The Assam Cabinet has approved a series of policy reforms aimed at encouraging investment, strengthening educational infrastructure, promoting renewable energy and improving tourism services across the state. Announcing the decisions after a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the government has cleared the Assam Regulation of Re-classification and Re-classification-cum-Transfer of Lands (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which will be introduced in the next session of the Assam Legislative Assembly. A key feature of the proposed amendment is the provision for automatic conversion of agricultural land for micro, small and allied industries, khadi enterprises and solar power projects.
Under the new system, entrepreneurs will no longer be required to obtain prior approval from district commissioners for such conversions, a move expected to simplify procedures and speed up investment in the sector. In the education sector, the Cabinet approved amendments to the Assam Private Universities Act, 2007, easing the minimum land requirement and endowment fund criteria for setting up private universities. The government has also relaxed certain regulations for private schools to facilitate expansion and improve access to quality education. To support tourism growth, the Cabinet approved the Assam Tourism Accommodation (Development and Registration) Rules, 2026. The new rules introduce a single-window registration mechanism for homestays and other accommodation facilities, along with automatic renewal of registrations every three years.
The Cabinet also sanctioned Rs 9.75 crore for Assam Tea Corporation Limited (ATCL) to implement a voluntary retirement scheme for its executives. In another decision, the government extended the validity of licences of all fair price shops in the state until December 31, 2026, from the earlier deadline of June 30. The extension is intended to ensure uninterrupted distribution of foodgrains under the National Food Security Act.
