Ram Mandir Consecration Ceremony: The Himanta Biswa Sarma-led Assam government declared January 22 a 'dry day' in view of the consecration ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol in Ayodhya's Ram Mandir. The decision of the state government was announced by Tourism Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah.
Addressing a press conference after a cabinet meeting chaired by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati on Sunday, Baruah said, "To commemorate the inauguration of Ram temple, the Assam government has decided to declare January 22 as a dry day," as quoted by PTI.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several chief ministers from NDA-ruled states, and more than 6,000 people are scheduled to attend the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya.
The cabinet also decided to increase the financial and administrative powers of three development councils for the Mising, Rabha Hasong, and Tiwa communities. "We will send a proposal to the Centre to secure more funds for these councils," Baruah said, as quoted by PTI.
The state government also gave its approval to a financial package under an existing scheme for women registered under self-help groups (SHGs). "This will be a support to entrepreneur women for their ventures. Almost 49 lakh women can take benefits under this scheme," the minister said, as quoted by PTI.
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The Assam cabinet also took a decision to extend the coverage of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) to include government employees and pensioners with an annual income of less than Rs 4 lakh. These individuals will also receive health insurance of Rs 5 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
"Earlier, they were not eligible as they were government employees. They will also get health insurance of Rs 5 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat scheme," the minister added, as quoted by PTI.
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