At an event in Jyoti-Bishnu Antarjatik Kala Mandir, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of projects worth ₹19,500 crore in Assam, emphasizing the State’s potential to emerge as a development model for the entire nation.

Key Announcements and Initiatives

1. Major Infrastructure Push

• Multiple development projects worth ₹19,500 crore were launched across sectors such as:
  • Transport infrastructure
  • Urban development
  • Energy and connectivity
• These initiatives operate under the broader framework of regional development strategies spearheaded by the Union Government to integrate the Northeast with the national economy.

2. Land Rights for Tea Garden Workers

• Over 28,200 tea garden workers received homestead land pattas through digital distribution.
• This step addresses long-standing land insecurity among tea tribes.
• The initiative aligns with the objective of inclusive development and social justice for marginalized communities.

Objectives

• Provide legal land ownership to tea garden labour families.
• Improve housing security and socio-economic status.
• Integrate tea tribes into mainstream development.

3. Northeast Development Framework

Development of the region is spearheaded through several initiatives such as:

• Act East Policy – strengthening economic links with Southeast Asia.
• Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) – funding infrastructure and social sector projects.
• North Eastern Council – regional planning and coordination.

Significance for Assam

• Strengthens infrastructure-led growth in the Northeast.
• Promotes inclusive development for tea tribes, a major labour community in Assam.
• Supports Assam’s emergence as a gateway to Southeast Asia under the Act East framework.

Exam Hook

Consider the following statements regarding development initiatives in Northeast India:

• The Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for the North East Region (PM-DevINE) focuses on infrastructure and social sector projects in the Northeast.
• The North Eastern Council functions as a regional planning body for the development of Northeastern states.
• The Act East Policy aims to strengthen India’s economic and strategic engagement with Southeast Asia.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)

One-line Wrap:
Infrastructure expansion and social welfare measures are positioning Assam as a potential model of inclusive regional development in India.

Source