Assam Cabinet approves new State University in Gohpur, land settlements & bill to prevent exam cheating

Digital Desk: The Assam cabinet, in a significant move, announced on Monday the establishment of the Swahid Kanaklata Baruah University in Gohpur, Biswanath district. 

The decision underscores the government's commitment to expanding educational opportunities in the region. A draft bill, the "Swahid Kanaklata Baruah University Bill," is slated to be presented in the upcoming Assembly session, marking a crucial step towards the university's formal establishment.

Addressing land-related issues, the cabinet approved the de-reservation of VGR/PGR land in Golaghat district, with an equivalent quantum of land to be reserved as VGR/PGR.

 

Notably, this land will be allocated to seven landless indigenous families who have occupied it earlier, on January 1, 2011. This move aligns with the government's effort to address land distribution and uplift marginalized communities.

Under Mission Basundhara 2.0, the government has committed to settling lands in ten districts, benefiting 418 landless indigenous families in both urban and rural areas. 

The cabinet emphasized that 84% of the approved settlements are allocated to applicants from SC/ST/OBC/MOBC categories, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive development.

In a bid to support the Bodoland Territorial Region, the cabinet approved the release of ₹400 crore as the second installment of the SOPD-G fund (Normal works) to the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) for the fiscal year 2023-24. This financial injection aims at fostering all-round development in the region.

A crucial step in ensuring the integrity of public examinations, the cabinet approved the Assam Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Bill, 2024. 

The bill, slated for introduction in the upcoming Budget Session starting on February 5, 2024, targets the prevention of question paper leaks and the use of unfair means during exams. This proactive measure aligns with the government's commitment to maintaining the credibility of the examination process.

Notably, the cabinet addressed the seamless promotion of Assistant Professors of Provincialized Colleges. Candidates are recommended for promotion according to government provisions, with the eligibility cut-off set at November 8, 2023.

 

However, the submission of IPR and MPR statements is exempted initially, with the condition that promoted candidates must submit these documents by March 31, 2024, ensuring timely promotions and maintaining the quality of teaching and research in Provincialized Colleges, as stated by the state cabinet.