Assam’s council of ministers, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, approved a set of measures aimed at strengthening patient rights, wildlife management and social welfare. Under the new healthcare rule, no hospital or nursing home in the state may retain a deceased patient’s body to secure payment of outstanding bills. Fines and other penalties for violators will be detailed in forthcoming regulations, the chief minister said. The cabinet also cleared the ‘Gaja Mitra’ programme, which earmarks resources and community volunteers to curb rising human-elephant conflicts in the state’s forest-edge districts. Additional decisions include a monthly allowance for Udasin Bhakats (monastic order members), a ₹300-per-month Prerona Asoni stipend for students, and higher honoraria for Gram Panchayat functionaries as well as Anganwadi workers and their helpers.