Cabinet approves forming of 10 additional co-districts

Guwahati: The state cabinet, led by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Saturday took several key decisions, including authorising year-long centenary celebrations for cultural icon and music maestro Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika, alongside establishing 10 additional co-districts.
"To celebrate the life and times of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika, the cabinet has approved the commemoration of his 100th birth anniversary through a year-long celebration from Sept 8 2025 to Sept 8 2026," stated the official statement. The cabinet agreed to establish a 50-member Centenary Celebration Committee, headed by the Assam CM, and including other notable personalities.
"Chief ministers of all other seven NE states will also be invited to be a part of the committee. Commemorative events will be held in Guwahati, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Arunachal Pradesh," Sarma said. The cabinet determined to rename a significant institution after the legendary figure. They resolved to request the Prime Minister's presence at the opening ceremony on Sept 8, 2025, and the Presidents' attendance at the closing event on Sept 8, 2026.
The cabinet approved publishing Dr Bhupen Hazarika's biography in various languages. They also sanctioned the production of documentaries about his life and achievements, whilst agreeing to approach the Union government regarding a commemorative coin in his honour.
The cabinet authorised 10 new co-districts to be operational by Aug 15 — Boko-Chayagaon, Teok, Palasbari, Mariani, Barchalla, Dholai, Rangapara, Digboi, Makum, and Dudhnoi — aiming to enhance governance and public services.
Regarding the Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF), the cabinet approved Rs 250 crore funding to complete the remaining seven of 16 planned cancer care centres, with nine already finished.
The cabinet approved transferring four milk processing facilities in Bokakhat, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, and Bajali from the Dairy Development Department to North East Dairy and Foods Limited (NEDFL), a central and state government joint venture.
Post-cabinet, Sarma addressed media queries about Tahawwur Hussain Rana's extradition, calling it a warning to fugitives abroad and a diplomatic success for Modi. He criticised the previous UPA govt'' handling of Rana's case.
"An American court acquitted Rana at some point in time. During the time of the UPA regime, he got acquittal," Sarma stated. He expressed confidence in the judiciary's handling of Rana's case.
Sarma shared his personal experience from 2008, recounting how he had planned to stay at the Taj Hotel on the day of the attack but changed his accommodation. He was serving as a minister in the Congress-led state govt at that time.