LIVE UPDATES | ST Status for Six Communities: Will Assam’s Existing Tribes Accept the Move?

The Winter Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly began on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 9:30 AM and is scheduled to continue for five days, with the Speaker empowered to extend it by one or two days if required.

Lawmakers are bracing for an intense session packed with legislative business, as the government plans to introduce or move forward on nearly 27 Bills. Ten Bills have already been formally circulated among members, including four new ones ready for introduction.

The spotlight will be on The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, which is listed for introduction on the very first day, marking a major step toward fulfilling a long-standing electoral promise of the ruling BJP.

Raijor Dal president and Sibsagar MLA Akhil Gogoi, on the first day, launched a sit-in demonstration within the Assam Legislative Assembly complex, accusing Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the state government of deliberately delaying the investigation into the mysterious death of singer-actor Zubeen Garg.

Gogoi, flanked by party workers, began the protest hours before the start of the five-day Winter Session. He vowed to continue the agitation until the government provides a clear timeline and transparent updates on the probe.

“The people of Assam are in deep grief and anger. The government cannot brush this under the carpet while pushing its legislative agenda,” Gogoi said, demanding that the Zubeen Garg case be the first item discussed when the House assembles tomorrow.

Akhil Gogoi demanded a CBI investigation into the death of Zubeen Garg, alleging lapses in the investigation being carried out by the state police. He also accused CM Sarma of being vindictive towards Zubeen Garg and demanded his resignation from the home portfolio.

Nov 29, 2025 22:51 IST
Assam Legislative Assembly Receives Report on ST Status for Six Communities
Assam’s decades-long debate over granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six historically significant communities—Ahom, Chutia, Koch Rajbongshi, Moran, Matak, and Tea Tribes & Adivasi groups—reached a critical stage today as the Committee of Group of Ministers (GoM) submitted its report to the Assam Legislative Assembly.
Led by Cabinet Minister Ranoj Pegu, the GoM prepared the report based on extensive ethnographic studies, historical research, and consultations with stakeholders. It lays out a roadmap for granting ST recognition while addressing the socio-economic and political concerns of existing tribes.
The report acknowledges the long-standing demands of these communities, currently classified as Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and highlights decades of socio-economic challenges and limited political representation.
However, the move has sparked opposition from existing ST groups, including the Coordination Committee of Tribal Organisations of Assam (CCTOA), which fears dilution of reserved jobs, educational seats, and political representation. While some tribal organizations support the inclusion of Moran, Matak, and Koch Rajbongshi communities, Ahom and Chutia communities face resistance due to their widespread presence and cultural overlap with the general Assamese population.
To address these concerns, the GoM proposes a three-tier ST classification in Assam:
• ST (Plains): Existing plains tribes

• ST (Hills): Existing hill tribes

• ST (Valley): Proposed new category for the six communities
The framework aims to reorganize reservations in Parliament, the Assam Assembly, and local bodies without affecting the entitlements of existing STs. Separate rosters and vacancy registers are proposed for ST (Valley), and permanent reservation of Lok Sabha constituencies in Sixth Schedule areas is recommended.
The report marks a major step toward resolving one of Assam’s most enduring socio-political debates, though discussions and opposition are expected to continue. Read More



Nov 29, 2025 21:19 IST
Photo of Dhing MLA Aminul Islam and Sibsagar MLA Akhil Gogoi Sharing an Affectionate Moment Inside Assembly Goes Viral
A photograph showing Dhing MLA Aminul Islam and Sibsagar MLA Akhil Gogoi sharing a light-hearted, affectionate moment inside the Assam Legislative Assembly has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread discussion and amusement among netizens.
 
The image, showing the two legislators sharing a respectful embrace, surfaced shortly after heated exchanges in the House over education-related bills and the suspension of AIUDF members. Social media users quickly picked it up, circulating the picture with humorous captions and political commentary.
 

 
While the photo appears to show the MLAs in a moment of camaraderie, it has added a lighter tone to an otherwise tense Assembly session marked by protests, walkouts, and sharp disagreements.



