The first Cabinet meeting of the newly formed Assam government led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was held on Tuesday evening in Guwahati where several important decisions were taken.
The following decisions were taken in the meeting of the Assam Council of Ministers:
1. To contain COVID-19 cases, more restrictions and containment measures would be put in place from May 13, 2021. Detailed SOP will be issued on Wednesday (May 12).
In case restrictions have to continue for more than a fortnight, Govt will consider financial relief package for weaker sections.
The Cabinet discussed in details the prevailing COVID situation in the state. Each minister will be appointed to oversee the COVID-19 situation in two or more districts.
They will undertake visit to their respective districts and hold meeting with DC, Joint Directors of Health and other senior officers to submit the report to Chief Minister and Health Minister within three days of their visit.
2. The Cabinet decided to give employment to 1 lakh educated unemployed youths of the state in posts considered essential to improve public service delivery.
A committee is being constituted under Finance Minister to work out the modalities.
3. A committee has been constituted to assess the financial involvement arising out of waiver of loans given by micro-finance institutions.
Chairman of the committee will be minister Ashok Singhal with Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and Principal Secreatry of Finance, P&RD as members.
4. The Cabinet approved increasing the stake of Government of Assam in Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) from the present 12.35% to 26%, involving a sum of Rs 2187 crore.
The Cabinet directed the Finance Department to release Rs 1687 crore financial involvement thus arising from this enhancement as the government has already paid Rs 500 crore for enhancing its stake.
5. Ministers Pijush Hazarika and Keshab Mahanta and Political Secretary to the Chief Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah are appointed as Spokespersons to convoy the outcomes of each Cabinet to the media.
6. It was also decided that the Cabinet will meet every Wednesday at 11 am for faster decisions making and their time bound implementation.
#ASSAMCABINET UPDATE – IMPORTANT THREAD
The new Cabinet held its first meeting today (May 11, 2021) & resolved to fulfill the promises made to our people.
We have taken our first steps in this journey with the following decisions 👇 pic.twitter.com/UJ9qtxVUqJ
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 11, 2021
Also Read | Assam CM Holds Meeting To Review COVID-19 Situation In The State