Assam drew investment proposals worth Rs 5 lakh-cr over past decade: Dilip Saikia
Guwahati, June 24 (IANS) Assam has emerged as one of the country’s fastest-transforming economies, attracting investment proposals worth over Rs 5 lakh crore and positioning itself as a major destination for industry and innovation, state BJP chief and Lok Sabha MP Dilip Saikia said on Wednesday during a pre-Budget consultation organised by the party.
Addressing the consultation attended by economists, academicians, entrepreneurs and industry representatives, Saikia said the state’s economy has witnessed an “extraordinary transformation” between 2014-15 and 2024-25 under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
He said Assam’s development trajectory reflects a decade of sustained growth, improved governance and expanding economic opportunities, adding that the state’s progress is contributing significantly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India.
Saikia asserted that Assam is steadily moving towards becoming one of the country’s leading states and credited the government with addressing long-standing developmental challenges while creating an enabling environment for investment and economic expansion.
Delivering the keynote address, state Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah said the state government was committed to preparing a pragmatic, people-centric and growth-oriented Budget and welcomed suggestions from stakeholders across sectors.
He noted that the implementation of budgetary allocations has improved substantially, with the execution rate touching nearly 90 per cent, and said the government aims to ensure the full and effective utilisation of public expenditure.
Mallabaruah said Assam today enjoys unprecedented attention from the Centre and highlighted PM Modi’s frequent visits to the state as evidence of its growing strategic importance.
Recalling Assam’s changing investment landscape, the minister said there was a time when even small investments struggled to find traction in the state, but Assam has now succeeded in attracting investment proposals exceeding Rs 5 lakh crore.
He also pointed to the emergence of a semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem in the state, saying that after the establishment of one semiconductor facility, two more such units are expected to come up, further strengthening Assam’s position in advanced manufacturing.
During the consultation, participants suggested greater support for the MSME sector, promotion of a “Make in Assam” initiative, wider use of bamboo and cane products in government projects, enhanced university infrastructure and insurance support for small poultry farmers.
The event was attended by Cabinet ministers, MPs, representatives of financial institutions, business leaders, educationists, sports administrators and industry stakeholders from across Assam.
–IANS
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