January 2026 will go down in my life as one of the most satisfying months in terms of the sense of achievement for the people of Assam. Not only this month became the foundation point of monumental projects in the history of Assam, but also in terms of what we want to leave as a legacy for the next generation.
The visit of the Prime Minister saw how the Centre has come closer to Assam in deeds. When we were growing up, the usual complaint was that the Union Government would always be indifferent to the periphery; the North East or for that matter Assam was being treated as a step-child, and that development was the prerogative of only the Southern and Western States of Bharat. However, the day the BJP-led NDA Government came to take responsibility of governance in the State, the Centre script has turned on its head. The Prime Minister has never let go a chance to shower his love for the State. The development projects ranging from semi-conductor to the fertiliser unit in Namrup; his personal presence during mega Bihu, Jhumoir and now Bagrumba are all reflections that North East is now in the scheme of things more than ever in the history of Independent India.
One needs to understand that petty ways of governance do not bring results. One has to be dedicated to the cause of the people to bring not only the attention of the Central Government but also investors. Mere making noises for media attention never works. With just a couple of months more to go for the term of the present Government in Dispur to end, I can look back with immense satisfaction at what we have achieved for our people. I am not the one to give marks to myself, or our Government, let it be left to history to judge us. However, I can claim with utmost sincerity that all these while we were always thinking of ways and means to improve the lives of our Assamese brothers and sisters.
I know for sure that people will remember us only when we leave a legacy behind for them. That is where I would once again like to point to the immense love that the Prime Minister has for the State and its people. The number of infrastructure projects that are for all to see in the State today is a gift of the Union Government. What we could do, given our limitations, was to envision what we need to make it easy for people to live, travel and enjoy peace and security in life with good health. The highways, the State roads, the bridges and the over bridges and the medical colleges are all for the people. The ambitious corridor project in Kaziranga National Park is a shining proof of how we envisioned a problem and its solution. For a State like ours with limited resources until now it was difficult, but I have sensed that the vision was also missing all through, not anymore. Whenever and whatever we have proposed, the Central Government has agreed. The message that we are receiving the attention of New Delhi is also being favourably seen by investors. One just needs to look around to find out how much investment is taking place in Assam with big players lining up while encouraging the local investors as well.
My presence in Davos this year was one of the highlights of life in public or Government, whichever way I put it. Going to Davos was one thing and being invited is another. The message was loud and clear by the Union Government that this is now Assam’s time. All these while we had only seen chief ministers of other States on television and newspapers that they were hard selling their States as an investor destination. They had also reaped rewards. We used to envy them and their infrastructure. Only when I started taking greater responsibility in the Governments in Dispur, I realised that this is doable for Assam as well. What was missing was a mission and a vision, After Advantage Assam 2.0, we learnt the ropes and now the State is flavour of all. Investors are not only talking of Assam but also coming to us to explore potential opportunities. With infrastructure taking shape, the message has gone out loud and clear that we are competing furiously to draw industries with favourable policies, and a massive talent pool.
These talented individuals have not only secured Government jobs through sheer hard work but have also started delivering. Whenever I travel across Assam, I see young bright faces talking of a future with hope and not despondency. With my ears to the ground always, I know that the buzz is there. The State has left its difficult past behind, and reclaiming its glorious history once again.
Jai Ai Axom.
