Assam Clear 35 pc Pay Hike for ITI Staff, Open Dialogue on Sensitive Tribal Status Report
Agartala/Guwahati, Dec 1: With an objective of providing a significant economic uptick for technical staff and a resolving the contentious issue of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six communities, the Assam Cabinet finalized a series of major decisions on Sunday, including
While the cabinet meeting, presided over by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, chalked out the program schedule for the upcoming Martyrs’ Memorial inauguration and cleared essential decisions on land settlement and university governance, the two most impactful approvals are centered on finance and social welfare.
Major Pay Hike for Mini ITI Employees
In a move aimed at bolstering the state’s technical education and staff welfare, the Cabinet approved a substantial remuneration revision for employees across five Mini Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
Significant Wage Growth: The staff of ITIs located in Dudhnoi, Pathsala, Rangia, Biswanath Chariali, and Titabor will see their fixed pay and allowances increase by nearly 35 per cent.
New Financial Structure: This revision introduces a new fixed-pay structure and includes a guaranteed annual increment of 3 per cent, which will be implemented starting January 1.
This decision is viewed as a significant investment in the skill development ecosystem, rewarding essential technical staff and helping to retain qualified personnel in the state.
Tribal Status Report : Dialogue Initiated
Addressing the highly sensitive socio-political issue concerning the expansion of the state’s tribal list, the Cabinet established a mechanism for dialogue regarding the recent Group of Ministers (GoM) report on granting ST status to six communities.
The government decided to form a three-member ministerial panel that will engage with the Coordination Committee of Tribal Organizations of Assam (CCTOA).
Goal of the Talks: The primary objective of the meeting is to explain the specifics of the GoM report to the CCTOA.
The Chief Minister asserted that the Cabinet believes the report paves the way for granting ST status without adversely affecting the interests or quotas of existing tribal communities, a concern that has fueled protests across the state.
CM’s Commitment: The government stressed the importance of transparency and thorough understanding, with the Chief Minister prepared to join the discussions if required to ensure a satisfactory resolution.
Other Key Cabinet Approvals
Beyond the pay hike and tribal talks, the Cabinet also took several other crucial decisions.
Welfare: Raised the ex-gratia compensation for the families of deceased National Health Mission (NHM) workers from ₹5 lakh to ₹7.5 lakh.
Land Rights: Accelerated land allotment under Mission Basundhara, sanctioning pattas (land deeds) for a total of 1,372 applicants across districts including Dhubri, Goalpara, Bongaigaon, and Sonitpur.
Education Reform: Cleared an ordinance amending the North Lakhimpur University Act, 2023, ensuring continuity by enabling the incumbent Registrar to continue for three years or until a regular appointment is made.
