State 24 October 2026
Assam Cabinet Approves ₹303.69 Cr Project & Bhupen Hazarika Award
Why in the News?
The Assam Cabinet approved a **₹303.69 crore investment proposal** by the Welspun Group in Kamrup district and instituted the triennial **Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika National Award** for arts, music, and cinema.
Key Features / Major Points:
- Welspun Group Project:
- Investor: Weetek Plastic Private Limited (part of Welspun Group).
- Location: Rangia, Kamrup district, Assam.
- Investment & Jobs: ₹303.69 crore financial layout expected to generate around 300 jobs.
- Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika National Award:
- Frequency: To be conferred **once every three years** on a nationally or internationally recognized icon in music, performing arts, or cinema.
- Cash Prize: **₹10 lakh cash prize** alongside a formal citation.
- Inaugural Recipient: Legendary playback singer **Usha Mangeshkar**.
- Presentation Ceremony: Scheduled for November 29, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking the grand finale of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s birth centenary, with PM Narendra Modi as Chief Guest.
Static GK Facts:
- State of Assam:
- Chief Minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma | Governor: Lakshman Prasad Acharya.
- Capital: Dispur.
- Dr. Bhupen Hazarika (1926–2011):
- Renowned musician, poet, and filmmaker from Assam (popularly known as *Sudhakantha*).
- Posthumously conferred the **Bharat Ratna in 2019** (India's highest civilian honor).
- Dhola-Sadiya Bridge on the Lohit River was renamed Bhupen Hazarika Setu in his honor.
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: Who has been chosen as the inaugural recipient of the newly instituted Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika National Award?
A: Usha Mangeshkar
Q: What is the cash prize awarded under the newly instituted Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika National Award?
A: ₹10 Lakh (Awarded once every 3 years)
Q: In which district of Assam is Weetek Plastic (Welspun Group) setting up its ₹303.69 crore plant?
A: Kamrup district (Rangia)
Q: In which year was legendary musician Dr. Bhupen Hazarika posthumously honored with the Bharat Ratna?
A: 2019
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