Nov 29, 2025 21:14 IST
AIUDF Slams Education Amendment Bill, Alleges Neglect of Non-Provincialised Teachers and Madrassa Staff
The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) on Saturday sharply criticised the Assam government for what it termed as “serious gaps” in the newly passed amendments to the state’s education laws.
AIUDF legislators said they had expected meaningful corrections in the provincialisation framework, but the amended law, according to them, “fails to address the concerns of thousands of non-provincialised teachers.”
“Teachers Serving 20–22 Years Still Left Out”
AIUDF MLAs argued that many teachers have been serving for over two decades without job security or provincialised status.
“We demanded a relaxation in the law so that teachers who have served for 20–22 years could be provincialised. But the government has not shown any concern for them,” the party stated.
Allegation of Injustice to Madrassa Teachers
The party strongly objected to the exclusion of teachers from converted venture madrassas.
“Teachers of madrassa-origin schools have been treated unfairly,” AIUDF members alleged, calling the decision discriminatory and detrimental to the affected educators.
Uproar in Assembly
AIUDF MLAs said that their voice was stifled during the session.
“When we raised our demands and protested inside the House, the Speaker ordered marshals to forcibly remove us,” the opposition members claimed, accusing the government of suppressing democratic dissent.
All AIUDF legislators were later suspended from the Assembly for the remainder of the day.
Demand for Inclusion of Communities
The party also reiterated its long-standing demand that six indigenous communities of Assam be accorded Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
“ST status must be granted to the six communities, and the Kalita community should also be included,” AIUDF leaders said.



Nov 29, 2025 21:13 IST
Assam Assembly Clears Key Education Bills, Paves Way for Post Provincialisation and Tighter Fee Control
The Assam Legislative Assembly on Saturday passed two significant pieces of legislation — the Teacher and Employee Post Provincialisation (Amendment) Bill and the Fee Regulation Bill. Together, they set the stage for provincialising posts in schools and colleges while keeping educational institutions themselves outside the provincialisation ambit.
Only Posts, Not Institutions, to Be Provincialised
Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu, while placing the bills before the House, underlined that the core reference year for all provincialisation exercises would remain untouched.
“The base year continues to be 1 January 2006,” he reaffirmed.
Assam currently has 55,198 educational institutions, but Dr. Pegu clarified that the government’s intention is not to take over schools or colleges—only the posts of teachers and employees meeting defined criteria.
Venture Madrassas Not Included
One contentious point was the exclusion of venture madrassas from the new framework. These institutions had earlier been reclassified from madrassas to general schools, but they still did not find a place in this provincialisation process.
The decision sparked intense protest from AIUDF legislators, resulting in a heated session that ended with the suspension of all MLAs from the party.
Relaxations Introduced in Eligibility Norms
The amendment bill brings several relaxations to the conditions required for provincialising posts, although all approvals must still trace back to the set base year.
Key changes include:
• High schools: Approval of Class 9 will now be considered enough to provincialise teacher posts.

• Lower Primary schools: Approval of Class 4 or Class 5 will be treated as valid.

• Colleges and Higher Secondary Schools: Provincialisation will be carried out department-wise and stream-wise.
All approvals must have been issued prior to 1 January 2006.
Major Overhaul in Fee Regulation
To curb excessive fee hikes in private institutions, especially in rural belts, the government has lowered the upper ceiling on fees by 25% for private schools in panchayat areas.
In a notable inclusion, Christian missionary schools, totalling 278 across Assam, will also be brought under the Fee Regulation Authority. This step follows earlier High Court directions seeking more transparency and uniformity in fee structures.
Government Pushes for Accountability and Uniform Standards
Presenting the reforms, Dr. Pegu said the twin bills aim to bring clarity, fairness, and better administrative control across Assam’s education ecosystem — from staffing patterns to fee structures.



Nov 28, 2025 16:26 IST
Fiery Exchange Between CM Sarma and Akhil Gogoi Sparks Uproar in Assam Assembly
The Assam Legislative Assembly on Monday witnessed an intense confrontation between Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi, leading to a highly charged atmosphere and repeated sloganeering inside the House.
The turbulence began when CM Sarma launched a sharp attack on Gogoi, accusing him of opening the Orchid Park “without obtaining government permission.” The Chief Minister immediately linked his criticism to past controversies, urging the MLA to respond first to the murder of Pranab Boro (43), an activist of the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) in the year 2014.
In a pointed and provocative question, the Chief Minister asked Gogoi,
“Did you burn Pranab Boro or not?”
The remark triggered loud protests, with members of the ruling bench shouting “Akhil Gogoi Murdaabad” and “Akhil Gogoi Hai Hai.” Speaker Biswajit Daimary repeatedly appealed for order as the chaos escalated.
CM Sarma went on to call Akhil Gogoi a “duplicate farmer leader”, accusing him of misleading farmers and acting against the interests of tea garden workers.
He added, “As a member of this House, I feel ashamed.”
Gogoi, who had earlier raised the issue of the Louis Berger scam, came under further attack as the Chief Minister labelled him “a murderer” and “anti–tea worker.”
In a dramatic turn, the Chief Minister challenged the Sivasagar MLA to a direct debate.
“If you want to speak against me, I am ready. Let a special session be convened,” he declared.
Despite the Speaker’s interventions, the heated exchange continued, marking one of the most contentious moments of the ongoing Assembly session. Read More



