GUWAHATI: The Assam Cabinet, during its weekly meeting on Wednesday, approved the reservation of five seats in the state’s medical colleges for Bhutanese students. The move comes on the occasion of a two-day state visit by the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, on November 3.
Tourism Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah made the announcement during a press conference following the weekly cabinet meeting. “At least five seats in MBBS and dental colleges of the state will be reserved for Bhutan nationals. Among these, two seats will be reserved in Nalbari Medical College, one in Barpeta Medical College, and two seats in BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) college,” he said, adding that the state made all kinds of arrangements to welcome the monarch.
“We hope that his visit will further deepen our relations with the neighbouring country with whom we share our border,” the Minister added.
Earlier in the day, the Royal Bhutan Ambassador, HE Major General Vetsop Namgyel, met with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati.
The official handle of the chief minister posted on social media, “The Royal Bhutan Ambassador H.E. Major General Vetsop Namgyel called upon HCM Dr @himantabiswa today in Guwahati. HCM conveyed the excitement in Assam to welcome His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan, along with Her Majesty the Queen.”
During the same cabinet meeting, other significant decisions taken include the announcement of dates for the Anandram Barooah Award and the Banikanta Kakati Award for this year’s meritorious students.
On November 29, the Anandaram Barooah Award will be conferred upon students who have scored above 75% in the matriculation exams. A total of 27,183 students will receive Rs 15,000 via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for buying computers.
A day later on November 30 and December 1, the Banikanta Kakati Award, conferred to girl students who score more than 60% in the High Secondary examinations, and to boys who score over 75% in the High Secondary examinations, will be presented. This year, more than 35,000 students will receive the award, which includes scooties, from various ministers in different districts.
