Guwahati, July 15: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated on Wednesday that the state’s Satra institutions and the broader Vaishnav tradition are inseparable. During a budget discussion in the assembly, he defended his government’s budget promises, including land rights for tea garden workers and pension reforms.
While participating in the budget debate, the Chief Minister emphasized that some individuals still do not grasp the deep connections between Satra institutions and the Vaishnav tradition. He expressed confidence that awareness on this matter would grow over time.
“I am pleased to see that people are becoming more aware. The Satra and Vaishnav traditions are one and the same; it may take some time to understand this. Once people realize this, all misunderstandings will be resolved,” he remarked.
CM Sarma also reiterated the promise made before the assembly elections to grant land rights to tea garden worker families.
“We committed to providing land leases to tea garden families. So far, approximately 30,000 leases have been distributed. This year, another 150,000 families will receive leases. In the next two to three years, around 300,000 families will benefit from this initiative,” he added.
Responding to questions regarding the absence of specific mentions of this scheme in the budget, the Chief Minister stated that the welfare of the tea garden community is not merely a political slogan for his government but a long-term commitment.
Regarding the demand to reinstate the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), the Chief Minister confirmed that the government has decided to continue with the National Pension System (NPS). Additionally, a Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) option has been provided for employees.
He noted that over 150,000 youths employed by the government are already under the NPS, which in many cases can offer better benefits post-retirement.
The Chief Minister also expressed disappointment that the opposition did not raise questions about several key announcements made in previous budgets, such as the proposed satellite project, proton therapy facility, and the progress of the state’s OTT platform.
He confirmed that the tender process for the satellite project has been completed. Orders for the proton therapy facility will be issued soon, and work on the state’s OTT platform is progressing rapidly.
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