'Miyas', not Assamese people, facing problem due to SR: Himanta
Guwahati (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday claimed that no Assamese people are facing any problem due to the ongoing Special Revision (SR) of electoral rolls, and only the 'Miyas' (Bengali-speaking Muslims) who are finding the exercise difficult.
The ‘Miyas’ cannot be allowed to vote in the state, the CM said on the sidelines of a programme in Digboi.
Curtailing the names of 'Miya' voters from the electoral rolls was only a preliminary step, and when the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is conducted in the state later, four to five lakh votes of Muslims from Bangladesh will be cancelled, Sarma claimed.
'Miya' is a derogatory term used for Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam whose ancestors had roots in Bangladesh.
''Yes, we are trying to steal the votes of the Miyas. They should not vote in our country but in Bangladesh. We are making arrangements to ensure that they do not vote in Assam,'' Sarma said.
He asserted that there is no problem for Assamese people due to the SR, but the Miyas are facing hardship as they do not belong here.
''If Miyas are facing difficulties in this regard, why should we be concerned?” he asked.
This is the ''time for us to be cautious, and if we are not, then the Miyas will reach (places such as) Duliajan, Digboi and Tinsukia'', he alleged.
''Recently, I received a land sale list from Tinsukia. I found that more Hindus are selling off their lands and more Miya muslims are buying them. We have to be cautious and take steps now, or else they will reach all districts of Upper Assam,'' Sarma said.
The Congress can ''accuse me as much as they want, but my job is to trouble the Miyas so that they cannot vote in Assam'', he said.
Sarma had claimed earlier that only ‘Miyas’ are being served notices during the ongoing SR of electoral rolls to ‘keep them under pressure’.
He had asserted that there is no controversy surrounding the SR as no Hindu or Assamese Muslim had got notice, but only the 'Miyas'; ''else they will walk over our heads''.
The opposition parties in the state have alleged that the SR exercise is being used to harass genuine citizens, mostly religious minorities, by ‘BJP agents’, with Form 7 especially being used to complain against bona fide voters.
By using Form 7, one can request the deletion of one’s own name for any of three reasons: absent/permanently shifted, already enrolled or not an Indian citizen. Similarly, any voter of that constituency can apply for the deletion of names of others on the basis of two more reasons: death and underage.
The Election Commission had directed the conduct of SR in Assam to prepare an error-free electoral roll.
The Integrated Draft Roll was published on December 27, while the filing of claims and objections continued till January 22. The final electoral roll will be published on February 10.
The EC had ordered SR of electoral rolls in Assam as a Supreme Court-supervised exercise to verify citizenship, which is yet to be concluded. The state has separate provisions with regard to citizenship under the Citizenship Act.
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Thumbay Group launches “Thumbay Cares” well-being program putting team members first
Ajman (UAE): Thumbay Group has launched “Thumbay Cares”, a comprehensive well-being programme aimed at improving the quality of life, career growth and long-term security of its team members across all its divisions. The announcement comes soon after the Group was officially certified as a “Great Place to Work” in the UAE for 2025–2026.
The Group employs more than 3,000 people from 56 nationalities, including over 500 doctors. With the launch of Thumbay Cares, the management said it is strengthening its focus on a people-first work culture by bringing together healthcare support, financial protection, education assistance, wellness initiatives, recognition and leadership development under a single umbrella.
According to the Group, Thumbay Cares is not limited to employee benefits but is designed as a long-term commitment to support team members in both their professional and personal lives. The programme has been introduced under the vision of Dr Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of Thumbay Group, who has consistently stressed the importance of investing in people to build sustainable institutions.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Thumbay Moideen said that being recognised as a Great Place to Work reflects the organisation’s internal culture and values. He said the new programme takes this commitment further by ensuring that team members feel supported in health, growth and life, adding that when employees feel valued and secure, excellence follows naturally.
Under Thumbay Cares, team members will receive a range of healthcare and wellness benefits. These include free medical checkups at Thumbay Healthcare facilities, free blood tests at Thumbay Labs, free health insurance for all employees, quarterly body composition analysis through Body and Soul Health Club, complimentary health club membership, grooming and wellness services, as well as life and workmen’s compensation insurance. The Group said the focus is on preventive care, early diagnosis and overall well-being as part of everyday life.
The programme also places strong emphasis on education, professional growth and leadership development. Thumbay Group will offer merit-based scholarships for children of employees at Gulf Medical University and provide free next-generation leadership training through Thumbay College of Management and programmes in artificial intelligence in healthcare. These initiatives are aimed at creating clear pathways for career advancement and leadership roles within the organisation.
In addition, Thumbay Cares includes performance-based rewards, incentives, benefits for long-serving employees, annual bonus programmes and subsidised services across various Thumbay outlets. The Group said these measures are intended to recognise loyalty and contribution, while building a work environment where employees feel respected, rewarded and motivated to stay long term.
With the launch of Thumbay Cares, Thumbay Group said it aims to position itself not only as a leader in healthcare and education, but also as one of the region’s most people-centric organisations.
