Assam Politics & Governance

NEHHDC and CML sign MoU to support Assam’s handloom sector

1 September 2026

NEHHDC and the Centre of Microfinance and Livelihood signed an MoU to support Assam’s handloom sector. The proposed work covers skills, design, product development, entrepreneurship training and market access for weavers. It links an established regional development corporation with a livelihood organisation; the agreement sets out collaboration, not completed training or sales.

Notable Points

• Antaran initiative: The partnership was linked to Tata Trusts’ Antaran programme for craft-based livelihoods.

Assam transfers ₹25.12 crore in interim flood relief to 16,746 families

1 September 2026

Assam transferred ₹25.12 crore in interim flood relief to 16,746 families in Sivasagar, Charaideo and Jorhat on 1 September. Each family received ₹15,000 by direct benefit transfer, according to the Chief Minister. This tranche is a dated payment update; it should not be treated as the final assessment of all flood damage.

Notable Points

• Direct Benefit Transfer: India’s DBT programme began on 1 January 2013, initially transferring benefits in 20 districts.

Guwahati airport puts 570-metre approach lighting system into operation

1 September 2026

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport commissioned a 570-metre precision approach lighting system, extending its previous 180-metre system. The lights help pilots transition from instrument guidance to visual alignment with the runway, especially in rain and fog. Installation, testing and commissioning were complete when the airport announced the upgrade.

Notable Points

• Approach lighting: Approach lights help a pilot shift from instrument guidance to visual runway alignment during landing.

Central Silk Board plans wider market for Assam’s eri and muga silk

1 September 2026

The Central Muga Eri Research and Training Institute at Lahdoigarh opened a training centre and tissue-culture facility on its foundation day. Central Silk Board Member-Secretary P. Shivkumar outlined plans to expand markets for Assam’s eri and muga silk, including new clothing uses. A three-year Assam–Union initiative aims to develop production and markets; those targets remain prospective.

Notable Points

• Research institute: The Central Muga Eri Research and Training Institute at Lahdoigarh was established in 1999.

Assam Chief Secretary outlines safeguards for large recruitment examinations

1 September 2026

At a national public-examination reform meeting, Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota described safeguards used in large recruitment tests, including centralised conduct, OMR access, answer-key challenges, anti-cheating law and detailed standard procedures. He cited about 11 lakh candidates for more than 26,000 posts in 2022 and about 34 lakh candidates for more than 16,000 posts in 2024. The figures were his account of the scale of Assam’s recruitment examinations.

Notable Points

• Assam examination law: The Assam Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Act, 2024 provides a state legal framework against recruitment-test malpractice.

Supreme Court allows Oil India to file fresh plea on Dibru-Saikhowa proposal

2 September 2026

The Supreme Court allowed Oil India to withdraw an interim application and file a fresh plea after its forest-diversion proposal near Dibru-Saikhowa National Park was rejected. The company challenges refusal to divert 0.069 hectares in Tinsukia district for a hydrocarbon project. The order was procedural and did not approve drilling or forest diversion.

Notable Points

• Protected-area status: Dibru-Saikhowa became a biosphere reserve in 1997; its core area was declared a national park in 1999.

Election schedule announced for Silchar Municipal Corporation

2 September 2026

The Assam State Election Commission announced polling for the 42-ward Silchar Municipal Corporation on 3 October, with counting scheduled for 6 October. Nominations closed on 11 September, scrutiny was set for 14 September and withdrawal for 17 September; a re-poll, if needed, was scheduled for 5 October.

Notable Points

• Municipal elections: Article 243ZA places municipal elections under the supervision of the State Election Commission.

Assam announces anti-narcotics task force and plans two police battalions

3 September 2026

At a senior police officers’ conference in Dergaon, Assam announced an anti-narcotics task force and plans for two new police battalions. The state also set out measures to strengthen forensic capacity and disaster response, directing that conference decisions be implemented within six months. The battalions were plans, not units already operational.

Notable Points

• Disaster response: The Assam State Disaster Response Force is a specialised police force for disaster rescue and ...