Guwahati, Dec 1 (NationPress) The Assam Cabinet has solidified the program timeline for the unveiling of the memorial dedicated to the martyrs of the Assam Movement at Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati. This decision coincides with the approval of a range of critical administrative, financial, and welfare policies, including land settlements, pay adjustments, and reforms in university governance.

Presided over by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the meeting established a two-day event to honor the martyrs of the Assam Movement. On December 9, the government will illuminate earthen lamps state-wide in remembrance of each martyr, complemented by naam-prasanga.

On December 10, the official inauguration of the Swahid Smarak Bhawan will take place, with the families of the martyrs invited as esteemed guests. All districts will concurrently observe Swahid Divas that day, featuring a ceremonial performance of the iconic song "Swahid Pronamo Tomak" before gatherings ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 participants based on district demographics.

The Cabinet has also urged citizens to light an earthen lamp in their homes on December 10 as a tribute.

In an important welfare initiative, the Cabinet approved an increase in the ex-gratia payment for the families of deceased National Health Mission (NHM) employees from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7.5 lakh.

Additionally, a significant pay revision was sanctioned for staff members at five Mini Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) located in Dudhnoi, Pathsala, Rangia, Biswanath Chariali, and Titabor. Their salaries will see an increase of approximately 35 percent, with a restructured fixed-pay system and an annual increment of 3 percent starting from January 1.

For higher education governance, the Cabinet has approved an ordinance to amend Section 58 of the North Lakhimpur University Act, 2023. This amendment will permit the current Registrar to serve an additional three years or until a permanent appointment is made, ensuring continuity in both administrative and academic operations.

Land settlements under Mission Basundhara have been expedited, with pattas granted to 660 applicants across Dhubri, Goalpara, Bongaigaon, Sonitpur, Lakhimpur, Golaghat, Nalbari, and Barpeta, along with another 712 applicants in Sonitpur, Barpeta, and Golaghat.

The Cabinet has also resolved to form a three-member ministerial committee to engage with the Coordination Committee of Tribal Organizations of Assam (CCTOA) to discuss the report on granting tribal status to six communities, with the Chief Minister participating in discussions if required.