“Assam can be a net supplier of human resources to the rest of India” – Hon’ble CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The powerful words and vision of our Chief Minister in his recent Assembly speech, was not just an address but a comprehensive vision for Assam’s future. “Assam can be an economic sweet spot by providing the best human resources,” he had stated highlighting the State’s potential to become a hub for skilled professionals and a driver of economic growth. His strategic approach outlines a robust framework aimed at addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing our State today, particularly in education, human resource development, and economic sustainability.
The transformative vision of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, from the “Look East Policy” to the “Act East Policy,” has created new opportunities for our youth, farmers, entrepreneurs, and artisans, enabling them to tap into global markets and forge new partnerships with Southeast Asia.
Under the guidance of the Chief Minister, who follows the principle of raj dharma, the State can explore possibilities and initiatives that can transform this vision into reality, marking a clear indication that Assam is poised to become a beacon of human capital excellence, shaping the future of India’s workforce. As a fellow Minister in his Government, I am both inspired and driven to support this visionary roadmap, which is built on five critical pillars: Talent Mobility, Skill Development, Entrepreneurship, Agriculture, and Tourism.
1. Talent Mobility: Assam’s Strategic Advantage
In a world where natural resources are finite and often unevenly distributed, the Chief Minister has rightly identified human resources as Assam’s most valuable asset. Assam has positioned itself to build an economy based on mobilising skilled human resources globally. The interest from the Singapore Government in our nursing graduates is a clear indication of the quality and potential of our workforce. This will not only address unemployment but also brings much-needed foreign exchange into our State, boosting our economy. As an added advantage to job seekers, we have executed an MoU with Naukri.com, facilitating continuous updates on job alerts and vacancies in various sectors to those registered under the Assam employment exchange portal.
Our Government has also successfully neared the mark of one lakh Government jobs and is now targeting doubling this number by 2026. I am extremely pleased to share that this entire process has been completed with utmost transparency and accuracy.
2. Skill Development: The Foundation of Future Industries
The Chief Minister’s emphasis on skill development as a cornerstone of Assam’s future is both timely and essential. With the establishment of the Skill University in Mangaldoi, we are on the path to empowering 10,000 youth annually with cutting-edge skills in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, financial inclusion, and stock market operations. These are not just the skills of today but the competencies required for the industries of tomorrow. The collaboration with Tata Technologies to reform and modernise our ITIs and Polytechnics is a testament to our commitment to Industry 4.0. Assam’s upcoming semiconductor manufacturing plant, the first in the North East, is poised to revolutionise the region and employ around 27,000 youths.
3. Entrepreneurship: Building an Industry of the Brain
The third pillar, entrepreneurship, is where Assam’s unique challenges turn into opportunities. Given our State’s limited natural resources, the Chief Minister has wisely advocated for a shift towards industries that rely on intellectual capital rather than physical resources. In a flood-prone region like Assam, traditional industries may struggle, but the “industry of the brain” – encompassing AI, augmented reality, software development, and other future industries – can thrive.
4. Agriculture: Revitalising the Backbone of Assam’s Economy
Agriculture remains the backbone of Assam’s economy, and the Chief Minister’s initiatives in this sector are groundbreaking. The agreement with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to ensure that Assam supplies its own Public Distribution System (PDS) rice is a game-changer. This decentralised procurement model empowers local farmers and ensures that the economic benefits of agriculture remain within the state. The efforts to procure 4 lakh MT of paddy this year, coupled with rising private sector interest, signal a positive shift in the agricultural landscape. The Government’s consideration of further subsidies to cover transportation costs for farmers is a much-needed step that will encourage greater participation and productivity in this sector.
5. Tourism: A Boon for Economic Growth
Assam’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty are set to propel the State’s tourism sector to new heights, driving economic growth and development. Meanwhile, the State’s vibrant cultural landscape is being shared with the world through the recent world-record-breaking Bihu performance, which will soon be followed by Jhumur dance going global. Furthermore, the Government’s tourism portal is facilitating the development of 5,000 homestays.
The Chief Minister’s speech outlines a comprehensive and forward-looking plan that addresses both the immediate and long-term needs of Assam. Together, we will transform challenges into opportunities and pave the way for a prosperous and sustainable future for our State.
