Assam Declares 2025 as “Year of Reading” to Promote Literacy and Book Culture

Guwahati: The Assam Cabinet has declared 2025 as the “Year of Reading” to encourage a culture of book reading, particularly among young people. This initiative aims to rekindle the habit of reading across the state through various measures.

For the first time, the Assam Book Fair will be held in Khanapara to offer greater convenience for book enthusiasts. Furthermore, district-wide book fairs will be conducted throughout the year to promote reading as a consistent habit.

In addition, books will be distributed as gifts to mark the New Year celebrations. To ensure sustainable growth in literacy, government departments will construct or establish libraries for government employees.

The Cabinet also approved the establishment of the Assam International Skill Centre (AISC) under the Assam Skill Development Mission (ASDM). This center will create formal pathways for skilled and semi-skilled candidates to secure placements overseas.

Designed to meet global labor market demands, the AISC will function using a Hub & Spoke model, with its primary hub in Guwahati and centers distributed statewide.

To acknowledge the contributions of Gaon Pradhans, who oversee local administrative matters, the Cabinet has sanctioned a monthly remuneration of ₹9,000. This payment will start from January 1, 2025, and will benefit 278 Gaon Pradhans in Forest Villages and 668 in villages under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.

These steps underline Assam’s commitment to fostering development, literacy, and global career opportunities for its citizens.

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