3% Reservation for Tea Tribes, Adivasis in Class I-II Jobs: Assam Cabinet Moves to Expand Representation

Guwahati: The Assam Cabinet met today in the state Assembly, approving a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening infrastructure, supporting social welfare, and expanding opportunities for marginalized communities.

Among the key decisions, the Cabinet approved ₹19.59 crore for the integrated development of the Borbheti campus in Jorhat. The project, which includes enhancements to Namghar infrastructure, seeks to reinforce Assam’s cultural identity while promoting sustainable, heritage-based tourism. In a move to improve representation, the Cabinet also sanctioned a 3% reservation in Class I and II government jobs for youth from the Tea Tribes and Adivasi communities, in addition to existing Class III and IV posts under the OBC quota.

Expanding support for women entrepreneurs, the Cabinet approved the release of seed capital to 1,07,532 additional members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Chief Minister’s Mahila Udyamita scheme. This step is expected to provide financial assistance to women across Assam, further strengthening their entrepreneurial initiatives. The Cabinet also cleared plans for a sports infrastructure boost in Dhemaji district, including the allocation of government land for the construction of an Assam Cricket Association stadium.

In the education sector, Assam’s teachers received a significant benefit as the Cabinet raised the earned leave entitlement under the Department of School Education from 10 to 15 days per year, amending the Assam Revised Leave Rules of 1934. The construction of a second Sainik School in Karbi Anglong was also approved, with a revised administrative budget of ₹335.87 crore at Langvoku. Additionally, the Cabinet approved the settlement of khas and ceiling surplus lands for homestead purposes for 319 indigenous, landless families across ten districts, under Sewa Setu and Mission Basundhara 2.0.

Himanta Biswa Sarma Targets Congress, Confirms Bhupen Borah’s Induction into BJP

On the political front, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed the recent departure of senior political leader Bhupen Borah from Congress. 

“I did not assume the Chief Minister’s post during Congress’s rule in the state due to Maa Kamakhya’s blessings. Had I become CM under Congress, it would have been a disservice to the future,” he said

He criticized Congress leadership, stating it is no longer APCC-R (R for Rakibul Hussain) but BM (interpreted as “Bangladeshi Muslim”), highlighting internal party divisions.

He recounted internal conflicts in Congress, including caste and community-based pressures on ticket allocation. He warned of financial irregularities during candidate selection and criticized the existing party dynamics, claiming a small group of “inclusive-minded” leaders has pre-decided ticket lists for constituencies.

Amid ongoing preparations for the upcoming elections, Sarma confirmed upcoming inductions into the BJP.

“Pradyut Bordoloi will join BJP 100%. Debabrata Saikia will join regardless of attempts to block him. Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi has brought two MLAs into the party over five years, and now he has three. Bhupen Borah’s induction on February 20–21 will be timely for election preparations,” he said.

While praising Borah’s contributions, Sarma noted challenges posed by other leaders, including Rakibul Hussain, whose victories in previous elections were widely perceived as significant.

APSC Reserved Posts Controversy Resolved for Moran & Motok Communities

Meanwhile, the chief minister informed that the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) exam results were also addressed during the media interaction. "Misallocation of reserved posts for the Moran and Matak communities—where all four reserved posts were initially assigned to the Matak community—has been revoked following public demand, with new results to be announced shortly," added the cheif minister.

Also Read: “Congress Has Become APCC (R),” Says Bhupen Borah