Nov 28, 2025 13:46 IST
Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia Walks Out After Unsatisfactory Response from Minister
Leader of Opposition and MLA Debabrata Saikia walked out of the Assembly today, expressing dissatisfaction over the response received from Minister Bimal Borah.
Saikia had raised a resolution seeking answers, and although the minister addressed the matter for over half an hour, the opposition leader alleged that the responses did not answer the questions he had raised.
The incident highlights growing frustration among opposition members over what they describe as “inadequate and evasive replies” in the Assembly.



Nov 28, 2025 13:06 IST
Akhil Gogoi Questions Land Allotment for BJP Offices, Suspended from Assembly
Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi was suspended from the Assam Legislative Assembly on Friday after raising a question regarding the allotment of land for BJP offices across the state.
Gogoi sought details on how much government land had been allocated for BJP offices. In response, ministers Piyush Hazarika and Chandra Mohan Patowary reportedly delivered lengthy six-page replies to previous questions, delaying Gogoi’s turn.
The MLA alleged that several government lands, including PGR and VGR areas, had been used to construct BJP offices. He specifically cited the case of the BJP's Basistha office (Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan), where the BJP allegedly took four bighas of government land.
Gogoi further highlighted that while six lakh people in Assam live on 'mathauris' (embankments), land was still being allotted for party offices.
Taking aim at Minister Bimal Bora, Gogoi remarked that Bora lacked understanding of the Constitution, rules, and laws and described him as “short-sighted.” He also urged that the Assembly Speaker maintain neutrality in handling such issues.



Nov 28, 2025 12:39 IST
Government Outlines Plans to Fill Vacant Administrative Posts in Assam
Responding to questions from MLAs Dharmeshwar Konwar and Paramananda Rajbongshi, Assam’s Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta provided updates on the state’s plans to fill vacant administrative positions, including mandal officers and Gaon burhas (village heads).
According to Minister Mahanta, the state currently has 538 vacant mandal posts. The government intends to appoint mandal officers who were trained in 2007 by conducting exams promptly. Additionally, out of 2,000 extra posts, 500 posts will be advertised anew for recruitment, with appointments expected before the upcoming assembly elections.
Regarding the Gaon burha posts, the state has a total of 7,551 positions, of which 5,323 have already been filled. The remaining 2,224 vacant posts will be filled soon. The cabinet recently took decisions to expedite these appointments.
Minister Mahanta also announced an increase in the monthly salary for Gaonburhas to ₹14,000, aiming to improve the administrative framework at the village level.



Nov 28, 2025 12:36 IST
Minister Bimal Bora’s Unusual Proposal in the Assembly
Following the suspension of MLA Akhil Gogoi, Minister Bimal Bora made an unexpected proposal in the Assam Legislative Assembly on Friday.
He suggested that suspended members should be kept in a separate room so they cannot leave the premises and give statements outside. Bora even went as far as proposing the creation of a “detention room” for suspended legislators.
Taking a jab at the opposition, Bora remarked that some members get themselves suspended only to draw attention to themselves.
Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia advised the Speaker to issue a formal statement explaining the specific reason behind the suspension of any member, ensuring clarity and transparency in the House proceedings



Nov 28, 2025 12:35 IST
MLA Akhil Gogoi Suspended from House
Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi was suspended from the Assam Legislative Assembly on Friday during Question Hour.
Gogoi had raised a question related to land allotment to the BJP. However, before his turn, Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary was delivering an extended reply to an earlier question. Gogoi alleged that the minister was deliberately prolonging his answer to prevent his question from being taken up.
Following this accusation and the resulting disruption, the Speaker ordered Akhil Gogoi’s suspension from the House.



