Assam Cabinet clears Rs 400 cr for Swahid Kanaklata University, greenlights mega road and welfare projects

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 4, 2025

In a major policy push, the Assam Cabinet on Wednesday approved a series of big-ticket proposals, including the establishment of Swahid Kanaklata University, massive infrastructure upgrades in Dima Hasao, and a suite of new welfare schemes.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the Cabinet has sanctioned Rs 400 crore for the construction of Swahid Kanaklata University at Bholaguri Tea Estate in Gohpur. The institution will be Assam’s first university with a curriculum focused on Industry 4.0 and 5.0 technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and quantum computing.

Experts from IIT Guwahati and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) will be involved in designing the curriculum. “They will visit leading institutions across India and abroad to align the course structure with global standards,” Sarma said. He added that the university fulfils an electoral promise made by the ruling party.

Land for the project will be acquired from tea labourers residing in the estate. The Chief Minister stated that the displaced families would be resettled on campus and would be given priority for recruitment in third and fourth-grade positions at the university. “I have spoken to them, and they have agreed to this arrangement,” Sarma noted.

In another major development, the Cabinet approved Rs 3,875 crore for the construction of 348 km of roads in Dima Hasao district. These roads will be upgraded to national highway standards, with 80% of the funding sourced from the World Bank and the remaining 20% from the state government.

“This is the largest-ever investment by the state in Dima Hasao,” said Sarma. “Once these roads are developed, they will unlock major tourism potential in the region.” Work is expected to begin after the monsoon season.

The Cabinet also gave the green light to several welfare and development schemes:

CM’s Utkarsha Scheme: One-time financial assistance of Rs 15 lakh will be provided to 300 Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in Assam.

CM’s Jiban Onuprerona Scheme: Research scholars in government universities will receive Rs 25,000, while PwD (Persons with Disabilities) researchers will be given Rs 40,000. A total of Rs 1,450 crore has been sanctioned. The scheme excludes scholars already employed in government departments and will remain open throughout the year.

CM’s Mahila Udyamita Scheme and Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan:

Rs 10,000 for each women’s Self Help Group (SHG)

Rs 2 lakh for unemployed youth

The implementation schedule will be released on June 9

Total allocation raised to Rs 4,500 crore, up from Rs 3,000 crore last year.

Additional Decisions

The Cabinet approved Rs 843 crore for the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), to be disbursed in a single instalment to enable better planning and execution.

All Superintendents of Police (SPs) across Assam will now carry the title of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and will wear uniforms with two stars and an Ashoka Chakra as part of a rebranding effort announced during the Dergaon police meet.