Assam Cabinet extendeds the scope of the economically weaker section quota

The Assam Cabinet on July 18 extended the scope of the Economically weaker section (EWS) quota. Eligibility criteria such as rural (15 bigha land) to urban (1 bigha land) has been extended to 30 and 2 bigha. This will allow more people to be eligible for the EWS as per state government.

Assam Cabinet Minister Jayanta Malla Barua said, “To remove hurdles for EWS candidates in getting government jobs and admissions, the criterion of built-up area of house Municipal Corporation/Municipal Board/Town Committee areas enhanced by almost double from current norms (1,000 sq ft to 2,000 sq. ft & above). This has been done as the aforementioned areas are basically semi-urban in nature where the residents extend the main living area for household purposes like separate kitchen/separate study room for their children, etc”.

The cabinet has approved Rs 839.95 Crore for the formation five commando battalions.The Battalions to be stationed in sensitive areas will boost Assam Police's capabilities of dealing with crimes as well as play a crucial role in counter insurgency operation.