The Assam Cabinet has decided to set up a fast track court to speed up the trial of the famous Zubeen Garg death case. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that this step has been taken on the request of the family. The Cabinet has approved the proposal to urge the Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court to set up a special court.
Decision taken on family demand
The Chief Minister said in the press conference that the government was satisfied with the functioning of the existing court, but the wishes of the victim’s family are paramount. It is noteworthy that famous singer Zubeen Garg died under mysterious circumstances while swimming in the sea in Singapore on September 19 last year. He had gone to attend the North East India Festival. The bail pleas of many accused in the case have been rejected. The government says that normally in such cases, bail is granted in a few months, but here the court has shown strictness.
Also accused of ‘conspiracy’
The Chief Minister had recently alleged that some media organizations and opposition parties were trying to give political color to the matter before the elections. He claimed that a conspiracy was being hatched to provide relief to the accused by changing the judge. However, now the government has clarified that it will take forward the demand of the family and the final decision will be taken by the Chief Justice of the High Court.
Daily wage of tea garden workers increased by Rs 30 before elections
Taking another major decision in the cabinet meeting, the government announced to increase the daily wages of tea garden workers by Rs 30. From April 1, wages will be Rs 280 per day in Brahmaputra Valley and Rs 258 in Barak Valley. Earlier, an increase of Rs 18 was made in October 2023. Assembly elections in Assam, the country’s largest tea producing state, are scheduled for March-April. In such a situation, this decision is being considered important.
Amount given to 39.7 lakh beneficiaries under Orunodai scheme
The Cabinet also decided that a lump sum amount of Rs 9,000 will be released to 39.7 lakh beneficiaries under the ‘Orunodoi’ scheme on March 10. About Rs 3,600 crore will be spent on this in a day. The Chief Minister indicated that wages may exceed Rs 300 per day after the implementation of the new labor laws.