Guwahati, May 17: Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday conducted a comprehensive review of ongoing development projects in Assam during a high-level meeting with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati.
The meeting focused on evaluating the implementation of schemes under the DoNER Ministry and identifying strategies to strengthen infrastructure, energy, and connectivity across the state. Discussions were held on enhancing investments and accelerating developmental activities in line with the Ministry’s five-point framework aimed at transforming the “Ashtalakshmi” states.
Key areas of focus included promoting muga silk production, palm oil and agarwood cultivation, tourism development, and transformation of border villages. The Ministry also presented an update on Assam’s progress in various sectors including health, education, roads, agriculture, food processing, handloom, textiles, and energy.
The meeting reviewed the implementation status of central schemes such as PM-DevINE and initiatives under the North Eastern Council (NEC). Officials noted that Assam ranks among the top performers in the SDG India Index 2023-24.
CM Sarma stated that Assam’s GDP is currently growing at 14 per cent and could reach Rs 10 lakh crore in the near future. He also projected an additional power requirement of 4,000 MW by 2032 and said that necessary steps have been taken to meet the anticipated demand.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister highlighted that the meeting discussed a roadmap to improve supply chains and last-mile connectivity. He expressed gratitude to the DoNER Ministry for continued support and effective fund utilisation.
Union Minister Scindia remarked that Assam is emerging as one of the country’s leading states and assured that the Ministry will extend full support to advance the state’s development goals.
Senior officials including DoNER Secretary Chanchal Kumar, Joint Secretary Shree Shantanu, and Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota were present at the meeting.
