The Assam Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Dispur on Monday, approved a series of key proposals aimed at promoting investment, strengthening public services and introducing regulatory reforms across various sectors.
The Cabinet approved the Assam Regulation of Re-classification and Re-classification cum Transfer of Lands (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which will be introduced during the upcoming Budget Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly. The proposed amendment aims to streamline the regulatory framework and encourage industrial and commercial investments in the state. The sectors covered under the Bill include MSME, hydrocarbon, solar energy and conversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes.
The Cabinet also approved an extension of the validity period of licences issued to all Fair Price Shops (FPS) across Assam. The validity, which was earlier set to expire on June 30, 2026, has now been extended until December 31, 2026. The decision is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted functioning of Fair Price Shops and smooth distribution of foodgrains to beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
In another decision, the Cabinet approved the release of Rs 9.75 crore to Assam Tea Corporation Ltd. (ATCL) for implementing the proposed Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) for its executives.
The Cabinet also approved amendments to the Assam Private Universities Act, 2007. Under the amendment, the minimum land requirement for setting up private universities will be reduced from 60 bighas to 35 bighas in rural areas and from 30 bighas to 21 bighas in urban areas.
The state government also approved a proposal related to the school education sector while maintaining prescribed academic and safety standards. Under the new norms, schools from the Lower Primary level to Secondary level in urban areas will require a minimum built-up area of one bigha, while rural area schools will require three bighas. Such institutions will have to mandatorily provide facilities including sanitation, drinking water, boundary walls, toilets, disaster mitigation measures and infrastructure suitable for persons with disabilities.
The Cabinet further approved the Assam Tourism Accommodation (Development & Registration) Rules, 2026, to regulate and promote tourism accommodation facilities such as homestays. The new rules introduce a simplified single-window registration process along with an automatic renewal mechanism after every three years.
