Barak Valley Secretariat construction to begin in October-November: Assam minister

Assam Minister Kaushik Rai on March 23 announced that the state government has intensified its efforts to drive development in Barak Valley, allocating Rs 100 crore to the Barak Valley Development Department in the latest budget.

Speaking on the initiative, minister Rai highlighted that while work had already commenced on the Barak Valley Mini Secretariat, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has now elevated its status, renaming it as the Barak Valley Secretariat.

“The government is committed to the comprehensive development of Barak Valley. The work on the Barak Valley Secretariat is set to commence between October and November this year,” Rai stated.

Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog, while unveiling the state budget on March 10, announced a total budget allocation of Rs 2.63 lakh crore, with Rs 100 crore earmarked for the Barak Valley Development Department. Key projects include a new flyover in Silchar, the Drink from Tap scheme in Sribhumi and Hailakandi, and a new medical college in Hailakandi.

Key Budget Announcements for Barak Valley

Cachar District (Silchar & Surrounding Areas)
Silchar Flyover: A ₹700 crore flyover will be constructed in Silchar Municipal Town to improve urban connectivity.

Industrial Park: A new industrial park is planned for Silchar, as part of a ₹500 crore phased investment in industrial development.

Judicial Infrastructure: A new court building has been completed in Cachar, enhancing judicial accessibility.

Education Expansion: Assam University's Silchar campus will introduce a new Assamese language department.

Healthcare Upgrades: Robotic surgery units will be installed at Silchar Medical College, enhancing medical facilities.

Mini Secretariat: The Barak Valley Secretariat in Silchar is expected to be completed within this financial year.

Prison Infrastructure: Land has been allocated for a new jail in Silchar, with construction plans finalized.

Government Press: A branch of the Assam Government Press will be established in Silchar, with four new machines already installed.

Sribhumi (Formerly Karimganj)
Agriculture College: A new agriculture college will be established in Patharkandi to promote agricultural education.

Son Beel Development: ₹100 crore investment under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana will boost the livelihood of over one lakh fishermen, primarily from Scheduled Caste communities.

Medical College: A new medical college in Sribhumi is under construction, set to be completed by 2026-27.

Police Modernisation: One of four Model Police Reserves in Assam will be developed in Karimganj to strengthen law enforcement.

Water Supply: The “Drink From Tap” project will provide 24/7 clean drinking water in Karimganj, with expansion plans for Lala and Badarpur towns.

Hailakandi District
Medical College: A new medical college will be established in Hailakandi, expanding healthcare services.

Water Supply: The “Drink From Tap” initiative will also be launched in Hailakandi, ensuring continuous access to clean drinking water.

With these developments, the Assam government aims to accelerate infrastructure growth, improve healthcare, and enhance educational opportunities in Barak Valley.