Guwahati, April 2025 – Assam is witnessing several significant developments across transportation, security, education, and governance. From a green signal for the Water Metro project to updates on AFSPA in Assam, ULFA(I) militant activity, and new guidelines for schools in Kamrup Metro, here’s a roundup of all the top headlines.
Assam to Explore Water Metro Services in Guwahati, Dibrugarh & Tezpur
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday thanked Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal for approving a technical feasibility study for introducing Water Metro services in Assam. The initiative will focus on urban mobility in river-based cities like Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Tezpur.
“With Assam’s vast riverine network, Water Metro offers unmatched potential in transforming urban mobility,” Sarma wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Inspired by the success of the Kochi Water Metro, the Assam Water Metro initiative will focus on clean, comfortable, and affordable water-based transit. The proposal includes solar-powered ferries, smart terminals, and last-mile connectivity, offering eco-friendly solutions for traffic congestion and pollution in urban areas.
Assam is one of 24 Indian cities selected for this nationwide feasibility study, underlining the state’s rising focus on sustainable transport and smart infrastructure.
AFSPA Extended in 3 Assam Districts: Tinsukia, Sivasagar & Charaideo
Despite improvements in Assam’s law and order situation, the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) remains in force in Tinsukia, Sivasagar, and Charaideo. These three eastern districts share proximity with the Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland borders, where insurgent movements are still active.
According to police sources, ULFA(I) and other banned outfits continue to operate in these regions, prompting the government to retain AFSPA in order to safeguard peace. The rest of Assam has seen a gradual withdrawal of AFSPA, thanks to reduced militant incidents and improved police infrastructure.
Security experts confirm that in the remaining districts, Assam Police and paramilitary forces are capable of handling law and order without Army deployment.
ULFA(I) Militants Active Near Borders, Myanmar Camps Revealed
Security agencies have reported renewed movement of ULFA(I) militants entering Assam from Myanmar-based camps. These insurgents are said to be operating through border corridors in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, primarily for extortion and intimidation.
Targets include:
- Tea estates
- Stone crushers
- Coal traders
- Illegal mining operations
The militant group is believed to maintain 4–5 camps in Myanmar, housing around 200 cadres. Key ULFA(I) leaders managing these camps include:
- Arunodoi Dohotia
- Michael Deka Phukan
- Nayan Medhi
While Paresh Baruah, ULFA(I)’s elusive commander, hasn’t visited these camps recently, intelligence agencies suggest he may attend meetings during the upcoming Rongali Bihu celebrations. The group continues to recruit selectively from vulnerable districts, although the inflow has significantly declined since the anti-CAA protests.
New School Rules in Kamrup Metro for 2025–26 Academic Year
The Inspector of Schools, Kamrup Metro, has announced strict operational guidelines for all government and provincialised schools for the academic year 2025–26. These rules are designed to ensure discipline, teacher accountability, and student engagement.
Key Instructions for Teachers:
- Must report to school by 9:00 AM
- Three consecutive late marks = 1 day CL deduction
- No casual leave left = 1-day salary cut
Use of Siksha Setu App:
- Daily attendance must be marked via the Siksha Setu App
- In case of network issues, geo-tagged group photos must be shared in the official WhatsApp group
Revised Timings:
- Lower Primary Schools: Open until 2:05 PM
- High & Higher Secondary Schools: Open until 3:25 PM
- Non-teaching Staff: Must be present from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Additionally, all Post Graduate Teachers (PGTs) are required to actively teach high school sections, and revised timetables must be submitted to the Inspectorate accordingly.
These instructions were finalized after a meeting held on April 8, 2025, at Cotton Collegiate Higher Secondary School.aduate Teachers (PGTs) are now required to take regular classes in the high school section, with updated timetables to be submitted accordingly.
Conclusion
Assam is embracing a multi-faceted approach to governance by combining development, discipline, and security. With the launch of the Water Metro feasibility study, the government is exploring innovative solutions for transportation. Meanwhile, the selective enforcement of AFSPA and continued monitoring of ULFA(I) activities underline the state’s focus on border safety and peacekeeping.
On the education front, the newly issued school guidelines in Kamrup Metro reflect a push for institutional reform, tech integration, and stronger accountability among staff and teachers.
As Assam moves forward, these measures collectively signal a vision for a more connected, secure, and structured state.
