Assam CM Engages with Community Leaders on Land Rights Ahead of 2026 Elections
Community Engagement on Land Rights
Assam CM chairing meetings with Moran & Matak community members during his visit to Dibrugarh on Wednesday (Photo: CMO/X)
Dibrugarh, Oct 28: On Wednesday, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma convened discussions with representatives from the Moran, Matak, Mising, and Sonowal-Kachari communities regarding land rights and unresolved cases under Mission Basundhara 4.0.
The discussions were held at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Dibrugarh, marking the beginning of Sarma's two-day visit to the Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts.
In a post on social media, Sarma highlighted that the talks with the Moran and Matak groups aimed to address land-related issues under Mission Basundhara 4.0.
Proposed initiatives include the publication of relevant guidelines for these communities on the official portal, training local youth to assist residents in submitting online land applications, and extending the deadline for premium payments for those unable to pay on time.
The discussions also encompassed land settlements in tribal regions, with proposals for allotting up to 50 bighas per family and reviewing pending cases under the scheme, as noted by the Chief Minister.
Community representatives also brought up specific demands and concerns related to the upcoming 2026 elections.
A spokesperson from the Mising community mentioned that the meeting addressed land issues in areas governed by the Mising Autonomous Council, including families yet to receive land rights under Mission Basundhara and the necessity to settle families residing in forested areas.
“These matters were discussed today in light of the 2026 elections, as the public will hold us accountable,” the spokesperson remarked.
Scheduled elections for the Mising and Sonowal-Kachari autonomous councils are set for November 2026, following the Assam Cabinet's approval of the necessary regulations on October 23.
A member of the Sonowal-Kachari community expressed that they have consistently approached the state government regarding land settlement rights and have submitted memorandums seeking benefits under the scheme.
“Members of the Sonowal-Kachari community have struggled to secure land under the Basundhara scheme. We have persistently advocated for our settlement rights,” the member stated, adding that the upcoming elections were also a topic of discussion.
Additionally, a representative from the All Assam Matak Students’ Union indicated that the meeting addressed various demands, including elections for the Matak Autonomous Council and the pursuit of Scheduled Tribe status for their community.
During his visit, Sarma is also expected to travel to Tinsukia to lay the groundwork for several development projects and introduce new initiatives.
These initiatives include the revitalization of Shaheed Piyoli Phukan Playground and Bor Godha Pukhuri, as well as enhancing Mahatma Gandhi Park and Bishnu Rabha Park.
He will also launch the Samagra Seva app and inaugurate an eco-friendly autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) block manufacturing facility.