Assam CM showcases Vision for ‘Viksit Assam’ at NITI Aayog Meet

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the transformative journey of Assam towards becoming a key contributor to a "Viksit Bharat" during the 10th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog in New Delhi. Themed “Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat @2047”, the meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking at the event, Dr. Sarma said Assam is aligning its growth path with the national vision of development. “The vision of Viksit Bharat offers a golden opportunity to reclaim Assam’s legacy of prosperity,” he said, recalling that before independence, Assam had a higher per capita income than the national average and was well-connected globally via waterways and railways. He noted the impact of partition and historical policy missteps that disrupted the Northeast’s global trade links, including the allocation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts and missed strategic opportunities in 1971. However, under PM Modi’s leadership, Sarma asserted, Assam is no longer “a prisoner of history” but is reclaiming its position as a gateway to Southeast Asia through enhanced infrastructure and connectivity. The Chief Minister highlighted Assam’s economic achievements, including a GSDP of USD 68.7 billion and a 19% growth in the last fiscal year. He stressed the importance of building logistics corridors, reviving inland waterways, and developing new-age sectors like green jobs, tourism, and electronics. Calling for bold policies and institutional responsiveness, Dr. Sarma urged continued support from the Centre to realize the shared dream of a self-reliant, empowered, and prosperous Assam.