The Assam government has announced financial assistance of ₹25,000 each to 818 writers as part of its ‘Year of Books’ initiative, aimed at promoting literature and encouraging writers across the state.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the decision reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening Assam’s literary culture and supporting both emerging and established authors. The selected writers will receive the grant to aid their creative work and contribute further to the growth of Assamese and regional literature.
The initiative forms a key component of the government’s broader effort to promote reading habits and literary engagement, particularly among young people. Officials said the scheme is designed to recognise the contribution of writers while also providing them with modest financial support to continue their work.
The announcement comes alongside preparations for the Assam Book Fair, where the beneficiaries are expected to be felicitated. This year’s book fair has been expanded in scale, with increased participation from publishers and literary organisations from across the country.
Under the ‘Year of Books’ programme, the state government has rolled out multiple measures, including support for writers, expansion of book fairs and initiatives to strengthen libraries and reading spaces. The grant to 818 writers is seen as one of the most significant steps under the programme.
Writers’ bodies and literary organisations have welcomed the move, describing it as a positive gesture towards nurturing Assam’s rich literary heritage and encouraging new voices in the state’s cultural landscape.
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