Assam Cabinet approves 'Shradhanjali' scheme and SEBC status for transgender persons
On 22 June 2025 in Assam, the Assam Cabinet chaired by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma approved the 'Shradhanjali' scheme to bring home bodies of Assam domiciles who die outside the state, and declared transgender persons a Socially and Educationally Backward Class.
Summary
The Assam Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on 22 June 2025 approved the 'Shradhanjali' scheme for lawful and dignified transport of the bodies of Assam domiciles who die outside the state. The scheme, effective from 1 October 2025, mainly covers youth in low-paying jobs and deaths in special circumstances such as accidents or murder, but not deaths during medical treatment; the Special Branch of Assam Police is the nodal agency. The Cabinet also declared transgender persons a Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC), with benefits limited to original residents of Assam. The SEBC move follows (static) the Supreme Court's 2014 NALSA vs Union of India verdict.
Key facts
- Scheme
- Shradhanjali — transport of bodies of Assam domiciles dying outside the state
- Effective
- 1 October 2025
- Covers
- Youth in low-paying jobs; deaths by accident or murder
- Excludes
- Deaths during medical treatment
- Nodal agency
- Special Branch, Assam Police (DIG-level nodal officer)
- Transgender persons
- Declared SEBC; only original residents of Assam
- Basis (static)
- 2014 NALSA vs Union of India verdict
Practice MCQs 4 questions
What is the name of the scheme approved by the Assam Cabinet on 22 June 2025 to bring back bodies of Assam domiciles who die outside the state?
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Correct answer: B — Shradhanjali
The Hills Times / India Today NE: the Assam Cabinet approved the 'Shradhanjali' scheme to facilitate dignified transportation of bodies of Assam domiciles who die outside the state.
From which date will Assam's 'Shradhanjali' scheme be implemented?
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Correct answer: C — 1 October 2025
The Hills Times: the scheme is set to be implemented from October 1, 2025 (1 October 2025); India Today NE also reported the Cabinet approval on 22 June.
Consider the following statements about Assam's 'Shradhanjali' scheme: 1. The Special Branch of Assam Police is the nodal agency. 2. The scheme covers deaths that occur during medical treatment outside Assam. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The Hills Times / India Today NE: the Special Branch of Assam Police is the nodal agency; the scheme does not apply to deaths during medical treatment outside Assam. So 1 only.
On 22 June 2025, the Assam government declared transgender persons a Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC). This move is rooted in which 2014 Supreme Court verdict?
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Correct answer: D — NALSA vs Union of India
India Today NE: the decision is rooted in the Supreme Court's landmark 2014 verdict in the NALSA vs Union of India case, which mandated treating transgender persons as the third gender.