The Assam cabinet approved the formation of a dedicated commission to safeguard Vaishnavite monasteries, known as Sattras, during a meeting on October 16, 2025, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, marking a significant step toward preserving the state's rich cultural heritage. The "Assam Sattra Preservation and Development Commission Bill, 2025", cleared for introduction in the upcoming assembly session, establishes a quasi-judicial body empowered to protect Sattra lands from encroachments, resolve disputes, and promote sustainable economic growth through heritage tourism and the promotion of Satriya arts.
Comprising a retired High Court judge as Chairperson, two Sattra representatives, a senior land administration expert, and the Director of Land Requisition as member secretary, the commission will create a digital repository for lands, artefacts, and manuscripts to ensure global accessibility and preservation. Sarma emphasised the initiative's role in blending modern governance with tradition, stating it would "safeguard the sacred heritage institutions and ensure their legacy for future generations." Sattras, numbering over 900 across Assam, represent the enduring legacy of 16th-century saint Srimanta Sankardev's Bhakti movement and face threats from urbanisation and land disputes.
In a parallel move to support state employees amid rising living costs, the cabinet sanctioned a 3% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for government workers and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners and family pension holders, effective retrospectively from July 1, 2025, elevating the rate to 58% of basic pay. This adjustment, aligning with central government trends, is projected to cost the exchequer an additional ₹1,200 crore annually and benefits over 3.5 lakh employees and 1.2 lakh pensioners.
Sarma highlighted the decision as a welfare measure, noting, "The employees will now get DA at a rate of 58%," in response to inflation pressures driven by global commodity spikes. The hike follows a similar 3% increment in March 2025, reflecting the BJP-led government's commitment to fiscal prudence while addressing employee demands through periodic revisions tied to the All India Consumer Price Index.
The cabinet's deliberations extended to economic and educational priorities, approving a ₹1,272.09 crore equity infusion by the state into the Assam Valley Fertiliser and Chemical Company Ltd (BVFCL) over four years to revive the Namrup IV ammonia-urea plant. This brownfield project, with a capacity of 12.7 lakh metric tonnes per annum, is expected to attract ₹10,601.40 crore in total investment and generate 460 permanent jobs and 1,500 ad hoc positions, bolstering Assam's agricultural self-reliance amid fertiliser shortages.
Sarma underscored its multiplier effects, saying it would "bring investment of ₹10,601.40 crore to the state and provide direct employment to 460 persons on a permanent basis." Additionally, financial incentives under the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina Aasoni scheme were extended to girl students enrolling in higher secondary government institutions for the 2025-26 academic year, excluding private setups, to promote gender parity in education.
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These decisions underscore Assam's multifaceted governance strategy, balancing cultural preservation with socioeconomic upliftment in a state grappling with heritage erosion and economic vulnerabilities. As the bill advances, stakeholders anticipate enhanced protections for Sattras, which not only serve as spiritual centres but also repositories of Assamese folklore and dance forms. The DA hike, meanwhile, provides timely relief ahead of festive seasons, while the fertiliser revival aligns with national goals for urea production. On X, reactions praised the cultural focus, with users like @AssamHeritage lauding the digital repository as "a game-changer for global outreach", amassing over 5,000 views. With the assembly session looming, these approvals signal proactive policymaking in a dynamic regional context.
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