistencies in PF deductions for those in higher salary brackets. This move aims to ensure consistent PF contributions for all eligible employees in Assam’s tea plantation sector.

In addition to this, the Cabinet approved several significant initiatives, including sanctioning of ₹175 crore for procuring drugs, surgical items, and consumables for district hospitals and medical colleges granting ex-post-facto approval to establish the Patharkandi Municipal Board with 10 wards encompassing 10 revenue villages, construction of 70 rural roads and 70 minor irrigation projects at an estimated cost of ₹428.62 crores, financial assistance of ₹25,000 each to 2,000 Raas Committees that organize live Raas Festivals (without idols) to preserve unique cultural heritage and appointment of archer Jayanta Talukdar as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the Assam Police, recognizing his achievements and contributions to sports.

Also Read: Diwali comes to Shillong early: BSF troops celebrate festival of lights in Shillong

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