GUWAHATI, Aug 16: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday announced plans to spend Rs 1.50 lakh crore on infrastructure development across the state between 2026 and 2031, with Rs 50,000 crore to be financed through the state’s own resources.
Addressing the Independence Day celebrations in Guwahati after hoisting the National Flag, Sarma said the proposed investment would support roads, schools, urban development, rural infrastructure and other projects aimed at building a “Viksit Assam” by 2047.
The chief minister said Assam would seek around Rs 1 lakh crore from the Centre over the next five years to complement its own capital expenditure.
Sarma said the state’s economy had tripled over the past decade and highlighted the transition from its traditional “chai” identity towards becoming a hub for semiconductor manufacturing, referring to the upcoming Tata semiconductor facility.
He said Assam had faced several structural challenges, including geographical limitations and decades of insurgency, but claimed that the state’s development model was now gaining recognition.
The chief minister highlighted initiatives undertaken during the past five years, including the Orunodoi welfare scheme, the recruitment of 1.65 lakh government employees and the digitalisation of government services. He said development would be accelerated during the second term of the BJP-led government.
Sarma also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with supporting major projects in Assam, including highways, semiconductor manufacturing facilities, underwater tunnels and the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor.
Appeal on Mother Tongue During Census
During his address, Sarma appealed to people from different parts of India who have settled in Assam to record Assamese as their mother tongue during the upcoming Census exercise.
He made an exception for residents of the Barak Valley and tribal communities, saying they could continue to mention their respective languages. The Barak Valley has a predominantly Bengali-speaking population.
Measures for Indigenous Communities
Sarma said the government would soon restrict the sale and purchase of land in 40 revenue circles to people whose families had been residing in those areas for three generations.
He described the move as part of the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests and rights of Assam’s indigenous population.
The chief minister also announced eight new co-districts and said pending government files would be cleared in mission mode to make administration more efficient and accessible.
Child Marriage Crackdown Announced
The Assam government will launch a 30-day special drive against child marriage from November 1, Sarma announced.
He said the administration would continue its efforts to eliminate underage marriages and polygamy. According to him, 12,196 cases related to child marriage were registered and 11,196 people arrested over the past five years.
New Department for Youth Development
Sarma announced the creation of a dedicated Youth Development and Empowerment Department to focus on skill development and the overall growth of young people.
Rejecting the use of generational labels such as Gen Z and Gen Alpha as “European” concepts, he urged young people to draw strength from Assam’s culture and history while working towards a self-reliant state.
He also asked parents to prioritise their children’s education and called for greater investment in developing the skills and capabilities of the younger generation.
Focus on Sports and Cultural Heritage
The chief minister announced that the third edition of ‘Khel Maharan’ would be organised on a larger scale, with corporate participation planned to help nurture promising sporting talent.
He congratulated boxer Lovlina Borgohain and badminton player Ashmita Chaliha for their recent achievements and said greater institutional support would be provided to emerging athletes.
Sarma also announced commemorative programmes marking 800 years since the arrival of Swargadeo Chaolung Sukapha, the founder of the Ahom kingdom, as well as 200 years since Gomdhar Konwar’s revolt against British rule.
Flood Relief to Remain a Priority
Expressing condolences to families affected by the recent floods, particularly in four eastern districts, Sarma assured that funding would not be a constraint in rehabilitation and recovery efforts.
He acknowledged the assistance provided by the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Indian Air Force and Army, along with contributions from social, religious and business organisations, student groups and individuals.
The chief minister also referred to the mandatory rendition of all six stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ during the Independence Day celebrations, describing it as a significant moment.
He criticised the Congress over the earlier practice of singing a shorter version of the National Song and credited the Narendra Modi government with according equal status to all six stanzas.
Sarma said the measures announced during his Independence Day address were aimed at combining infrastructure expansion, economic growth, stronger governance and social development as Assam works towards its long-term development goals.