Guwahati | The Assam Cabinet on Tuesday approved a series of policy reforms aimed at accelerating industrial development, expanding educational infrastructure and strengthening the tourism sector, with key decisions including automatic conversion of agricultural land for small enterprises and solar power projects.

Announcing the decisions after the Cabinet meeting, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the government has cleared the Assam Regulation of Re-classification and Re-classification-cum-Transfer of Lands (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which will be introduced in the upcoming session of the Assam Legislative Assembly.

Under the proposed amendment, agricultural land can be automatically converted for establishing micro-industries, khadi and allied enterprises, as well as solar energy projects, without requiring prior approval from district commissioners. The move is expected to reduce procedural delays, simplify compliance requirements and encourage investments in small-scale industries and renewable energy initiatives.

In another major decision, the Cabinet approved amendments to the Assam Private Universities Act, 2007, easing the minimum land and endowment fund requirements for setting up private universities in the state. The government said the changes are intended to attract greater private participation in higher education and support the expansion of academic institutions.

The Cabinet also approved relaxation of certain regulatory provisions governing private schools, a step aimed at facilitating the establishment and growth of educational institutions while improving access to quality school education across Assam.

To promote tourism and streamline regulatory processes, the Cabinet cleared the Assam Tourism Accommodation (Development and Registration) Rules, 2026. The new rules introduce a single-window registration mechanism for homestays and other accommodation facilities. They also provide for automatic renewal of registrations every three years, reducing administrative hurdles for tourism operators.

Among other decisions, the Cabinet sanctioned ?9.75 crore to the Assam Tea Corporation Limited (ATCL) for implementation of a proposed voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) for its executives.

The government further extended the validity of licences for all fair price shops in the state until December 31, 2026, from the earlier deadline of June 30. The extension is expected to ensure uninterrupted distribution of foodgrains to beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

The Cabinet decisions are aimed at improving the ease of doing business, encouraging private investment, supporting renewable energy projects, expanding educational opportunities and strengthening Assam’s tourism ecosystem while ensuring continuity in essential public welfare services.