Assam to Introduce New Policy Against Human Trafficking
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Synopsis
On April 4, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed a new initiative aimed at combating human trafficking, led by the Women and Child Development Department, during a cabinet meeting. The state is also enhancing healthcare services and addressing various community needs.
Key Takeaways
- New policy to combat human trafficking.
- Women and Child Development Department as nodal agency.
- Rs 190 crore allocated for free drug services.
- Support for tea garden laborers through community initiatives.
- Assam Climate Centre established for urban climate action.
Guwahati, April 4 (NationPress) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Friday that the state government has resolved to formulate a new policy to tackle human trafficking.
This decision emerged from a cabinet meeting.
CM Sarma stated, "The Women and Child Development Department will be the primary agency for this policy. Its goal is to prevent and address related crimes while protecting and assisting victims."
The state cabinet has made several decisions, including the approval to allocate Rs 190 crore under the initiative 'State Government Budget for Free Drugs Services'.
CM Sarma emphasized that this initiative would enhance universal healthcare, enabling the distribution of free medicines to the public.
"This will greatly reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for the citizens," he noted.
Additionally, to safeguard the interests of tea garden laborers, a management committee will be formed to oversee the maintenance and operation of community halls and skill centers being established across 500 tea gardens at a cost of Rs 750 crore.
This committee will include the MLA of the respective community alongside other stakeholders.
"These halls and skill centers are essential for equipping youth with skills and facilitating various community events," CM Sarma highlighted.
The state cabinet has also approved the creation of the Assam Climate Centre for urban areas to enhance climate action initiatives and propose policy interventions.
The state administration will further develop a modern hostel to house 1,000 working women at an estimated cost of Rs 142 crore, he added.
In order to protect the rights of the Koch Rajbingshi community and acknowledging their significant contribution to Assam's heritage, the cabinet has instructed the withdrawal of 28,000 pending cases against community members in Foreigners Tribunals.
"The cabinet has also sanctioned an increase in Dearness Allowance / Dearness Relief for all state government employees and pensioners from 53 percent to 55 percent of the basic pay/pension, effective from 01/01/2025," the Chief Minister concluded.
