*Assam Cabinet approves fast-track court for Zubeen Garg death case*

Guwahati, Feb 27: The Assam Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Thursday approved the setting up of a fast-track court for the trial in the death case of cultural icon Zubeen Garg. The decision was taken during the Cabinet meeting at Lok Sewa Bhawan.

Announcing the move, Sarma said, “The Cabinet has approved an Exclusive/Dedicated Sessions Court under Section 346(1) of the BNSS, 2023, for day-to-day trial of the case, given its sensitivity and implications for public order and governance credibility.” The state government will request the Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court to establish the fast-track or exclusive court.

Other key approvals by the Cabinet include:

Tea garden wages increased: Daily wages for Brahmaputra Valley tea workers will rise by Rs 30 to Rs 280 from April 1, 2026. In Barak Valley, wages will increase from Rs 228 to Rs 258 as an interim step, with plans to exceed Rs 300 after implementation of the Labour Code.

Orunodol Scheme payout: Rs 9,000 per beneficiary will be provided to 39.70 lakh families in March 2026, totaling Rs 3,600 crore within the budget.

PWD re-appointments and land allotments: 57 Junior Engineers (Civil) have been re-appointed under Regulation 3(1) PWD. Additionally, 326 beneficiaries have received land under Mission Basundhara.

Agriculture college funding: Administrative approval for a College of Agriculture at Patharkandi, Sribhumi district, has been granted with Rs 12.22 crore to support farmers, agri-startups, and rural youth in Barak Valley.

Industrial incentives:

Bharat A to Z Pvt Ltd: Incentives under IIPA 2019 for a Rs 475 crore shipyard and container shipping line at Dharapur, Guwahati, creating 900 direct jobs.

Hotel Polo Towers Ltd: Incentives for a Rs 103.92 crore 100-room 5-star hotel in Silchar, generating 200 direct jobs.

Infrastructure loan: Rs 519 crore from NABARD under RIDF-XXXI will fund 241 projects by Public Works (Roads) and Border Protection & Development, benefiting Sixth Schedule districts and border areas.

Aviation VAT cut: VAT on Aviation Turbine Fuel reduced from 23.65 to 18.65 paise per rupee under Assam VAT Act, 2003, to boost air connectivity, aviation, and tourism.

Health and welfare measures: Second instalment of MMUA from March 11, 2026, distribution of scooties under ASHA Express scheme to 33,656 ASHAs and 2,570 supervisors, and Grade III job for the wife of late Rajib Sadiya, Upasana Bokoliyal Gogoi.

The Cabinet decisions aim to address public concerns, enhance employment, infrastructure, and sectoral growth across the state.