Assam Cabinet approves Bill for public safety

 STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The State Cabinet has approved the Assam Public Safety (Measures) Enforcement Bill, 2023, to ensure the safety of citizens. The government will introduce the Bill in the forthcoming Budget session.

The objective of the Bill is to ensure the safety of citizens by mandating the use of surveillance equipment like CCTVs, etc., in spaces that see large congregations of people by the owners of such spaces.

Under the Bill, every owner/manager/person running an establishment/residential building (above G+2) shall implement public safety measures within six months from the date of commencement of this Act or before the next date of licence renewal in the case of business establishments, whichever is earlier. Business establishments with more than five employees will have to install CCTVs. CCTV surveillance cameras shall have a provision for the storage of video footage for 30 days.

The Cabinet has taken this step to check crimes that have been occurring in Guwahati frequently. Such a measure will help police identify miscreants with ease.

Briefing the media after the Cabinet decision today, Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah said, “The Cabinet has also approved the initiative for future energy security, in collaboration with Coal India Ltd. (CIL), to address the growing power demand.”

The Cabinet has also approved the guidelines for granting Right of Way (RoW) to telecommunication infrastructures in Assam to facilitate the speedy rollout of 5G.

The Cabinet also approved amendment to the Assam Science and Technology University Act for efficient functioning of Assam Science and Technology University and optimum use of resources. Assam Engineering College, Guwahati, will be a constituent college of Assam Science and Technology University.

The Cabinet approved the formation of a society headed by the Chief Minister for the revival of the Assam Flying Club. The Cabinet approved a decision to recognise holders of three-year engineering diplomas from polytechnics as equivalent to holders of higher secondary science degrees.

For the procurement of paddy, the Cabinet sanctioned Rs 270 crore as grant-in-aid to the Chief Minister, Samagra Gramya Unnayan Yajona.

The Cabinet released Rs 361 crore for development works in the BTR.

The Cabinet also gave its approval to raise Rs 464 crore in loans from NABARD for the construction of 1,000 model anganwadi centres, 39 water harvesting projects, and three rural road projects.

The Cabinet approved the reengagement of the remaining 17 former employees of HPC (Hindustan Paper Corporation) in different departments.

Also Read:  Assam: Cabinet Forms Sub-Committee To Rehabilitate Child Marriage Victim

Also Watch: