Guwahati, Feb 17: For the first time in its history, Assam held its Budget Session outside the state capital, choosing Kokrajhar—a region once marked by separatist demands—to showcase its commitment to unity and progress.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared the moment as “history in the making,” emphasizing the transformation of Kokrajhar from a region of conflict to a hub of governance and development. “I am the first Chief Minister in 40 years to stay overnight in BTR and move freely among the people. This was unthinkable a few years ago,” he said, crediting the peace efforts of the Prime Minister and Home Minister.
Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, in his address, reaffirmed Assam’s trajectory towards prosperity, stating that decisions taken in this session would shape the state’s future.
“Assam is now connected to the world with renewed pride and purpose. With robust infrastructure, industrial expansion, and new opportunities, we are ensuring that every citizen benefits from this growth,” he said.
Economic Milestones & Industrial Boom
Assam’s economy is surging, with a 12.6% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the past decade and a 25% rise in tax revenue in 2022-23, followed by another 15% increase in 2023-24. To drive further progress, the government has introduced a pioneering District Domestic Product (DDP) estimation initiative, allowing for localized economic planning.
Among Assam’s industrial breakthroughs:
• The ₹27,000 crore Tata semiconductor plant in Jagiroad is on track for completion by December 2025, producing 1.2 crore chips per day initially and generating over 37,000 jobs.
• The ultra-modern Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL) plant, announced in the Union Budget 2024-25, will produce 12.7 lakh tonnes of urea annually, reducing import dependence and boosting agriculture.
• Assam will host the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment Summit on February 25-26, 2025, to attract global investors in electronics, aerospace, renewables, petrochemicals, and MSMEs.
Cultural and Healthcare Transformation
In a grand tribute to 200 years of Assam’s tea industry, a spectacular Jhumoir performance featuring 8,000 tea garden and Adivasi dancers will take place at Sarusajai Stadium on February 24, 2025. The event, graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and global dignitaries, will spotlight Assam’s cultural legacy on the world stage.
Healthcare is also receiving a massive boost, with new medical colleges operational in North Lakhimpur, Dhubri, Nagaon, Nalbari, and Kokrajhar, while Tinsukia Medical College & Hospital is already serving the public.
Dibrugarh Declared Assam’s Second Capital
In a landmark move, Dibrugarh has been designated as Assam’s second capital to ensure balanced regional growth. The Chief Minister’s Office is already operational there, overseeing nine Upper Assam districts. Plans are underway to build MLA hostels, ministerial offices, and residential facilities for senior officials, allowing select Assembly sessions to be held in Dibrugarh.
Governor Acharya hailed this step as a game-changer, bringing governance closer to the people and making Dibrugarh a key administrative and economic hub.
A New Assam on the Horizon
Concluding his address, the Governor reaffirmed Assam’s commitment to inclusive development, industrial growth, and cultural preservation. “With a modern vision and deep respect for our traditions, Assam is evolving into a model for sustainable and inclusive growth,” he said.
Read: KHADC poll: Conrad pitches for inclusive development, seek mandate for NPP
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