Nov 28, 2025 11:39 IST
Winter Session: Assam Assembly Begins Day 4 with Question Hour; 14 Bills Up for Introduction
The fourth day of the Winter Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly begins today with the Question Hour, followed by an extensive legislative business agenda. A total of 14 bills—three private members’ bills and eleven government bills—are scheduled to be taken up for introduction or consideration in the House.
Private Members’ Bills
Opposition Leader Debabrata Saikia will seek permission to introduce two key bills:
1. The Assured Security and Humanitarian Assurance for Gig Workers and Atypical Workers (ASHA) Bill, 2025

2. The Maintenance of Cleanliness in Assam Bill, 2025
Independent MLA Ashraful Hussain will seek permission to introduce:
3. The Assam University and Boards (Regular Conduct of Examinations and Timely Declaration of Results) Bill, 2025
Government Bills
A total of 11 government bills are also listed for introduction and consideration:
1. The Assam Fixation of Ceiling of Land Holdings (Amendment) Bill, 2025
   – To be moved by Minister Keshab Mahanta

2. The Mising Autonomous Council (Amendment) Bill, 2025
   – To be moved by Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu

3. The Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (Amendment) Bill, 2025
   – Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu

4. The Tiwa Autonomous Council (Amendment) Bill, 2025
   – Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu

5. The Deori Autonomous Council (Amendment) Bill, 2025
   – Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu

6. The Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council (Amendment) Bill, 2025
   – Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu

7. The Thengal Kachari Autonomous Council (Amendment) Bill, 2025
   – Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu

8. The Boro Kachari Welfare Autonomous Council (Amendment) Bill, 2025
   – Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu

9. The Karbi Welfare Autonomous Council Bill, 2025
   – Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu

10. The Moran Autonomous Council (Amendment) Bill, 2025
    – Minister Pijush Hazarika

11. The Matak Autonomous Council (Amendment) Bill, 2025
    – Minister Pijush Hazarika
---
With a packed legislative agenda and several significant amendments to the various autonomous council acts, Day 4 of the Winter Session is expected to witness detailed deliberations inside the Assembly.



Nov 27, 2025 14:27 IST
Assam Needs to Be Declared a Tribal State Soon: MLA Ramakanta Dewri
Assam should be declared a tribal state at the earliest, opined MLA Ramakanta Dewri, while commenting on the ongoing discussions around the granting of ST status to six indigenous communities of Assam. Dewri clarified that he has no objections to the categorization of these six groups as tribal communities.



Nov 27, 2025 12:46 IST
Granting ST Status to Six Communities Is Good, But BJP Has Done Nothing in 12 Years: Debabrata Saikia
Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia on Thursday said that while granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the six indigenous communities of Assam would be a welcome move, the BJP government has “failed to take any real action in the last 12 years.”
Saikia alleged that the current push for ST status is nothing more than an “electoral bait” ahead of the upcoming polls.
He further stated that during the Congress government’s tenure, several efforts were made to move the process forward, but the current government has only used the issue for political advantage without delivering results.



Nov 27, 2025 12:31 IST
Congress Stages Protest in Dispur Over Alleged Land Scam Involving MP Dilip Saikia and Minister Ashok Singhal
Even as the Assam Assembly session continued in Dispur, the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) staged a strong protest at Manabendra Sarma Complex on Thursday, targeting what they alleged to be a major land scam involving MP Dilip Saikia and Minister Ashok Singhal.
Congress workers burnt effigies of both leaders as a mark of intense protest and demanded accountability from the government.
The demonstration saw the presence of APCC Mahila Congress president Meera Barthakur, along with several party workers and leaders. The protest was organised under the leadership of the Guwahati City District Congress Committee, with a large number of Congress supporters joining in.
To maintain order, police set up a tight security cordon around the protest site, deploying additional personnel as precautionary measures.



