Assam: State cabinet to review SIT report on Gogoi, says CM HImanta Biswa Sarma Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday, while speaking on the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report against MP Gaurav Gogoi’s links to Pakistan, termed it as a “very explosive” 96-page document. “It is a kind of cartel that was working to defame the development processes of our country. Within this entire cartel, one Pakistani citizen and the British wife of the MP have played a significant role,” he stated. CM Sarma added the cabinet would review the report and take a call on further action after the conclusion of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections. CM Sarma said he would first go through the report and then it would be made public.
CM Sarma added the cabinet would review the report and take a call on further action after the conclusion of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections. (File Image)

Guwahati: The Assam Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday, approved a series of sweeping measures aimed at boosting investment, generating employment, and tightening land governance in the state.

A key decision was the introduction of a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) regulating inter-religious transfer of immovable property.

Under the new policy, individuals seeking such transfers must apply to the government, after which the District Commissioner, Revenue Department, and Assam Police’s Special Branch will scrutinize each case for legality, funding sources, and potential security or social risks.

The final decision rests with the District Commissioner. NGOs from outside Assam will be subject to the same process, while local NGOs are exempt.

Chief Minister Sarma highlighted the policy’s importance, tweeting: “We will examine proposals for source of funds, threat to national security, and possibility of socio-demographic change.”

On the economic front, the Cabinet approved four major projects totaling nearly Rs 969 crore. These include Premier Cryogenics Ltd’s Rs 125 crore semiconductor-grade gas plant in Jagiroad, Jonali Construction’s Rs 182.17 crore Marriott Resort & Spa, Ambuja Neotia Healthcare Venture’s Rs 302.65 crore hospital, and Ambuja Neotia Hotel Ventures’ Rs 360 crore hotel.

These projects are expected to generate 2,704 jobs. The Cabinet also approved the closure of Assam Plantation Crops Development Corporation Ltd, with Rs 600 lakh allocated for voluntary retirement packages and closure liabilities.

Cultural initiatives included a Rs 25,000 grant for participants of the Jhumoir Binandini programme, to be disbursed on October 12.

Assam’s celebrations for Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika will be held on September 8, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the centenary events has been rescheduled to September 13–14.

Manoj Kumar Ojha is a journalist based in Dumduma, Upper Assam, with over 10 years of experience reporting on politics, culture, health, and the environment. He specializes in Assam's cultural and social...