Assam government to roll out new ‘Babu Scheme’ on January 1: Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday, November 22 announced that the state government will roll out a new scheme known as the 'Babu Scheme', from January 1, 2026. 

Following the success of 'Nijut Moina Scheme', a financial assistance program launched by the Government of Assam to support girl students, the government decided to also expand their programme to the male students as well under the new scheme. 

The chief minister made the announcement in Bongaigaon today, while attending the cheque distribution ceremony under the Chief Minister’s Women Entrepreneurship Mission at the playground of Abhayeswari Higher Secondary and Multi-Purpose School in Abhayapuri. After the programme, the Chief Minister addressed the media and shared his views on several current issues.

Speaking on the controversy surrounding the term “suspicious Miya,” CM Sarma said that the Constitution imposes no restrictions on commenting about individuals deemed suspicious.

“There is no prohibition on speaking against suspicious Miya individuals. Only those who fall under the ‘suspicious’ category will feel targeted. It was Ripun Bora who used the term, not me,” he clarified.

Targeting the Congress party, the Chief Minister remarked that despite decades of governance in Assam, the party failed to take meaningful steps for the minority community.

“Congress ruled Assam for 60 years but did nothing for minority citizens. Had they provided land pattas earlier, today’s evictions would not have taken place. People should now question the Congress on these issues,” the CM said.

On the case involving an alleged threat issued by a retired ACS officer to journalist Rana Deka, CM Sarma said both individuals should maintain cordial relations. He added that the government is ready to provide a Personal Security Officer (PSO) if the journalist needs protection.

Responding to allegations by the Congress that non-residents are being enrolled in Assam’s voter list through the SR system, the Chief Minister dismissed the claims as baseless.

“If outsiders are randomly added, who will feed them? Where will they stay? Who will bear the expenses? During the CAA protests, Congress claimed that one and a half crore people would enter Assam. This time they cannot mislead people with such false narratives,” he said.

The Chief Minister also hinted at a new welfare initiative for media professionals, saying, “This time we will have to introduce a special scheme for journalists as well.”

Taking a dig at Congress MLA Pradip Kumar Sarkar of the South Abhayapuri constituency, he commented, “It seems he has fallen asleep.”

On the removal of Tipu Sultan and Babur from the NCERT curriculum, the Chief Minister supported the move and said, “This is a good step. Figures like Tipu and Babur should be removed completely.”