The Assam government has taken many important decisions that have changed the social, economic and political landscape of the state. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, these decisions will not only prove to be a milestone in empowering the rights of tribal and vulnerable communities, but are also a signal for the constitutional and legislative steps proposed in the upcoming Assembly session. The essence of the policies of the Himanta government can be seen in three major areas: relaxation in population control policy, promotion of land rights and constitutional reforms.
Let us tell you that in a recent decision, the Assam government has decided to give relaxation to specific tribal and vulnerable communities in the state’s two-child policy. This includes tribal groups, tea garden workers, Moran and Mottock communities. The Chief Minister clarified that this decision has been taken after extensive consultation with social scientists, so that the risk of these small communities becoming extinct or becoming a minority can be reduced. The two-child policy implemented in 2017 will no longer apply to these communities, depriving them of government jobs or participating in panchayat elections.
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If seen, this step is very important from the social point of view. In fact, in a multi-ethnic state like Assam, protection of small and vulnerable communities is essential to maintain cultural and linguistic diversity. If the population of these communities remained controlled, their identity could be in danger in the coming decades. Politically, this decision places the government firmly among the tribals and the working class and may consolidate support in the upcoming elections.
The second decision is related to land rights and economic empowerment. The Assam government has approved 224 land leases under Mission Basundhara 2.0 to provide permanent property to landless tribal families. The move is an effort to resolve long-standing land disputes and ensure equitable distribution of land resources among indigenous communities. Along with this, the approval of cost escalation and expansion of Methane and Formalin Project of Assam Petrochemicals Limited has also enhanced the opportunities for industrial growth and employment generation.
The government has also taken sensitive initiatives in the education sector. The Assam Elementary and Secondary Schools Teachers (Regulation of Posting and Transfer) Bill, 2025 has been amended to give nearly 12,000 contractual teachers the right to apply for regularization. This step will ensure employment security and stability in the education sector.
The third and highly sensitive area is related to constitutional reforms and social issues. The government has approved ordinances enhancing the powers of Moran and Matak autonomous councils. Besides, there are plans to introduce bills related to “love jihad”, polygamy, protection of satras (Vaishnav monasteries) and land rights of tea tribes in the upcoming assembly session. These steps are clearly in the direction of strengthening constitutional control and community-based rights on socio-religious issues.
If seen from a social point of view, these policies provide equitable opportunities to tribal, minority and vulnerable communities and protect their cultural identity. From a political point of view, it is also a means for the government to strengthen its voter base. However, as bills on sensitive issues such as “Love Jihad” and polygamy may intensify political and religious debates in the state, it will be necessary to maintain balance and sensitivity in their implementation.
However, on one hand the policies of the Government of Assam are towards empowerment of weaker and minority communities through protection, education and employment, while on the other hand it also defines the political and social direction of the state. These steps are an attempt to strike a balance between Assam’s diversity, economic development and social justice. After these policies take legislative form in the upcoming assembly session, there is sure to be a change in the social and political scenario of Assam.