Assam Cabinet approved a new SOP to expel illegal immigrants under the 1950 Act, empowering district authorities. It also cleared aid for Himachal relief, pay corrections in health services, and reforms in agricultural marketing to benefit farmers.
The Assam Cabinet on Tuesday approved a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) under the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950. The new framework is designed to empower district authorities with clearer guidelines to identify and expel illegal migrants from the state, marking a milestone in the government’s effort to safeguard demographic balance and state security.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, briefing the media after the Cabinet meeting, said the SOP authorizes District Commissioners (DCs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) to act on credible intelligence about suspected illegal immigrants. Under the guidelines, a suspected individual will be served notice to provide proof of Indian citizenship within ten days.
“If the documents provided are found insufficient, the DC must issue a written order declaring the individual an illegal immigrant, with clear reasons and findings. Once identified, the DC will issue an expulsion order under Section 2(a) of the 1950 Act, allowing the individual 24 hours to leave Assam via a designated route,” Sarma explained.
The process is further streamlined for individuals already declared foreigners by the Foreigners’ Tribunals. In such cases, the DC will directly issue expulsion orders, as these persons are considered to have exhausted all available legal remedies.
Biometric Capturing and Deportation
The SOP mandates the collection of biometric and demographic data of identified migrants on the Foreigners Identification Portal before expulsion. If an individual refuses to comply, the DC, with support from the SSP, can place them in a holding centre or hand them over to the border guarding forces for deportation.
Additionally, migrants caught near the zero line or within twelve hours of entering Assam will be “pushed back” immediately, bypassing the formal process. This provision, officials argue, will act as a deterrent against frequent illegal crossings across the international border.
Other Key Cabinet Decisions
While the SOP was the highlight of the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sarma, several other important resolutions were also cleared.
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Financial Aid to Himachal Pradesh
The Cabinet approved ex post facto release of ₹5 crore from the Chief Minister’s Public Emergency Fund of Assam as financial aid to the Chief Minister Relief Fund Himachal Pradesh. The support is aimed at assisting relief and rehabilitation work in the hill state, which has been severely affected by heavy monsoon rains and landslides. -
Pay Anomaly Correction in Health Sector
In a move benefitting 20 staff members in the health sector, including physiotherapists, speech therapists, accountants, and cashiers, the Cabinet approved corrections to pay anomalies. The decision impacts employees serving at Jorhat Medical College and Hospital as well as in model hospitals under the state health department, ensuring fairer compensation and addressing long-pending demands. -
Agricultural Marketing Reforms
The Cabinet also endorsed amendments to the Assam Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing Act, 2020. These changes align the state’s law with the Centre’s Model Act of 2017. The revised legislation aims to expand market access for small and marginal farmers, foster transparent bidding, and enable competitive pricing, ultimately benefiting the agricultural economy of Assam.
Balancing Security and Development
The approval of the SOP for expulsion of illegal immigrants comes against the backdrop of ongoing concerns over demographic changes in Assam due to cross-border migration. The state government has maintained that unchecked immigration poses challenges not only to security but also to socio-economic stability, cultural identity, and resource distribution.
At the same time, the Cabinet’s focus on healthcare reforms, agricultural marketing, and interstate solidarity underscores the government’s broader agenda of balanced development. By addressing both internal administrative challenges and external security threats, the Assam Cabinet seeks to project a comprehensive governance approach.
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Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to strengthening state security while promoting welfare. “We are committed to protecting the interests of Assam and ensuring that our policies benefit both citizens and farmers, while also extending solidarity to other states in need,” he said.
The SOP on immigration, along with the Cabinet’s other approvals, signals a decisive step in Assam’s governance framework—where safeguarding borders goes hand in hand with advancing healthcare, agriculture, and cooperative federalism.
