Assam Government Finalizes Samadhi Site for Cultural Icon Zubeen Garg

Final Decision on Samadhi Location

Guwahati, Sept 21: The Assam government has officially designated Kamarkuchi, located near Sonapur, as the final resting place for the renowned cultural figure Zubeen Garg. This announcement was made by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma following a Cabinet meeting held on Sunday.

The decision was reached after thorough discussions with Zubeen's family, who emphasized the importance of conducting the final rites close to Guwahati due to the health concerns of his father and the family's need for a nearby location for ongoing rituals.

Sarma revealed that a 10-bigha plot adjacent to National Highway 37 has been earmarked for the samadhi.

He noted that the site already features a nursery and a small cremation area, with additional land offered by private owners to ensure sufficient space for the samadhi.

"We had considered the possibility of establishing a samadhi in Jorhat, in consultation with the Assam Sahitya Sabha and AASU. However, Zubeen's wife, Garima Garg, and his sister expressed their desire for the samadhi to be near Guwahati. His father's health prevents him from traveling far, and annual rituals must be performed nearby. We must honor the family's wishes, as Zubeen was not just a public figure but also a beloved family member," Sarma stated.

Despite appeals from residents and cultural organizations in Jorhat for the samadhi to be located there, Sarma explained the logistical challenges involved.

"His body is already undergoing changes, and the lengthy journey from Guwahati to Jorhat is impractical. We ask the people of Jorhat for their understanding. Their sentiments will be respected; his ashes will eventually be taken to Jorhat to establish a samadhikhetra there,” he added.

The Chief Minister also condemned the VIP culture observed at Sarusajai Stadium, where Zubeen's body is currently lying in state for public homage.

"I observed VIP access through the back gate today, which should not have occurred. Zubeen belongs to his fans, not to a culture of privilege. Starting tomorrow, even ministers and officials will queue like everyone else. No one will receive special treatment," he asserted.

He instructed the Chief Secretary and local administration to implement strict crowd management measures to ensure orderly queues, allowing people from across Assam to pay their respects appropriately.

“This is about the people, not privilege,” Sarma emphasized.

Zubeen Garg's body will remain at Sarusajai Stadium for public homage until the morning of September 23.

The state funeral is scheduled to commence at 8 am on Tuesday, with the body transported to the samadhi site in Kamarkuchi. To facilitate the funeral procession, National Highway 37 will be closed to traffic until 2 pm. Only family members, close friends, and state officials will accompany the procession, as stated by the Chief Minister.

"This will be a state funeral, and our priority is to ensure Zubeen Garg receives a farewell that reflects his legacy," Sarma remarked.

During the press conference, the Chief Minister also shared other Cabinet decisions, including a 20 percent bonus for tea garden workers under the Assam Tea Corporation in celebration of Durga Puja.

The Cabinet approved a budget of Rs 260 crore for the 10th Assam Police Battalion at Kosutoli.

Additionally, 65 science and mathematics facilitators in the Science and Technology department will now receive a salary of Rs 36,000 and will be included in the CPF scheme, with a five percent annual increment and medical support under the CM Lok Sewa Arogya scheme.

The Chief Minister announced a significant change in the state's recruitment process.

Going forward, the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) prelims will feature question papers in Assamese, with 80 percent of the questions in Assamese and the comprehension section in English.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet has decided to postpone the Orunodoi and Mahila Udyomita programs originally scheduled for September 23 and 24 due to the extended mourning period.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister revealed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had reached out to him twice to offer support during this time of mourning.

"Zubeen was a son of Assam. Our sole aim now is to ensure that his final journey is dignified, people-focused, and devoid of VIP privilege. That will be our true tribute to him," Sarma concluded the briefing.