Assam Declares Dry Day On January 22

To mark Ram temple Consecration…

On January 22, the Assam government declared a "dry day" as the consecration of Ram temple will take place in Ayodhya, a Senior Minister said.

While addressing a press conference after a cabinet meeting chaired by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday, Tourism Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said, "To commemorate the inauguration of Ram temple, the Assam government has decided to declare January 22 as a dry day."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, scores of chief ministers from NDA-ruled states, and approx. 6,000 people are scheduled to attend the opening ceremony in Ayodhya.

The cabinet also decided to increase three development councils' financial and administrative powers for the Missing, Rabha Hasong, and Tiwa communities.

"We will send a proposal to the Centre to secure more funds for these councils," Baruah said.

The government also approved a financial package under an existing scheme for women registered under self-help groups (SHGs).

"This will be a support to entrepreneur women for their ventures. Almost 49 lakh women can take benefits under this scheme," the minister added.

In another development, the cabinet decided to extend the coverage of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) to include government employees and pensioners with an annual income of less than Rs. 4 lakhs.

These individuals will also receive health insurance of Rs. 5 lakhs under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

"Earlier, they were not eligible as they were government employees. They will get health insurance of Rs. 5 lakhs under the Ayushman Bharat scheme as well," the minister added.