The Assam cabinet made significant decisions on Friday, amending the standard operating procedure (SOP) for the withdrawal of petty and minor cases in subordinate courts to prioritize serious offenses and alleviate jail overcrowding. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that this move will lead to the dismissal of 81,000 petty cases by March 2024.
In addition to legal reforms, the cabinet approved a major investment project by Dassault Systems Private Ltd to establish a Centre of Excellence in aerospace, defense, automotive, and electric vehicle industries. Dassault will invest Rs 200 crore, complemented by Rs 40 crore from the state government. The initiative aims to train 3,000 engineering graduates in advanced fields such as robotics, aerospace, and artificial intelligence.
The cabinet also sanctioned the procurement of 100 MW of wind-solar hybrid power from NTPC to address energy shortfalls during peak evening and night hours. Additionally, a special recruitment drive will be held to regularize 4,669 additional contractual teachers. Furthering social welfare, the cabinet approved the inclusion of 1,26,000 beneficiaries under the ‘Orunodoi’ schemes across 126 assembly constituencies and the issuance of 17 lakh new ration cards starting September 19.