The Assam Cabinet on Friday approved a significant set of measures aimed at strengthening welfare and development initiatives across the state. Among the key decisions was the enhancement of Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for government employees and pensioners.
With a two-percentage-point increase, the rates have been raised from 58 per cent to 60 per cent, benefitting more than eight lakh serving employees, pensioners, family pensioners, extraordinary pensioners and compassionate family pensioners.
In another major move, the Cabinet sanctioned an increase in the MLA Local Area Development (MLALAD) allocation. For the financial year 2026–27, each MLA will receive Rs 1.5 crore, up from Rs 1 crore. From FY 2027–28 onwards, the allocation will further rise to Rs 2 crore.
The guidelines have also been amended to allow up to 10 per cent of the annual allocation to be used for procuring and distributing community, educational, cultural, sports and disability-support equipment.
The Cabinet also approved the declaration of Dibrugarh as the Second State Capital Region Area and the constitution of the Second State Capital Region Development Authority, Dibrugarh (SCRDA-D). Covering a 20 km radius around the Dibrugarh Capital Complex, the authority will oversee regional and sectoral development plans, identify growth corridors, and manage urban expansion.
It will be chaired by the MLA of Dibrugarh, with senior officials from the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs, the District Administration, and other local bodies serving as members. A fund of Rs 500 crore has been earmarked in the budget of concerned departments to support infrastructure development in the region.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved amendments to the Assam Secondary Education (Provincialised Schools) Service (Amendment) Rules, 2026. The changes to Rule 5(2) and Rule 16(4) will regulate the promotion process for serving Grade IV employees to Grade III positions, ensuring a more structured and transparent system of career progression.
