Assam forms new Department to preserve religions of indigenous communities

GUWAHATI: The Himanta Biswa Sarma-headed Assam Cabinet today took a new decision to form a new department to preserve the religions of the indigenous communities in the region.

Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the Assam Cabinet has taken two key decisions upon completion of its first two months. Today, the Cabinet, sitting for a special occasion, has decided to open a new department -- the Department for Indigenous Faith and Culture.

Biswa Sarma said that the State Cabinet has decided to open this department to preserve and conserve the faiths of the indigenous people of Assam.

"You are well aware that the indigenous people had their own languages and culture and also their own religious beliefs. However, due to the lack of support from the government. These people do not have enough resources either -- be it Bathow, Brahma, the Donyi-Polo, or the faiths of the tea garden community, the Moran-Motoks, or the Rabha-Mishings," he said, adding that the Cabinet has requested a "good budget allocation" from Finance Minister Ajanta Neog for the new department.

Sarma said that this department will be "fully independent" and will deal with tribal faiths and tribal cultures.

ALSO READ: Assam Govt puts U G Brahma in charge of ‘Welfare of Bodoland’ Department

Another key decision, Biswa Sarma said, every scheme up to Rs 2 crore will be approved by a departmental committee, which will be headed by the department's commissioner.

In regards to schemes between Rs 2-5 crore, a standing finance committee meeting will be held every Friday to be presided over by the Chief Secretary.

For projects from Rs. 5-100 crores, the Finance Minister will preside over a special standing finance committee with the commissioners of the departments as member secretaries. This committee will approve schemes in this category.

For proposals above Rs. 100 crore, the departments must go directly to the Assam Cabinet to seek approval, Biswa Sarma added. "This will reduce about 24 tables plus the directorate will be more responsible," Biswa Sarma said.

Follow us on Facebook