As the Government of Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma completes four years in office, Assam stands on the threshold of a major transformation. Guided by a vision of Viksit Assam by 2035, the past four years have seen a determined push toward inclusive development, economic uplift, and improved governance. From welfare schemes for the poor to bold steps in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, the Government has laid a strong foundation for long-term progress.
One of the hallmarks of this Government has been its robust social welfare initiatives aimed at the economically weaker sections. The Orunodoi scheme has emerged as a flagship programme, benefitting nearly 27 lakh women by providing direct financial assistance. This monthly support empowers women to take care of essential household expenses like nutrition, medicines, and education. The Mukhya Mantri Awas Yojana has provided thousands of families with pucca houses, ensuring safe and dignified living. During floods and the pandemic, the Government’s Free Ration Scheme helped millions of vulnerable people access food security.
Special attention has also been paid to the welfare of tea garden workers and minority communities through schemes offering cash assistance, housing, and education benefits. Self-help groups have been strengthened under Swanirbhar Naari and other missions, enabling rural women to earn sustainable incomes through weaving, dairy, tailoring, and more.
In healthcare, Assam has made unprecedented strides. Several new medical colleges have been established, and more are in the pipeline to ensure no region is left behind in access to advanced medical care. The State now has a growing network of well-equipped hospitals, better emergency care, and improved healthcare delivery. The Ayushman Bharat and Atal Amrit Abhiyan schemes have made free or subsidised treatment a reality for lakhs of families, greatly reducing the out-of-pocket burden of medical expenses. At the grassroots level, maternal and child health programmes, free diagnostic services, and regular health camps have improved preventive healthcare. The government’s rapid COVID-19 response, including vaccination, testing, and treatment, was widely recognized for its efficiency and community reach.
Education reform has been a priority for the Government, especially with an eye on preparing Assam’s youth for the future. Over 1,000 Government schools have been upgraded with modern classrooms, science labs, and digital infrastructure. A clear effort is being made to improve both quality and equity in the education system. Special attention has been given to girls’ education. Free bicycles for girls in high school, scholarships for girls from backward communities, and the construction of hostels near higher education institutions are removing traditional barriers to education. These efforts have led to increased attendance and reduced dropout rates among girls. The Gunotsav programme, which assesses learning outcomes and school performance, has played a vital role in maintaining accountability and pushing for quality improvements. The introduction of English as a medium of instruction in government schools—alongside the protection of Assamese and regional languages—aims to balance global competence with local identity.
Infrastructure development has moved at an accelerated pace under the Asom Mala scheme. Hundreds of kilometres of roads have been constructed or upgraded, connecting remote regions with markets, hospitals, and schools. Major highways, new bridges across the Brahmaputra, and flyovers in urban centres have drastically improved travel time and trade routes. The development of rural roads, bypasses, and urban traffic management systems has enhanced overall connectivity and economic activity, making Assam an attractive destination for investment.
The Government has also prioritised self-employment and entrepreneurship as a sustainable model for economic development. Through missions like the Bodoland Entrepreneurship Development Programme, the Chief Minister’s Start-up Fund, and subsidies for small businesses, thousands of youth have been given the opportunity to become job creators. Training, mentoring, and seed capital support have helped local entrepreneurs in agriculture, tourism, handicrafts, and digital services take their businesses forward. Women-led microenterprises have been especially encouraged through SHGs and targeted loan support. Skill development centres across the State are training youth in diverse trades, preparing them for both local employment and global job markets.
The progress of the last four years has set the tone for a decade-long transformation. Dr. Sarma’s Government envisions a modern, prosperous Assam with world-class healthcare, quality education, vibrant cities, and empowered rural communities. Future initiatives will focus on expanding industrial corridors, promoting green energy, deepening digital governance, and ensuring social justice.
The Government’s approach combines immediate relief for the vulnerable with strategic investments in people and infrastructure. Through transparent governance, efficient delivery systems, and people-centric policies, it is building public trust and accountability. In just four years, it has managed to touch almost every aspect of the common citizen’s life—be it health, housing, education, employment, or mobility. By focusing on equity, empowerment, and efficiency, the administration has laid the groundwork for a self-reliant and dynamic Assam. With continued momentum and public participation, the dream of Viksit Assam is not only achievable—it is within sight.
(The author is a retired IAS officer)
