Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated Slice Small Finance Bank’s India-first AI-powered “phygital” branch in Guwahati on GS Road. The next-generation banking setup blends physical trust with digital convenience using AI-enabled self-service kiosks, paperless cash deposits and withdrawals, and streamlined digital onboarding. The bank expects to expand access to responsible credit, savings and payments for individuals and small businesses, especially underserved communities, by pairing AI-driven convenience with trusted in-person support. Sarma said it reflects Assam’s readiness for technology-driven banking.
BJP leader Chandra Mohan Patowary was sworn in as Pro-tem Speaker of Assam’s newly formed 16th Legislative Assembly at Lok Bhavan in Guwahati. Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya administered the oath and praised Patowary’s experience to conduct proceedings with constitutional dignity. Patowary will oversee the oath-taking of newly elected MLAs starting May 21 and run House business until a full-time Speaker is elected. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reviewed industrial and power progress and outlined preparations for the July Budget Session.
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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared a video from Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary showing an endangered Hoolock Gibbon safely crossing a railway track using a specially designed canopy bridge. Installed nearly a year earlier, the netted rope structure lets arboreal animals move above ground without touching trains or vehicles. Sarma called it a “small but significant” example of science-led conservation, noting the islanded forest movement issues primates face when connectivity is disrupted.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared a video from Hollongapar showing a Hoolock Gibbon using a newly installed arboreal canopy bridge to cross railway tracks safely. The bridge, installed about a year ago as part of wildlife conservation, was built to help tree-dwelling species move between fragmented forest patches without risking ground-level crossings on busy lines. Conservationists called it a hopeful sign for India’s only ape species, urging more such corridors as infrastructure expands across the Northeast.
A government primary school teacher in Assam’s Charaideo district has been arrested after internal CCTV footage allegedly showed repeated physical assault on students inside Mathurapur Bagicha Primary School. The headmaster reportedly reviewed the recordings earlier this month, prompting outrage. Police said a formal case has been filed and the teacher is in custody, while authorities are investigating both the video and other evidence. Parents fear for child safety, and the Education Department may launch a separate probe.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that his son, Nandil Sarma, has successfully completed Ironman Vietnam, one of the world’s toughest endurance events. The race demands a 3.8 km swim, a 180 km cycling leg, and a 42.2 km marathon, all in a single day. Sarma finished in about 16 hours after only 7-8 months of preparation, while studying in his fifth year at NLSIU Bengaluru. The CM praised Nandil’s discipline and perseverance.
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Assam has sworn in four new ministers and assigned them a wide spread of portfolios in Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s cabinet expansion. An official Raj Bhavan notification said Rameswar Teli will oversee Transformation and Development, Labour Welfare and Tea Tribes and Adivasi Welfare. Atul Bora takes charge of Panchayat and Rural Development, Assam Accord implementation, Border Protection and Development, and Excise, while Charan Boro gets Transport plus Bodoland welfare. Ajanta Neog is given Women and Child Development and Tourism.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma says the NDA’s success in Eastern India signals a revival of ancient civilizations. He points to Anga, Banga, Kalinga and Kamrupa as the engine for the country’s next growth phase, stressing unified development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deliver all-round progress and boost each region’s contribution to India’s GDP.
Assam has achieved a major breakthrough by making its first legal export of agarwood chips to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, worth Rs 2.35 crore. The move, enabled by the Assam Agarwood Promotion Policy 2020, is expected to strengthen the state’s agro-forest economy and create new earnings for farmers and businesses. Assam now eyes a long-term Rs 50,000 crore opportunity.
Assam’s new cabinet has approved a Uniform Civil Code bill to be tabled in the Assembly on May 26. Alongside the legislative push, the government is tightening finances: officials face a six-month freeze on new vehicles and foreign travel, while fuel consumption will be cut by 20 percent. The administration also plans to create two lakh government jobs over five years.
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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state cabinet has approved the draft Uniform Civil Code bill, with plans to introduce it in the assembly on May 26. The proposed law focuses on issues such as polygamy and marriage age, while reportedly exempting tribal communities. The announcement signals a major legal shift in Assam’s personal laws framework.
Assam is signaling a new phase of development and prosperity under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said. He highlighted safeguarding native land rights and tackling immigration challenges as central priorities, framing the effort as a bid for harmony, stability, and long-term growth.
Himanta Biswa Sarma has started his second term as Assam chief minister, signaling continuity for the BJP’s Northeast dominance. The strategist turned strongman points to ongoing development and welfare schemes, alongside an emphasis on land rights. Yet his previous tenure also drew sharp criticism over controversial measures, setting a tense tone for what comes next.
Security personnel at the new Assam government’s swearing-in venue apprehended a man during routine checks after live bullets were discovered. He was detained for questioning, though no weapons were recovered at the scene. Officials say the timing—just before the oath-taking—has heightened concerns, and an investigation is underway to determine how the bullets were brought in and whether there is any security threat.
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Assam Chief Minister-designate Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the four ministers expected to be inducted into the Himanta 2.0 Cabinet, ahead of the swearing-in in Guwahati on Tuesday, May 12. He also named the candidate for Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly, signaling how the new government will be structured after a BJP landslide.
Assam Congress leaders met after the election results to lay out plans for a “New Congress” aimed at building a “Greater Assam.” The party says it will focus on correcting its mistakes, pushing its message to grassroots voters, and countering what it calls BJP misinformation. Congress also announced it will not attend the new government’s swearing-in ceremony.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the assembly poll outcomes in West Bengal, Assam, and Puducherry sparked nationwide enthusiasm. Speaking in Vadodara after inaugurating the Sardar Dham Hostel, he praised the BJP’s performance in the local context and asserted that people working together have “created history,” framing the results as a turning point beyond state lines.
Assam has seen a major political reversal as the BJP led NDA clinches a third consecutive term, ending the long era of Congress dominance. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is set to make history as the first non Congress leader sworn in for a second straight term. The win signals a durable shift in the state’s electorate.
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NDA leaders met Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya at Lok Bhavan and staked their claim to form the next government. Himanta Biswa Sarma is set to lead, marking the third consecutive NDA government in Assam. The assembly election results delivered a strong majority, and Sarma is poised to become the first non-Congress CM to win two back to back terms.
Himanta Biswa Sarma has been elected leader of the BJP Legislature Party and the NDA Legislature Party in Assam, clearing the path for a new state government. The swearing-in ceremony is set for May 12, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to attend as the chief guest, signaling a high-profile start to Sarma’s next term as CM.
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