Assam cabinet approves Rs 3K crore for 1,000-km-long economic corridor

Guwahati: The Assam cabinet has decided to embark upon an ambitious plan to set up an 1000-km long economic corridor with an investment of Rs 3000 crore.

Informing that the state cabinet took this decision and gave its approval to the project, state minister Jayanta Malla Baruah told reporters that the cabinet gave its in-principle approval for the project under the Asom Mala Scheme.

Informing that the cabinet also approved projects worth Rs 950 crore to improve rural infrastructure, he said that the fund will be obtained from NABARD as a loan. The loan will be used to upgrade 90 rural roads and four rural bridges under the Public Works Department, he added.

Apprising the key decisions of the state cabinet headed by Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Mr Baruah said that the deputy commissioners have been advised to limit the expenditure for cabinet meetings to Rs 5 lakh, and also not to undertake any new repair works of circuit houses and inspection bungalows for the purpose. It is significant that state cabinet holds its meeting at every district headquarters.

He said that it was also decided that the cabinet meetings in November and December will be held in Tinsukia and North Lakhimpur districts, respectively, while in January next year, it will be held in Nagaon.

The cabinet also approved the revised draft notification for the declaration of an eco-sensitive zone in the 1 km radius around Bherjan-Borajan-Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary in Tinsukia as per Supreme Court directive.

The cabinet gave its nod for the allotment of a plot for the construction of a judicial guest house in Kaziranga for state guests and guests of Gauhati High Court. The cabinet also approved an additional Rs 11.91 crore to complete the construction of a new office building of the Commissioner of Taxes, Mr Baruah said.