Assam launches concert tourism drive with Post Malone Show, eyes music economy to compete with Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 21, 2025

The Assam Cabinet on Wednesday approved a comprehensive Concert Tourism Policy aimed at establishing the state as a major destination for global music events. The move is a strategic step toward creating a concert-driven economy, positioning Assam to compete with Meghalaya’s flourishing music festival scene.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that Grammy-nominated artist Post Malone will headline a major concert in Guwahati on December 8, marking Assam’s official entry into the international concert circuit. The cities of Guwahati, Jorhat, and Dibrugarh will be developed and promoted as major concert venues under this policy.

“States like Gujarat earn over Rs 600 crore from concerts. Assam has stayed out of this economy for far too long,” Sarma said at a press briefing following the Cabinet meeting held at Dergaon. “We’re correcting that now.”

As part of the initiative, world-class venues with advanced lighting and audio technology will be created. The government will offer Viability Gap Funding (VGF) through Assam Tourism to support organizers and boost private investment in the sector.

The Cabinet also approved a new policy allowing individuals with legitimate threat perception to hire Paid Personal Security Officers (PSOs). Applicants will be required to pay Rs 75,000 per month to the state, in addition to the PSO’s salary.

“This won’t be open to everyone,” Sarma clarified. “Only those with verified threats will be considered.”

From October 1, all workers in Assam Tea Corporation Limited (ATCL) gardens will receive the full notified wage of Rs 250 per day, up from the existing Rs 220. The decision is seen as a major win for labour rights in the state’s tea sector.

The Cabinet approved the sixth addition to Kaziranga National Park, increasing the area by 47,306.33 hectares. Ten surrounding villages will be excluded from the expansion to minimize displacement.

Other major approvals include:

Rs 229.41 crore for Phase 2 development of the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy

Rs 284.03 crore for a New Assembly Complex and MLA Hostel in Dibrugarh

Rs 209.13 crore to expand the Khanikar Sports Complex, increasing stadium capacity from 5,000 to 35,000 seats

Investment in Refinery and Solar Energy

The Cabinet approved the final instalment of Rs 205.725 crore for Assam’s equity share in Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), completing the state’s 26% stake in its Rs 823 crore expansion plan.

In a push toward sustainable energy, the Cabinet also cleared the Assam Solar Power Generation Promotion Policy 2025, aiming to generate 3,500 MW of solar capacity by 2030 and create 15,000 new jobs. The policy offers a wide range of incentives, including tax waivers, infrastructure support, and single-window clearances to attract both public and private sector investment.