The Assam Cabinet on Sunday approved the Assam District Land Tribunal Bill, 2025, taking a significant decision. The bill aims to create an independent judicial framework for the speedy resolution of the growing encroachment disputes in tribal belts and block areas. Addressing the press after the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the problem of illegal land occupation in tribal areas has been a long-standing concern. He said that previous actions had stalled with the change of government, thus necessitating an institutional mechanism that could endure over time. The Justice Biplab Sharma Committee, constituted under Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, had recommended district-level land tribunals for this purpose.
The new system eliminates the role of the DC’s office, and cases will now be heard directly in the tribunal.
With the implementation of the new system, all cases related to land disputes will no longer be routed through the District Commissioner or Additional DC. Instead, complainants will be able to file their cases directly in the District Land Tribunal. Each tribunal will be headed by a retired district judge, making the process more transparent and judicially robust. Chief Minister Sarma stated that the district administration and police department will be mandated to comply with the tribunal’s orders, which will have the status equivalent to a court. He stated that the target is to settle each case within 90 days. If any party wishes to challenge the decision, they will have the option of appealing to the Guwahati High Court. This will enable speedy resolution of disputes that have festered for years.
New autonomous body for the Karbi community and new MRO policy to increase employment
In another important cabinet meeting, the Karbi Welfare Autonomous Council Bill, 2025 was also approved. This move is part of the agreement reached with the Karbi community in 2021. This new body will be created for the betterment of the Karbi population living outside the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council area. The Chief Minister stated that this bill will be introduced in the Assembly on November 25th. Additionally, the Cabinet approved the Assam Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Policy 2025, which aims to make Assam a major aircraft maintenance hub in the Northeast by 2030. Sarma said that although the state has seven airports, there was no existing aviation servicing ecosystem until now. The new MRO policy plans to develop seven MRO units, which will generate significant employment for youth. The policy also aims to establish at least three world-class MRO centers that will meet the aviation needs of both the civil and defense sectors.
High-Powered Committee for Projects with Investments of Over ₹10,000 Crore
To expedite industrial investment, the Cabinet also approved the formation of a High-Powered Investment Committee (HPIC). This committee will be chaired by the Chief Minister. This body will expedite the approval, incentive, and clearance process for projects valued at ₹10,000 crore or more. Sarma stated that this move will not only boost the confidence of large investors but also accelerate development in the state. This will reduce the time required to establish industries and develop Assam as an emerging industrial hub. From resolving land disputes to welfare schemes for tribal communities and the development of the aviation sector—these decisions by the Assam government indicate that the state is moving firmly towards multifaceted development.
