HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Oct 6: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday launched the Shraddhanjali Scheme at a function held at Lok Sewa Bhawan, marking a major step by the Assam government to ensure the dignified and respectful transportation of mortal remains of Assamese people who die outside the state.
The Shraddhanjali Scheme, approved by the State Cabinet earlier this year, aims to provide complete logistical and financial assistance for bringing back the mortal remains of deceased domiciled residents of Assam from anywhere in India.
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The scheme will be implemented by the Special Branch (SB) of Assam Police, which has been designated as the nodal agency.
Families or individuals seeking assistance can contact the police control room helpline number 112, the Special Branch Control Room at 0361-2381511, the Sewa Setu Portal, or WhatsApp at +91 91810-14888.
Speaking on the occasion, chief minister Sarma described the initiative as one of the most significant humanitarian measures undertaken by the state government.
He said that the Shraddhanjali Scheme reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that no family in Assam is deprived of the opportunity to see their loved ones for the last time due to financial or logistical constraints.
He informed that the Cabinet had approved the scheme on June 22, 2025, and its formal launch on October 6 marks the institutionalisation of a service that was already being extended informally by the government.
“Even before today’s launch, we had facilitated the return of 24 mortal remains of Assamese citizens from other states with full honour this year,” Sarma said.
The chief minister added that the scheme will primarily cover students studying in institutions outside Assam and youth engaged in low-income jobs in other states.
In the event of their death, the bereaved families or acquaintances may contact the government through the designated helplines or by reaching out directly to the Chief Secretary or the Chief Minister’s Office.
Explaining the operational framework of the scheme, Sarma said that in cases of unnatural deaths — such as accidents, murder, or other special circumstances — the Special Branch of Assam Police will extend all necessary legal and procedural assistance to the affected families.
When required, designated police officers from Assam will travel to the concerned state to ensure a lawful and dignified repatriation of the mortal remains.
Highlighting the financial burden often faced by bereaved families, the chief minister pointed out that bringing a body back to Assam from another state typically costs around ₹40,000 to ₹50,000.
“For many families, this is an unbearable expense. The Shraddhanjali Scheme aims to relieve them of that distress and bring both emotional and practical support in their time of loss,” he said.
Sarma expressed his gratitude to the Special Branch of Assam Police for taking charge of the implementation process and urged the media to widely publicise the helpline numbers to ensure that families can access assistance promptly during emergencies.
He clarified that the scheme will not apply to affluent sections of society but will focus primarily on economically weaker families, youth engaged in low-paying jobs, and individuals who die in special circumstances outside the state.
It will, however, exclude cases of deaths during medical treatment outside Assam.
Under the scheme, a DIG-level officer of the Special Branch will function as the Nodal Officer to ensure the smooth and respectful repatriation process.
Upon receiving information about a death, the Special Branch will assess the family’s capacity to bring back the mortal remains and decide whether government assistance is required.
The launch event was attended by water resources minister Pijush Hazarika, revenue minister Keshab Mahanta, environment and forests minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, education minister Ranoj Pegu, transport minister Jogen Mohan, public health engineering minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, sports and youth welfare minister Nandita Garlosa, food, civil supplies and consumer affairs minister Kaushik Rai, animal husbandry and veterinary minister Krishnaendu Paul, and labour welfare minister Rupesh Gowala.
Chief secretary Ravi Kota, director general of police Harmeet Singh, additional chief secretary (Home and Political) Ajay Tiwari, and several senior government officials were also present at the ceremony.
The Shraddhanjali Scheme stands as a compassionate and practical initiative, reflecting the Assam government’s continuing efforts to uphold the dignity of life — and of death — for its citizens, wherever they may be.
