In a landmark announcement, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared 2025 as the ‘Year of the Book’, launching a series of initiatives aimed at promoting reading and knowledge culture in the state. During a press conference following a Cabinet meeting, Sarma announced a one-time book allowance of ₹1,000 for every government employee, to be added to their November salary. With over 4 lakh employees, the initiative is expected to cost the state exchequer around ₹40 crore, reflecting a strong push towards intellectual enrichment through literature.
Young Authors Get a Boost with ₹25,000 Support
To encourage literary and academic writing, the Assam government has also decided to extend financial assistance of ₹25,000 to 1,000 young authors. These authors will be selected based on their contribution to creative, scientific, or academic fields. The initiative aims to build a vibrant community of thinkers and writers in Assam, especially among the youth. The government will also ensure that all official gifts at state functions will be in the form of books, fostering a cultural shift toward knowledge sharing.
Infrastructure and Culture: Bhupen Hazarika Book & Book Fair Support
Adding a cultural dimension to the literary year, the Assam Cabinet announced plans to publish a commemorative book on legendary musician and poet Bhupen Hazarika, which will be distributed to distinguished personalities and institutions across India. To further boost the literary ecosystem, financial assistance of ₹5 lakh for district-level book fairs and ₹2.5 lakh for sub-district level events has been approved. These book fairs, to be organized under the guidance of the Assam Publication Council, are expected to increase access to literature and support local publishers.
Welfare Measures for Anganwadi Workers and Forest Staff
Apart from literary measures, the Cabinet also approved an increase in the age limit for promotion from Anganwadi Helper to Anganwadi Worker from 45 to 50 years, enhancing career growth opportunities for these frontline workers. Additionally, monthly ration allowance for the Assam Forest Protection Force and Wildlife Wing staff has been increased from ₹2,000 to ₹2,500, recognizing their essential services in protecting Assam’s biodiversity. These welfare measures reflect a continued focus on supporting the state’s grassroots workforce.
Major Investments, Planetariums and BTC Reorganization Get Green Light
In a move to attract private investment, the Cabinet approved four industrial proposals amounting to ₹1,843 crore, expected to create 850 jobs. Investors include Valley Strong Cements, Star Cement, Maxim Infrastructure and Varun Beverages. Furthermore, the Cabinet sanctioned ₹178 crore for the construction of six Science Centres-cum-Planetariums across various districts, signaling investment in scientific infrastructure. The reorganization of the Bodoland Territorial Council was also finalized, with a new Gobardhana Development Block being set up. The Assam government will bear the infrastructure costs, while only gazetted posts will be newly created.
