State
Assam CM Announces Delimitation of Development Blocks Before November Panchayat Polls
Guwahati – In preparation for the upcoming panchayat elections in November, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced the delimitation of development blocks across the state. This decision was made during a cabinet meeting on Thursday to address the issue of some blocks spanning multiple assembly constituencies following last year’s delimitation of assembly and parliamentary seats.
“To ensure that a panchayat or zila parishad does not fall in two assembly constituencies, we will have delimitation of all development blocks in the state and redraw the boundaries of panchayats ahead of the elections,” CM Sarma stated. The delimitation process is scheduled to conclude in August, with the updated voter list to be released in September, and the official announcement of the panchayat polls in October.
The cabinet has also formed a sub-committee including Finance Minister Ajanta Neog and Ministers Ranoj Pegu, Bimal Borah, and Ranjit Dass. This sub-committee will present a report within a month on the costs involved in expanding the state government’s flagship ‘Orunodoy’ scheme, which provides Rs. 1,250 per month to economically disadvantaged families.
In addition, the cabinet approved the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Prasar Bharati to produce a 52-episode documentary series on the legendary Ahom General Lachit Barphukan. This series will be aired on Doordarshan’s national and regional channels.
Moreover, the state will issue new ration cards to 1.5 million more individuals, increasing the total number of beneficiaries in Assam to over 28 million.
The cabinet also decided to hold 93 meetings across 93 of the 126 assembly constituencies in July to express gratitude to voters where the BJP and its allies received more votes than their rivals in the recent Lok Sabha polls. Meetings in the remaining 33 constituencies will be conducted to understand residents’ grievances.
In memory of social activist and Padma Shri recipient Birubala Rabha, who passed away last month, the cabinet declared May 13 as an annual day against superstitions and social ills.
Commenting on the recent election results, CM Sarma observed a significant shift of Muslim votes from the AIUDF to the Congress, suggesting a polarization along communal lines. “This election was very polarized and communal… Hindu voters supported candidates from all parties, while Muslim voters consolidated behind Congress,” he said. Sarma also hinted at a cabinet reshuffle before August 15, following the victory of cabinet colleague Parimal Suklabaidya in the Silchar seat.
This comprehensive delimitation and strategic planning reflect the Assam government’s efforts to ensure efficient administration and address electoral challenges ahead of the panchayat elections.
