Assam News: In a landmark decision, the Assam State Cabinet on Friday exempted hydrocarbon exploration and production activities from the provisions of the ‘Assam Reclassification and Re-classification-cum-Land Transfer Regulation Act, 2015’. This strategic move is aimed at removing land-related hurdles and speeding up vital energy projects. The state aims to attract investments, generate high revenue, and contribute to India’s energy security. The ease of doing business for energy companies such as ONGC and OIL is expected to improve significantly.
Direct Land Deals Made Easier for Oil Companies
In a significant relaxation, the Cabinet decided that the State Government will no longer initiate land acquisition for oil exploration projects. Instead, companies like Oil India Limited (OIL), ONGC, and similar Government of India-authorized entities can now directly negotiate with landowners. They are allowed to purchase or lease land based on prevailing market rates and mutually agreed terms. Such deals must be legally registered and include details on lease periods, compensation, and any rehabilitation if applicable.
Online Portal for Fast Land Reclassification
To support the above reforms, the Revenue Department will develop a dedicated online portal. This platform will enable oil and gas companies to apply for automatic land reclassification and pay applicable premiums in a streamlined digital manner. This marks a leap forward in digitizing governance and improving investor experience in the state’s hydrocarbon sector.
Healthcare and Education Infrastructure to Expand
The Cabinet also approved several key projects beyond the hydrocarbon sector. It sanctioned a Rs 357.28 crore project for the Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh. This will include new hostels and teachers’ residences spread over 85,509 square meters. Additionally, land has been allotted near Sarusajai stadium in Guwahati for a Medanta healthcare project. Medanta plans to invest Rs 800 crore in building a state-of-the-art hospital, a separate women and child care unit, and a five-star Lemon Tree hotel nearby.
Relief for Drought-Affected and Evicted Families
Taking into account the drought-like situation in Assam, the Cabinet declared it a state-specific disaster. It approved compensation for affected districts as per SDRF norms. Moreover, a waiver of transfer premium in favor of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment was passed. In another humanitarian step, the Cabinet approved the settlement of land to 12 families including Dinesh Buragohain, who were recently evicted. Each family will receive 1 kattha 5 lecha of land in North Lakhimpur’s Kamolabaria mouza along with a waiver of government settlement premium.
