Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the state government will recommend to the Centre for the complete withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, or AFSPA from the state from October 1.

In view of the significant improvement in the security situation of the state, the cabinet approved the recommendation for the withdrawal of AFSPA from the remaining eight districts of the state, Sarma said on Friday. “The final decision, however, will be taken by the Government of India,” he added.

Sarmma said the state cabinet also approved an additional Rs 41.77 crore for developing infrastructure for the newly-raised 2nd battalion of the Assam Police in Hailakandi, 4th battalion in Sivasagar and 5th Battalion in Biswanath.

The cabinet also decided to provide a one-time financial aid of Rs 10 crore to the Himachal Pradesh government from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to deal with the devastation caused by the heavy rains and floods. This aid will help alleviate the sufferings caused by the monsoons and support the Himachal Pradesh government’s efforts to provide immediate relief and rehabilitation in the affected areas, the CM said.

He further said the cabinet also approved the creation of 79 subdivisions, to be known as sub-districts, with geographical limits that would be co-terminus with the boundaries of assembly constituencies. The existing civil sub-divisions, except under Bodoland Territorial Region districts and sixth schedule districts of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts, will cease to exist.

The cabinet also decided to amend the Assam Disaster Management Manual for revising the annual flood season in the state from May 1 to October 31, and rationalisation of the fodder rate for flood-affected livestock.