Guwahati: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the European Union (EU) has officially withdrawn its long-standing travel advisory on most parts of Assam.In a Facebook live he stated that the decision follows a review of Assam's security situation by the EU, allowing citizens of all 27 member countries to travel freely to the state, except in a few areas where AFSPA remains in force.Describing it as a historic milestone, Sarma said the move formally recognises Assam as a peaceful and stable destination and is expected to boost foreign tourist arrivals, strengthen investor confidence and enhance the state's global image.The chief minister called for the expansion of homestays, eco-tourism and nature-based accommodations, while promoting Assam's rich cultural heritage, cuisine and natural beauty to international visitors.Sarma also urged citizens, tourism stakeholders and local communities to actively showcase Assam on social media and digital platforms, particularly in English, to reach global audiences.The chief minister further announced plans to strengthen tourism infrastructure, including the development of a comprehensive digital platform for homestay registration and bookings across the state.Recalling that Australia and Japan had previously withdrawn similar advisories, Sarma said the EU's decision marks another major breakthrough in Assam's journey towards becoming a globally recognised tourism destination.Calling it the removal of a barrier that had impacted Assam's tourism potential since 1979, Sarma expressed confidence that continued efforts would further position Assam prominently on the global tourism map.The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of ongoing medical college projects at a meeting.During the meeting, the Chief Minister said that the government remains firmly committed to expanding medical infrastructure and medical education to ensure advanced, modern, and affordable healthcare services for every resident of the state.In the meeting, Sarma took a detailed review of the progress of 11 medical colleges and hospitals currently under construction across different districts of the state. He also took stock of the administrative process of four additional medical college and hospital projects that are yet to begin construction. He directed the concerned departments to take all necessary measures to ensure the timely and efficient completion of these projects within the stipulated deadlines.To strengthen regular monitoring of the projects, the Chief Minister asked the Director of Medical Education to continue systematic inspections including periodic visit of the project sites and close monitor of the progress of construction work.He said that this would help in accelerating the implementation of several key projects in medical education and healthcare for the benefits of the people of the state.It may be noted that with a view to creating a healthy and sustainable healthcare environment, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of coordinating with the Forest Department to undertake plantation drives within medical college campuses. He stated that these initiatives would not only support environmental conservation but also enhance the aesthetic beauty of the institutions.The Chief Minister also held detailed discussions on the roles and responsibilities of the Project Management Consultants (PMCs) engaged in implementing the projects of the upcoming medical infrastructure projects. In the meeting, Sarma also took stock of the progress of the B. Sc Nursing and GNM institutes.