Guwahati, Nov 10 — The Assam Cabinet on Tuesday approved an allocation of Rs 200 crore for the implementation of the Ayushman Asom scheme, aimed at strengthening healthcare protection and ensuring continued benefits for more than 40 lakh families in the state.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the decisions were taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by him at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Dispur.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Sarma said the government was continuing its efforts to expand access to healthcare and provide greater financial security to families across Assam.
The Rs 200 crore allocation for Ayushman Asom is expected to ensure the continuity of healthcare benefits under the state's health protection framework. The scheme is aimed at making healthcare services more accessible to a large section of the population.
In another significant decision, the Cabinet enhanced the one-time ex-gratia assistance payable to the families of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan employees who die while in service. The financial assistance has been increased from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7.5 lakh, a move the government said would provide greater support to bereaved families during difficult times.
The Cabinet also approved the integration of Krishna Kanta Handiqui Government Sanskrit College in Guwahati with Kumar Bhaskar Varma Sanskrit and Ancient Studies University in Nalbari. According to the Chief Minister, the move is aimed at strengthening Sanskrit education, promoting traditional learning and creating greater academic opportunities for students.
The decisions come as the Sarma-led government continues to focus on welfare delivery and reforms in the education and healthcare sectors.
The Chief Minister said the Cabinet decisions reflected the government's commitment to strengthening public services and extending support to different sections of society.
The allocation for Ayushman Asom is particularly significant given the scheme's wide coverage, with more than 40 lakh families expected to benefit from the strengthened healthcare protection framework.
The enhanced ex-gratia assistance, meanwhile, provides an additional financial safety net for the families of Samagra Shiksha employees in the event of an untimely death.