Assam CM Launches Initiatives for Newborns, Youths, and Education

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a pilot project to issue Aadhaar cards and birth certificates to newborns in 13 medical colleges. Other initiatives include financial aid schemes for youths and girl students, expanded beneficiary counts for the Orunodoi scheme, and agricultural targets. A 'Jhumur' dance event is also planned.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday announced that the state government will launch a pilot project to simultaneously issue Aadhaar cards and birth certificates to newborns in 13 medical colleges. A center will be established in the medical colleges to issue Aadhaar cards within days of birth, streamlining the document acquisition process for new parents.

Initially rolled out in medical colleges, the project aims to expand to district hospitals, ensuring children receive both documents shortly after birth without later queuing. Sarma outlined additional initiatives, including a scheme providing Rs 2 lakh to Below Poverty Line (BPL) youths for setting up small industries. The first phase of interviews will take place from August 16 to September 5, with funds distributed by September 30. A total of 30,000 youths will receive Rs 2 lakh each in this phase, and 70,000 more will benefit in the second phase under the Mukhya Mantri Atma Nirbhar Asom initiative.

Additionally, applications for the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina Scheme will start on August 7, providing financial aid to 3 lakh girl students. The Orunodoi 3.0 scheme will add 20 lakh new beneficiaries from September, bringing the total to 47 lakh, subject to Aadhaar and ration card possession. District commissioners have been tasked with boosting paddy, mustard, and maize procurement targets. The second edition of the Amrit Brikshya is set to plant three crore saplings by August 20.

Furthermore, on November 20, a 'Jhumur' dance event featuring 8,000 dancers from the state's tea gardens will be held to popularize the dance. The district commissioners' conference, which concluded on Tuesday, discussed these initiatives, ensuring their smooth implementation and transparent conduct of upcoming recruitment exams. From October 2, sub-districts will function as 'equivalent districts' to abolish VIP culture. The Chief Minister also welcomed the sentencing of former Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) chairman Rakesh Paul, former members, and 29 Agriculture Development Officers (ADO) involved in a cash-for-jobs scam, noting the ADOs' imminent dismissal from service.

(With inputs from agencies.)