Assam Cabinet recommends CBI probe into July floods and hikes paddy MSP
The state government will formally request the Centre to initiate an investigation into the floods that killed 106 people.
The Assam Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Tuesday recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the July floods that affected Sivasagar and Charaideo districts. According to The Assam Tribune, the floods killed 106 people, including 17 children, and left 10 people missing. The state government will send a formal request to the CBI within 10 days, though the decision to conduct the inquiry rests with the Centre.
Chief Minister Sarma stated that the probe will investigate the root causes of the deluge and look into technical and systemic vulnerabilities. The floods, which began around July 19, saw water levels in Sivasagar, Jorhat, and Charaideo reach heights not seen in more than 50 years. This recommendation follows previous opposition demands for an investigation into alleged environmental violations and administrative failures.
In an effort to support the agricultural sector, the Cabinet approved an additional state incentive of Rs 200 per quintal for paddy procurement. This raises the effective Minimum Support Price (MSP) to Rs 2,640 per quintal for the upcoming harvesting season to mitigate crop losses. The move aims to assist farmers who suffered during the monsoon.
The Cabinet also approved several infrastructure projects, including a 2,000-acre defence manufacturing park in Jagiroad and five ropeway projects under the central Parvatmala scheme. The ropeway projects will connect locations such as Kamakhya railway station to Kamakhya Temple and Khanapara to Guwahati railway station. A joint venture company, the Ropeway Development Authority, will be formed with the Centre holding 51 per cent equity.
Additionally, the Cabinet amended the Assam Services Rules following the enforcement of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Under the new provisions, any state government employee found practicing polygamy will face immediate dismissal and permanent disqualification from future government employment.