In August, CM Himanta plans to open an online guns licence site for Native Americans

The Assam government will introduce a specialised online portal in August to expedite the application process for an arms licence, particularly for indigenous individuals residing in vulnerable areas, according to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. For people who might feel unsafe or encounter threats in their areas, the new approach is intended to streamline the procedure and guarantee simpler access. The Chief Minister made it clear to the media on Tuesday that there is no time limit on the plan.

Some people are under the impression that the gateway would only be accessible from August 1 to August 7. That isn’t accurate. After the web launches, anyone can use it at any time to apply for an arms licence, Sarma said. Depending on his schedule, he added, he would launch the platform in the first week of August. The Chief Minister clarified that the state is only making improvements to the current system rather than implementing any new policies. “A lot of people still apply for and receive arms licenses through offline means. Like other digital services like Sewa Setu, this portal will only make things simpler,” he continued.

Each application will be reviewed by the appropriate Deputy Commissioners when it is submitted. The licence will be granted if the applicant satisfies the requirements. Sarma also promised that the offline application process would continue to be available, especially for people who might not have access to digital devices or who would rather go the old-fashioned way. Sarma explained, “This is not a new announcement or plan.” “The opportunity to apply has always existed. However, indigenous people frequently encounter obstacles when trying to utilise government systems in remote or vulnerable places. Our objective is to provide them with a better organised and convenient approach.