Guwahati, Oct. 23 -- The Assam cabinet announced that the state government will institute the Dr Bhupen Hazarika National Award, with singer Usha Mangeshkar selected as its first recipient.

The award, which carries a cash component of Rs.10 lakh and a citation, will be presented to Mangeshkar on November 29 in New Delhi by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ceremony will mark the conclusion of the year-long birth centenary celebrations of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Thursday after the cabinet meeting.

"The award will be presented every three years. It will be a national award conferred to an internationally acclaimed singer, composer, lyricist, movie director, actor or any other field related ...