Editor
The Assam Cabinet has recently made a series of key decisions aimed at enhancing the well-being of its citizens. These decisions encompass various crucial areas and are expected to bring about positive changes in the lives of the people. Let's delve into the details of these important developments:
1. Streamlining Disbursal of Welfare Benefits:
In a bid to improve the distribution of welfare benefits to its citizens, the Assam Cabinet has approved the framework for the 'Digital Infrastructure for DBT Schemes (DIDS)' platform. This platform is set to revolutionize the process of disbursing welfare benefits by streamlining it and making it more efficient. To commence with, an Integrated Social Registry will be created, incorporating the databases of Orunodoi and NFSA schemes, along with Aadhaar data. Subsequently, the registry will expand to include beneficiaries from other onboarded schemes. All the DBT schemes of the State Government will be mandatorily brought under the purview of the DIDS platform, ensuring prompt implementation of welfare schemes, transparent selection of beneficiaries, and reducing both time and costs associated with rolling out these initiatives.
2. Enhancement of Right to Public Services:
The Assam Cabinet is determined to enhance public service delivery and has decided to promulgate the Assam Right to Public Services (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023. This ordinance will introduce amendments to Sections 8A and 8B of the Assam Right to Public Services Act, 2012, thereby strengthening the mechanism for providing notified services and addressing grievances under the Act. A notable amendment includes the establishment of the Assam State Commission for Right to Public Services, comprising a Chief Commissioner and two Commissioners. This independent three-member commission will function as a quasi-judicial body, effectively improving the delivery of public services.
3. Amendments to ESI Doctors' Service Rules:
To ensure smooth administration of the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Doctors Service in Assam, the Assam ESI Doctors' Service Rules, 2000 will be amended. The proposed amendment aims to reduce the minimum service period required for promotion as an Administrative Medical Officer (AMO) from 5 years to 2 years. This change is necessitated by the fact that previous Superintendents/Medical Officers did not fulfill the criteria for AMO due to retirement, resulting in a lack of full-fledged AMOs since 1964. The amendment seeks to rectify this issue and improve the functioning of the healthcare system.
4. Inculcating Olympic Values in Schools:
Recognizing the challenges posed by sedentary lifestyles, lack of concentration, and school dropouts among adolescents, the Assam Cabinet has taken a proactive step by introducing the Olympic Values Education Programme. This program, in association with the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust (ABFT), will be implemented in 250 government and private schools across Guwahati. The program aims to instill Olympic values, such as perseverance, sportsmanship, and discipline, among students. It is anticipated that this initiative will help address the prevailing issues and contribute to the holistic development of the students.
5. Strengthening the GST System:
To ensure a more efficient Goods and Services Tax (GST) system, the Assam Cabinet has decided to promulgate the Assam Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, based on the recommendations of the GST Council. As part of this, a State Bench of GST Appellate Tribunal will be established in Guwahati, further bolstering the state's tax administration and dispute resolution mechanism.
6. Tax Exemption for the Agricultural Sector:
In celebration of the remarkable 200 years of Assam's Tea industry, the Assam Cabinet
under the Assam Agricultural Income Tax Act, 1939 for granting tax exemption on agricultural income for a period of 3 years w.e.f. 1 April 2023.