Assam Cabinet Clears Rs 300 Crore Welspun Project, Usha Mangeshkar to Win First Bhupen Hazarika Award
Assam Cabinet approves Rs 300 crore Welspun project in Rangia and names Usha Mangeshkar first Dr Bhupen Hazarika National Award recipient.
The Assam Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has announced a series of high-impact decisions spanning industrial growth, cultural recognition, and administrative governance. In a major boost to the state's industrial landscape, the government has approved a Rs 300 crore investment proposal from the Welspun Group to set up an industry in Rangia, located in the Kamrup district. This new venture is expected to create direct employment opportunities for approximately 300 people.
Industrial Growth in Kamrup
Chief Minister Sarma shared these updates during a press conference following the cabinet meeting. He highlighted that the Welspun Group's investment of Rs 300 crore will be a significant step forward for the region's economy, bringing both infrastructure development and job creation to Rangia.
Honouring Cultural Icons: The Dr Bhupen Hazarika National Award
In a move to celebrate the legacy of the legendary Assamese singer, the state government has instituted the Dr Bhupen Hazarika National Award. In an announcement that bridges cultural ties between Assam and Maharashtra, singer Usha Mangeshkar has been selected as the first-ever recipient of this prestigious honour.
The award will be presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 29 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The ceremony will mark the closing of the Dr Bhupen Hazarika birth centenary celebrations. The award includes a citation and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, and it is scheduled to be conferred every three years.
Updates to State Awards and Civilian Honours
The Cabinet also focused on enhancing the state's most prestigious awards. The cash component of the Srimanta Sankardeva Award has been increased from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh. This award will also be presented on October 29 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Furthermore, the government has finalized the list of awardees for 2025 for the state's highest civilian honours:
- Assam Baibhav Award 2025: Dr Harsha Bhattacharjee has been chosen for the state's highest civilian honour.
- Assam Saurabh Award 2025: Four individuals have been selected: Padma Shri Dr Kushal Konwar Sarma, Padma Shri Nuruddin Ahmed, Pulak Banerjee, and Dr Purnima Devi Barman.
Administrative and Electoral Progress
The Assam Cabinet has also cleared the path for local governance by approving the election rules for the Mising Autonomous Council and the Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council. With these rules now in place, elections for both councils are set to be held in November.