The state cabinet approves recommending a CBI inquiry into the causes of the floods

Guwahati, November 4: The Assam government will recommend a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the causes of the floods that hit Sivasagar and Charaideo districts in July 2026. The proposal was approved at a state Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday.

According to the Cabinet decision, the state government will recommend a CBI probe to examine the causes of the flooding and the circumstances surrounding it. However, the Cabinet announcement did not specify the scope of the proposed investigation, the precise issues to be examined or the next steps in the process.

The July floods in Sivasagar and Charaideo had once again brought the recurring flood-related challenges of Upper Assam into focus. The proposed inquiry is expected to examine the circumstances that led to the flooding.

Other key Cabinet decisions

At the same meeting, the Cabinet approved an amendment to the Assam Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1964. Under the proposed change, government employees found guilty of contracting another marriage while their existing marriage is still in force will face dismissal from service. Such employees will ordinarily be disqualified from future government employment.

The Cabinet also approved a one-time relaxation of promotion criteria for unfilled vacancies from 2026 and vacancy years 2027 and 2028. The move is aimed at clearing pending promotions and opening up entry-level vacancies for fresh recruitment.

Five proposed ropeway projects under the Centre’s Parvatmala Pariyojana also received Cabinet approval. These include proposed routes connecting Kamakhya Railway Station with Kamakhya Temple and Khanapara with Guwahati Railway Station.

In another decision, the Cabinet approved an additional ₹200 per quintal for paddy procurement during the current Kharif Marketing Season. With this increase, the procurement price will rise to ₹2,640 per quintal.

The Cabinet also cleared a proposal to establish a Defence Park spread over 6,000 bighas near Nellie in Nagaon district. The proposed park aims to promote defence equipment manufacturing in Assam.