Guwahati, Jan 1: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared 2024 as a “year of receipt” for Assam, highlighting the state’s rapid economic progress and developmental achievements.
Addressing the media at the State Guest House No. 1, Koinadhara, Sarma expressed confidence that Assam would surpass Punjab in GDP growth within three years, achieving this milestone by 2028.
“Assam’s GDP rose from ₹3.40 lakh crore in 2021 to ₹6.43 lakh crore in 2022, and it is projected to reach ₹7.12 lakh crore by the end of the current fiscal year. The state aims to achieve a ₹1 million crore economy by 2028,” Sarma said.
“As per NITI Aayog’s 2024 report, Assam’s poverty rate has dropped from 36% in 2014 to 14%. Approximately 25% of the population has transitioned to lower-middle-class status,” Sarma also said.
He said the flagship scheme Orunodoi which is the key tool for poverty alleviation, has expanded its reach significantly. Beneficiaries increased from 1.83 lakh in 2021 to 24 lakh in 2024. ₹3,681 crore was invested in the scheme in 2024.
“Inspired by its success, states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal are adopting similar models,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the “Nijut Moina” scheme has supported 1.6 lakh girls, helped reduce dropout rates, and transformed the education system.
Under Mukhyamantri Atmanirbhar Abhiyan, financial aid has been provided to unemployed youth – ₹2 lakh was distributed to 25,000 youth in 2024.
He also claimed that 30,000 women entrepreneurs will be supported through a flagship scheme starting in 2026.
Under Mission Basundhara, over 20 lakh people have benefited from resolving land ownership issues across three phases. Mission Basundhara 1.0 and 2.0 addressed issues on government land. Under 3.0, the government received 3.53 lakh applications as of January 2025, with a target of resolving 4.5 lakh cases.
The Chief Minister said the ₹27,000 crore investment by Tata has initiated the construction of a semiconductor project, expected to create 30,000 jobs.
He said UNESCO’s Recognition of the Charaideo Maidam site as a UNESCO World Heritage Site was a big milestone for Assam in 2024.
Another milestone was the granting of classical language status to Assamese on October 24, he said.
The chief Minister also said that over four years (2021-2024), 143 cabinet meetings were held, and 1,922 decisions were implemented at a 97.61% rate.
Ministers collectively spent 1,497 nights visiting all districts, underscoring their commitment to local development.
Between 2022 and 2024, 209 acts were introduced or amended, alongside 104 rule amendments and 71 new policies.
National leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, visited Assam thrice in 2024, including an overnight stay in Kaziranga. The President and Vice President visited twice, and Union Ministers made 168 visits throughout the year.
Chief Minister Sarma emphasized the transformative year Assam has experienced, with significant strides in poverty reduction, economic growth, industrial advancement, and cultural recognition. The state’s development model is now serving as a template for others, underscoring Assam’s emergence as a progressive and rapidly evolving state.
