At 45%, Assam state GDP growth much higher than national average: CM Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Thursday that with 45 per cent growth in gross state domestic product (GSDP) between 2020 and 2025, the the state’s economy is the country’s fastest-growing growing and significantly higher than the national average of 29 per cent. Stating that the milestone is recognised by the RBI, Dr Sarma highlighted that the per capita income in the state has risen by 54 per cent from Rs 1,03,371 in 2021 to Rs 1,59,185 now.

He also said that the Assam’s revenue collection has grown by 53 per cent over the last five years, showcasing improved fiscal management in the state. He made these remarks while addressing a series of press interactions and briefing programmes in Guwahati on the New Year’s Day.

Extending New Year greetings to the people of Assam, CM Dr Sarma comprehensively outlined the state government’s achievements and key announcements, including welfare schemes, policy direction, economic performance, law and order reforms and major governance initiatives. The CM stated that Assam is firmly on the path of growth, justice and inclusive development, urging all stakeholders to collectively work towards making 2026 a year of sustained progress and stability.

Here are some highlights:

Assam to participate in WEF, Davos

CM Dr Sarma said that in a first, Assam will be participating at the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, along with Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. At the much-anticipated global event, Assam’s development and investment potential will be presented before world leaders.

Special financial aid: From Orunodoi to Babu Asoni

Orunodoi: The CM also highlighted a number of special programmes aimed at empowering the people of the state, especially women and students. He announced a special advance financial assistance of Rs 8,000 for approximately 37–38 lakh women beneficiaries under the state’s Orunodoi scheme on February 2. The financial support will includes advance Orunodoi payments and a special grant for the Bihu festival. The scheme will pause during the March-April period and then resume in May, he said.

Babu Asoni: He also announced the launch of ‘Babu Asoni’, a new monthly financial assistance scheme for male students pursuing higher education. Under the state’s scheme, students will be granted financial support under two categories:

• Rs 2,000 per month for postgraduate students
• Rs 1,000 per month for undergraduate students (subject to income eligibility), effective from February

Dibrugarh set to be state’s second capital

The Assam CM also announced the development of Dibrugarh as the state’s second capital within the next three years, in order to decentralise administration and strengthen governance.

8th State Pay Commission

CM Dr Sarma also said that Assam will emerge as the first state in the country to constitute the 8th State Pay Commission, marking a major step towards employee welfare.

Employment, welfare and social security

Dr Sarma said that state is moving swiftly towards its target of generating two lakh jobs, with the 1.5 lakh milestone expected to be reached soon. A total of 1.46 lakh government jobs have already been provided, he noted.

He also said that close to one lakh youths have already been supported with self-employment loans without mortgage requirements.

The CM highlighted a few other major welfare initiatives, including:

• 32 lakh women beneficiaries under the Mahila Udyamita scheme
• Food security items for 70 lakh beneficiaries
• Free college admission for 3.9 lakh students
• Land rights for three lakh people under the Mission Basundhara scheme
• Cashless medical treatment for 26 lakh families
• Continued implementation of social reform initiatives such as Nijut Maina

Law and order

The Chief Minister said Assam has emerged as a national leader in implementing the three new criminal laws (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam). Here are some noteworthy achievements, as outlined by the CM:

• Registered criminal cases reduced from 1.33 lakh in 2021 to 43,748 now
• Charge-sheeting increased to 81-91 per cent
• The conviction rate improved from 6 per cent to 26.38 per cent, nearing the national average
• Anti-drug drive: Narcotics worth Rs 2,900-3,000 crore seized in five years
• Nearly 2,000 foreign nationals pushed back
• Decision to deport persons declared foreigners within one week of identification by Foreigners’ Tribunals, in accordance with law

Infrastructure

• Four new bridges over the Brahmaputra: Jorhat–Majuli, Palashbari-Sualkuchi, Guwahati-North Guwahati and Dhubri-Phulbari (India’s longest bridge)
• Guwahati-North Guwahati bridge scheduled for opening in February 2026; others by 2027
• The commencement of Guwahati Ring Road and Narengi-Kuruwa bridge projects
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lay the foundation stone for 34.45 km elevated corridor in Guwahati (Rs 6,957 crore)
• A proposed Rs 20,000-crore twin-tube underwater tunnel between Gohpur and Numaligarh with railway connectivity (Union Cabinet approval awaited)

Healthcare, education and agriculture

• The CM also showcased a number of significant initiatives in the fields of healthcare, education and agriculture, including:
• 14 medical colleges now functional; additional colleges in the pipeline
• Rs 2,200-crore modern GMCH hospital to be constructed under an ADB-backed project
• 9 cancer hospitals now operational
• Tenders floated for Rs 500 crore proton therapy machine
• Assam will be the first state to offer this facility in a government hospital
• Paddy procurement increased from 2 lakh MT in 2021 to 8.5 lakh MT now

Legal and special measures

The CM also announced the fast-tracking of the Zubeen Garg case, including the appointment of a Special Public Prosecutor from January 12 and a proposal to approach the High Court for constitution of a Special Court in the matter.

Governance milestones

He also listed a number of achievements by his state administration:

• 156 legislations passed
• 40 new policies adopted
• 2,589 Cabinet decisions taken
• Zero rhino poaching achieved in 2025
• Significant reduction in school dropout rates