Nov 27, 2025 12:28 IST
Akhil Gogoi Stages Protest Outside Assam Assembly, Demands Immediate ST Status for Six Communities
Raijor Dal president and MLA Akhil Gogoi on Thursday staged a protest outside the Assam Legislative Assembly, reiterating his demand for the immediate granting of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the state’s six communities.
Addressing reporters during the protest, Gogoi accused the state government of creating a “never-before-seen and confusing mechanism” in the name of tribal classification. He alleged that ahead of the upcoming elections, the government was “offering japi instead of real solutions” and misleading communities with hollow promises. Read More



Nov 27, 2025 08:52 IST
Assam Assembly Winter Session Enters Day Three; Key Bills and Discussions Scheduled
The Winter Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly entered its third day today, with the House set to begin proceedings with the Question Hour.
A detailed discussion is scheduled on the supplementary demands related to the School Education Department, with both the ruling and opposition parties expected to participate actively.
The Assam Appropriation Bill for 2025–26 is also slated to be introduced in the House. In addition, three other amendment bills are expected to be tabled today, including:
•    The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Amendment) Bill, 2025

•    The Assam Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2025

•    The Assam Shops and Establishment (Amendment) Bill, 2025
 
The House is also expected to take up discussions on at least eight bills across different departments. The list includes:
•    The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025

•    The Assam Satra Preservation and Development Commission Bill, 2025

•    The Assam Fire and Emergency Services Bill, 2025

•    The Su-ka-pha University Bill, 2025
 
Apart from these, four additional amendment bills will also come up for deliberation.
There is also a possibility that the report of the ministerial committee formed to examine the inclusion of six communities in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list may be submitted in the House today.
 



Nov 26, 2025 15:46 IST
Foreigners’ Verification in Assam: Over 32,000 Identified Since 2021, Informs Minister Atul Bora
On the second day of the Winter Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, Congress MLA Abdur Rahim Ahmed sought clarification from the government on the verification process of foreigners and the state’s border management mechanisms.
Responding to the query, Assam Minister for Implementation of the Assam Accord, Atul Bora, presented detailed data on the identification of foreigners in the state since 2021. He informed the House that, as of October 31, 2025, a total of 32,207 individuals have been officially recognized as foreigners in Assam. Additionally, 1,416 cases remain pending and are currently undergoing further verification.
Minister Bora highlighted that the verification process is continuous and rigorous, asserting that each case is being thoroughly scrutinized and categorised in accordance with established procedures. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring transparent and lawful identification of foreigners as part of the broader implementation of the Assam Accord. Read More



Nov 26, 2025 10:13 IST
Assam Assembly Witnessing Busy Second Day of Winter Session; Ten Bills Being Tabled
The second day of the Winter Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly is under way, with the House beginning its proceedings with the Question Hour.
The government is tabling a total of 10 bills today, including eight amendment bills and two new bills, marking an active legislative agenda for the session.
The newly introduced bills include the North Eastern Regional Institute of Management (NERIM) University Bill, 2025, which is aiming to upgrade the institute into a full-fledged university, and the Azim Premji University Bill, 2025, which is proposing the establishment of a new university in the state focused on education and social development.
The introduction of these bills is emerging as a key highlight of today’s Assembly proceedings, reflecting the government’s ongoing push to strengthen the state’s higher education landscape and legislative framework.



Nov 25, 2025 22:15 IST
Assam’s Fee Regulation Bill Sparks Tension With Christian Community
The Assam Christian Forums (ACF) on Tuesday voiced serious concern over the Assam Cabinet’s approval of the Assam Private Educational Institutions (Regulation of Fees) Amendment Bill, 2025, warning that the legislation could erode constitutional protections granted to minority-run institutions.
The Bill, which the government tabled in the Assembly today, seeks to empower the state to regulate fee structures and monitor the financial operations of private educational institutions. Minority-run schools, previously exempt from such oversight, would also fall under this regulatory framework if the amendment is passed. Read More



Nov 25, 2025 18:24 IST
Congress Chief Alleges Conspiracy, Says Assam Govt Misleading Public on Zubeen Garg Probe
Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi on Tuesday raised serious questions over the alleged “mastermind” behind the murder of singer Zubeen Garg, claiming that the person who orchestrated the killing is yet to be identified publicly.
His remarks came a day after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made a statement on the case in the Assam Legislative Assembly.
Speaking to media at Biswanath Chariali, Gogoi said, 
“The names of those involved were mentioned in the Assembly, but who directed them? The real mastermind is still unknown. The people of Assam’s villages do not believe Zubeen Garg will get justice.” Gogoi alleged that the Chief Minister is deliberately using various strategies to mislead the public on the matter. Read More



