Assam Cabinet approves decision to erect "pucca" houses for ATC garden labourers

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The State Cabinet has taken a slew of decisions that are set to benefit mostly the tea community, landless farmers and others.

The Cabinet met on Wednesday with Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in the chair. For the welfare of tea estate labourers, the Cabinet has approved a decision to erect "pucca" houses costing Rs 1.30 lakh each for all ATC (Assam Tea Corporation) garden labourers who dwell in thatched houses. The labourers of other tea estates will also get such "pucca" houses in phases.

For the benefit of tea garden youths, the Cabinet has decided to pay Rs 25,000 as one-time grant each to 15,000 tea community youths to facilitate their self-employment. This is not all. Tea estate students who have passed HSLC (High School Leaving Certificate) and HS (High Secondary) Examinations will be paid a special one-time scholarship of Rs 10,000 each.

The generosity of the Cabinet is also seen on landless farmers and the poor. According to the 'New Land Policy-2019', three bighas of land will be given to the landless farmers. However, the Cabinet on Wednesday decided to give seven bighas of land, instead of three bighas, to the landless farmers. The Cabinet has also decided to pay Rs 20,000 to each family for the installation of solar power under the PMAY (G).

According to another decision, 626 supervisors and 12 statistical assistants working on a contractual basis in the Department of Social Welfare will get payscales and other perks from today in accordance with the government norms.

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