In a significant step, the Assam government has decided to give away awards every year replicating the country’s highest civilian awards – The Bharat ratna and Padma awards.
Chief minister Himanta Biwsa Sarma’s cabinet which met on Tuesday decided to institute the Asom Ratna award, the Asom Bibhushan and Assam Bhushan awards.
The “Asom Ratna” award to be presented every year to a person who has made significant contributions to the society. Asom Bibhushan will be presented to three persons, Assam Bhushan to five persons and Asom Shree to 10 persons every year.
Asom Ratna, Asom Bibhushan, Asom Bhushan and Asom Shree will carry Rs 5 lakh, Rs 3 lakh, Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 lakh respectively with other benefits like free medical treatment of critical illness, free stay at Assam Bhawans, free travel in state-run buses etc.