Assam to improve administrative system in rural areas

Speaking to reporters here, Hussain said social audits in all offices involved with projects in rural areas would be undertaken twice a year, instead of once as is the practice now, for bringing in greater transparency in utilisation of funds and further the development agenda.

The minister said that beneficiaries of the 'Indira Awaj Yojana' would get funds to construct their own houses, instead of having the constructions built by the contractors from this year.

Hussain said 42 self-help groups in Assam have been selected by the central government to be covered under the National Rural Livelihood Mission.

The minister added that the government has issued bio-metric cards to job card holders under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act in the state so that beneficiaries are able to deposit their earning and draw amount themselves from cooperative and registered banks.

Hussain, who also holds the Environment and Forest portfolio, said that his department has taken steps to protect rare species like the Asiatic Black Bear which are on the verge of extinction.