Nov 25, 2025 18:04 IST
Assam Govt Introduces Polygamy Prohibition Bill; Offenders May Face Up to 10 Years in Jail
The Assam Legislative Assembly on Tuesday saw the introduction of the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, a significant move by the state government to outlaw polygamous marriages. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma presented the bill after receiving clearance from Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary on the opening day of the Winter Session.
The bill was tabled in the absence of Opposition members, including legislators from the Congress, CPI(M), and Raijor Dal, who had walked out earlier during discussions surrounding the death of celebrated singer Zubeen Garg.
Strict penalties proposed for offenders
The proposed legislation seeks to criminalize entering into a second marriage without formally ending the first. Under the bill, individuals found guilty of contracting a second marriage while still legally bound to their first spouse may face a minimum sentence of seven years in prison in addition to financial penalties.
Stricter punishment—up to ten years of imprisonment and fines—has been recommended for individuals who deliberately hide the existence of a prior marriage in order to enter into another.
Action against facilitators of polygamous marriages
The bill goes beyond direct offenders, proposing penalties for community members who enable or endorse such unions. This includes village heads, guardians, customary leaders, and religious authorities such as priests and qazis who perform or approve the marriages.
Religious officials who conduct or solemnize polygamous ceremonies could face imprisonment of up to two years, along with fines amounting to several lakh rupees.
A landmark push for legal uniformity
The state government has projected the bill as a step towards ensuring uniform legal protections across communities and promoting women's rights. If passed, the legislation will introduce some of the most stringent anti-polygamy provisions enacted by any Indian state to date.



Nov 25, 2025 17:58 IST
Govt Submits Mehta Commission Report, Sidesteps Fresh Tabling of Tiwari Report
The Assam government on Tuesday tabled the Mehta Commission report in the State Assembly but stopped short of placing the Tiwari Commission report on the 1983 Nellie massacre for fresh submission, triggering questions from the Opposition.
The issue came to the fore during the adjournment motion discussion related to the death of popular singer Zubeen Garg. Shortly after delivering his remarks on the matter, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the Mehta Commission report before the House. Read More



Nov 25, 2025 17:28 IST
Assam’s Debt Rises to ₹25,294 Crore in 2024–25; Interest Payment Touches ₹9,467 Crore, Govt Reveals in Assembly
The Assam Government on Tuesday tabled detailed financial and employment data in the Legislative Assembly, showing a significant rise in the state’s debt burden and annual interest payments over the last three financial years. The information was provided in response to questions raised by Congress MLA Asif Mohammad Nazar and Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi.
According to the figures presented, Assam’s total outstanding debt continues to climb each year:
• ₹21,602.02 crore in 2022–23

• ₹24,117.52 crore in 2023–24

• ₹25,294.23 crore in 2024–25
The state’s interest expenditure has also sharply increased during the period:
• ₹6,874.97 crore in 2022–23

• ₹8,139.17 crore in 2023–24

• ₹9,467.75 crore in 2024–25
The government clarified that the figures represent only the interest paid in each financial year, not the principal loan amount.
Over 2 Lakh Government Jobs Since 2016, Says State Government
Meanwhile, in response to MLA Akhil Gogoi’s question on employment, the government informed the House that a total of 2,04,437 people have been given government jobs in Assam since 2016.
The latest unemployment data presented in the Assembly shows:
• Total registered unemployed youths: 22,30,988

• Educated unemployed youths: 22,26,894
On the government’s flagship promise of providing one lakh jobs, the state reported that 1,34,591 appointments have been made so far.



Nov 25, 2025 16:41 IST
‘Not an Inch of Land Will Be Given’: Akhil Gogoi Warns Minister Singhal
Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi on Tuesday levelled serious allegations against Assam Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Ashok Singhal, claiming that Singhal has been attempting to acquire land near Zubeen Kshetra in Sonapur.
Speaking to the media, Gogoi said that government officials themselves informed him about the alleged land dealings, adding that officials had admitted to feeling “helpless” in stopping the move.
Issuing a stern public warning to the minister, Gogoi said:
“Let Ashok Singhal listen clearly — he will not get even an inch of land near Zubeen Kshetra. He cannot cheat the Assamese and grab land. I have proof of how much land he has bought in others’ names, and I will reveal everything.”
He added that if required, “Ashok Singhal will be driven out” to prevent any illegal land acquisition around Zubeen Garg’s memorial site.
Inside the Assembly, Akhil Gogoi said that the Speaker accepted his first-ever adjournment motion, allowing him to raise urgent concerns. He launched a sharp attack on the state government, alleging that the investigation into singer Zubeen Garg’s death was being intentionally weakened.
“The government is trying to turn the investigation into a meaningless exercise,” he claimed.
Gogoi also questioned whether BJP leaders Pabitra Margherita and Shyamkanu Kalita’s wife would be arrested in connection with the case, stating that the issues have now been formally recorded in the Assembly proceedings.
He further stated that the Opposition moved a proposal in the Assembly demanding that Zubeen Garg be conferred the Bharat Ratna, and that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also supported the proposal.
Criticising the Chief Minister’s conduct in the House, Gogoi remarked that the CM “remains agitated continuously.”
The remarks have intensified the political storm surrounding Zubeen Garg’s death, with allegations, counter-allegations, and demands for a transparent investigation dominating the winter session.



