Holiday approved for Ali Ai Ligang Day in ten districts

Guwahati: In a significant move, the Assam state cabinet in its latest session has approved public holiday on Ali Ai Ligang Day. This holiday will be celebrated in 10 districts, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Majuli, Biswanath, Sonitpur, Golaghat, Jorhat, Sibsagar, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia. The decision reflects the government’s commitment towards cultural rituals and regional celebrations.

Another notable decision involves the disposal of land in favor of 3,576 indigenous, landless families. Spread across nine districts – Morigaon, Kamrup (Metro), Kamrup, Goalpara, Lakhimpur, Sonitpur, Darrang, Tinsukia and Dhemaji, the initiative comes under Mission Basundhara 2.0. The move aims to empower local communities by providing them with essential resources and promoting sustainable development.

The Cabinet also gave the green signal to the creation of the Khasi-Jaintia Development Council, underscoring the government’s focus on regional development and welfare of specific ethnic communities.

Further, the State Government is ready to submit a proposal to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. The proposal seeks to include ‘BET’ as a separate entry in the Schedule to the Amended Constitution (ST) Order, 1950 and ‘7. There has been a demand to exclude ‘Biet, Biet’ from the list under ‘including any Kuki tribe’. The move reflects the government’s dedication to recognizing and addressing the diverse tribal identities within the state.

In a progressive step towards environmental sustainability, the Cabinet has decided to promote Electric Vehicles (EV). Citizens purchasing EVs will benefit from a two per cent reduction in the existing tax rate on motor vehicle tax (non-transport). This incentive is applicable from the date of notification till March 31, 2025. The initiative aims to encourage the adoption of eco-friendly transportation modes in sync with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

These multifaceted decisions of the Assam State Cabinet demonstrate a comprehensive approach to governance, encompassing cultural considerations, land empowerment, tribal inclusion and commitment to environmental sustainability. The collective impact is set to positively shape the socio-economic landscape of the state.