The winter session of the Assam Legislative Assembly on Friday witnessed a busy and important day as several private member bills and resolutions were brought forward for discussion. Leader of the Opposition and senior Congress leader Debabrata Saikia took centre stage as he introduced two significant bills aimed at improving cleanliness in the state and ensuring better protection for gig workers.
Saikia said that his Private Member Bill No. 2 on cleanliness is “highly relevant” at a time when many towns and rural pockets of Assam continue to struggle with waste management. He stressed that the proposed “Maintenance of Cleanliness in Assam Bill, 2025” seeks to create a simple but effective system to keep public spaces clean and ensure that all departments work in coordination. Saikia said that the objective is not only to tidy up urban centres but also to bring clean surroundings to villages and remote areas, including zones dependent on agriculture and allied activities.
Along with the cleanliness bill, Saikia also moved for leave to introduce another important proposal — “The Assured Security and Humanitarian Assurance for Gig Workers and Atypical Workers (ASHA) Bill, 2025.” The bill aims to give gig workers, such as delivery personnel, drivers, and part-time service providers, a basic level of protection and welfare support. Saikia said the workforce in this sector has grown rapidly and many are working without any security or benefits. He added that the bill intends to bring fairness and humane treatment to those working under unpredictable conditions. 
