Dibrugarh: In a significant move aimed at transforming state’s socio-economic landscape, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a series of major decisions following a cabinet meeting held in Dibrugarh on Wednesday. The announcements span education reform, global employment initiatives, startup support, decentralised governance, and civic infrastructure development. To boost the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, the cabinet approved the formation of a Section 8 company “Assam Innovation and Startup Foundation” under the department of innovation, incubation and startups. “This foundation will act as a one-stop platform for budding entrepreneurs, providing mentorship, funding, and policy support to turn innovative ideas into successful businesses,” the CM said. In a major push for education, the cabinet gave nod for a Rs 2,750 crore loan from the World Bank, with 90% funded by the central govt and the remaining 10% (Rs 275 crore) borne by the state. The funds will be utilised for teacher training in mathematics and science, leadership programmes for headmasters and principals, science and technology promotion in schools and reducing dropout rates. Additionally, 400 govt schools will receive Rs 3-5 crore each for infrastructure upgrades, while 1,733 anganwadi centres will get Rs 25 lakh each for development. In a landmark governance decision, 10 newly created co-districts will become fully operational by Aug 12, each with its own administrative headquarters. These include Boko-Chaygaon, Palashbari, Barchalla, Rangapara, Makum, Digboi, Teok, Mariani, Dholai, and Dudhnoi. The Cabinet also approved 10 new posts for co-district superintendents of police to facilitate administrative efficiency.The cabinet also approved a new scheme to improve civic infrastructure in apartment buildings, funded through the MLA local area development scheme and the united fund.A Rs 150 crore allocation was also made for the mission of overall improvement of thana for responsive image scheme, aiming to modernise police stations across Assam.