Nov 25, 2025 16:33 IST
Proposal to Recommend Bharat Ratna for Zubeen Garg Accepted in Assam Assembly
Speaking to the media outside the Assam Legislative Assembly, MLA Akhil Gogoi made a series of strong remarks after a proposal was raised inside the House to recommend the Bharat Ratna for celebrated singer Zubeen Garg.
Gogoi said that the Chief Minister accepted the proposal moved in the Assembly seeking that Zubeen Garg be conferred the country’s highest civilian award.
He further stated that the Assembly will now send a unanimous resolution to the Central Government requesting the conferring of the Bharat Ratna on the iconic Assamese artist.
Akhil Gogoi also claimed that the Chief Minister was visibly agitated inside the House during the discussion.
Taking a sharp dig at the ruling government, Gogoi told reporters, “Today, the true face of the Chief Minister and the BJP government has been exposed.”



Nov 25, 2025 16:28 IST
Two MLAs Suspended for the Remaining Days of Assam Assembly’s Winter Session
The Assam Legislative Assembly has suspended two MLAs — Sherman Ali Ahmed and Nurul Huda — for the remaining days of the winter session.
The decision came after the Committee of Privileges submitted its report, finding both legislators guilty of breaching parliamentary privilege and violating House rules.
According to the report, Deputy Speaker Dr. Numal Momin alleged that Nurul Huda misbehaved with him, which led to a recommendation for strict disciplinary action.
Sherman Ali Ahmed has also been accused of repeatedly disrupting proceedings and violating the decorum of the House, resulting in his suspension for the rest of the session.
Both MLAs have been barred from participating in any Assembly-related activities inside or outside the House until the session concludes.



Nov 25, 2025 13:50 IST
Assam Assembly Winter Session Begins with Stormy Debate Over Zubeen Garg’s Death
The Winter Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly got off to a turbulent start on Tuesday as Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia moved an Adjournment Motion seeking an urgent discussion on the death of cultural icon Zubeen Garg, accusing the state government of “criminal silence” and serious lapses in ensuring his safety.
Describing Zubeen Garg as “Assam’s irreplaceable cultural ambassador,” Saikia demanded to know why a celebrity of his stature was allowed to travel to Singapore without dedicated security, especially when he was representing the Northeast at an official event backed by the Ministry of External Affairs.
The Congress leader questioned the “unexplained delay and mismanagement” in repatriating Zubeen Garg’s mortal remains from Singapore to Guwahati, asking who was accountable for the handling of such a sensitive matter at a time when the entire state was in mourning.



Nov 25, 2025 13:15 IST
Akhil Gogoi Suspended from Assam Assembly on Day 1
Raijor Dal MLA and prominent activist Akhil Gogoi was suspended from the Assam Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, the very first day of the Winter Session, after he insisted on an immediate discussion on the murder of singer-actor Zubeen Garg.
Gogoi, who had been staging a protest inside the Assembly premises since Monday over the “slow” investigation into Zubeen’s death, repeatedly disrupted proceedings by raising slogans and demanding that the House suspend all other business until the Chief Minister gives a detailed statement on the Singapore murder case.
When Speaker Biswajit Daimary asked him to resume his seat and follow procedure, Gogoi reportedly continued shouting and refused to relent, prompting the Speaker to order his suspension for the remainder of the day.
The suspension triggered strong protests from other Opposition members, who accused the ruling BJP of trying to “silence the voice of the people” on the Zubeen Garg issue.