On Friday, The Assam Government approved a budget of Rs. 259 crores for the establishment of libraries throughout the state, aiming to foster reading habits among students. The weekly cabinet meeting made the decision to allocate these funds.
The cabinet announced the development of libraries tailored for children and adolescents, along with the establishment of digital infrastructure. This initiative falls under the ‘Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023-24’.
The objective of the scheme is to initiate the building of new libraries and acquire books, furniture, and computers with internet access in 2,197 village panchayats and 400 municipal wards, totaling an estimated expenditure of Rs 259.70 crore. This initiative aims to provide children and adolescents with access to up-to-date literature and connect them to National Digital Resources.
Simultaneously, the cabinet granted approval for the traditional Moh-juj festival held during Magh Bihu, with the condition that it must stick to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
The cabinet granted “In-principle approval” for outlining the detailed procedure/Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to allow the organisation of traditional buffalo and bullfights during Magh Bihu at Ahatguri, Morigaon district, Nagaon district, or any other region in Assam.
In Assam, organizers during the yearly Moh-juj festival will strive to ensure that no intentional harm or cruelty is inflicted upon the animals, and they will responsibly take care of the animals’ welfare—a crucial component of the longstanding Assamese cultural heritage.
Additionally, the cabinet rebranded the Directorate of Char Areas Development as the ‘Directorate of Minority Affairs & Char Areas, Assam’.
They conveyed that they would conduct a socio-economic evaluation of native Assamese Muslims under the purview of the Directorate of Minority Affairs and Char Areas.
