• Assam government introduces bill to ban 'Magical Healing Practices'

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    Assam government introduces  bill to ban 'Magical Healing Practices'
    The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma...

    Digital Desk: The Assam government approved a bill to prohibit and eliminate practices of "magical healing" in the name of treatment, proposing strong punitive action against the "healers". The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday.

    CM Sarma shared the decisions taken at the meeting on X, stating that in addition to designating ten cities or towns for a specific program on sustainable development, the cabinet also suggested changing the state municipal cadres.

    The 'Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024' was approved by the ministerial council.

    The proposed law aims to "prohibit and eliminate practices of magical healing in the name of treatment of some congenital diseases such as deafness, dumbness, blindness, physical deformity, and autism".

    Taking to X, CM Sarma wrote, "It will prohibit such healing sessions completely and provide strong punitive action against 'healers' extorting the poor and downtrodden people in the name of treatment.”




    The (Doh Shaher-Ek Rupayan) concept of ten cities' development will be presented as a means of promoting sustainable urban development.

    A steering committee at the state level will oversee and monitor the concept's implementation.

     Solid waste management, a clean and drinkable water supply, traffic control, urban planning, manpower rationalization, and capacity building are some of its essential elements.

    Three state municipal cadres will have their tasks and responsibilities stated by a cabinet-approved amendment to the Assam Municipal Act 1956.

    The 'Assam Village Defence Organisation (Amendment) Bill, 2024' was also approved to enhance the VDOs. 

    An additional 352 posts will be created in the Assam Secretariat Service and Assam Secretariat Subordinate Services to improve administrative efficiency. 

    The Dibrugarh Forest Division's Namdang Reserved Forest will now have a Wildlife Safari and Rescue Center, approved by the cabinet.
     
    It will be built for an estimated ₹ 259 crore, showcasing the Northeast region's biodiversity and developing into a popular tourist destination.