Assam to grant PRCs to Arunachal’s Moran community, orders 24×7 shop operations in Guwahati, Dibrugarh and Silchar

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 20, 2025

In a landmark decision, the Assam Cabinet has approved issuing Permanent Resident Certificates (PRCs) to members of the Moran community living in Arunachal Pradesh. This move addresses their long-standing exclusion from government benefits due to Arunachal Pradesh’s legal constraints in granting them PRCs.

Announcing the decision, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated, “The Arunachal Pradesh government faces certain legal constraints in issuing PRCs to the Moran community. As a result, they have been deprived of government schemes and opportunities. Today’s Cabinet decision ensures they can now access reserved benefits in Assam, including government jobs and admissions in medical colleges.”

Sarma emphasized the historical significance of the move, recognizing the Moran community as one of Assam’s ancient indigenous groups. When asked about similar demands from six other communities, including Deoris, Sonowal Kacharis, Adivasis, and Misings, Sarma said the state government would consider their cases upon formal representation.

The decision comes despite a 2019 Joint High Power Committee (JHPC) recommendation to grant PRCs to six communities residing in Arunachal Pradesh’s Namsai and Changlang districts, which was rejected following protests from local Arunachali groups.

“From now, members of the Moran community can apply for Assam government jobs and seek admission for MBBS courses in state medical colleges. They will also be entitled to all reserved benefits prescribed for the Moran community in Assam,” Sarma added.

In another major economic reform, the Cabinet has approved 24×7 operations for shops and business establishments in the municipal corporation areas of Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Silchar, allowing business owners to operate seven days a week. This decision aims to boost employment, increase earnings for small traders, and enhance economic activity in the state.

Sarma clarified that while shops can operate round the clock, employees cannot work beyond 48 hours per week in a single shift, ensuring compliance with labour laws. Business owners must employ staff in multiple shifts to facilitate extended operations.

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“No mandatory weekly closure for shops in the designated cities. Liquor shops in Dibrugarh and Silchar can operate only until midnight. Business establishments in other parts of Assam can remain open until 2 AM,” Sarma said.

“Employees must not exceed 48 work hours per week, and businesses must adopt a shift system,” he also said.

“This move will generate more employment opportunities for the state’s youth while ensuring fair work conditions,” Sarma said. He also noted that small traders will see an increase in income due to extended operational hours.

The Cabinet expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for approving the long-awaited Namrup IV Fertilizer Plant. On March 19, the Union Cabinet, led by Modi, sanctioned a Rs 10,601 crore Brownfield Ammonia-Urea complex with an annual production capacity of 12.7 lakh metric tonnes. The project will be a joint venture, with 60% owned by the Centre and 40% by the state government.

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