Women-led growth to power Assam’s shift from dependent to contributor state: CM

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on January 6 said the state is steadily transforming from being dependent on other states for essential commodities to becoming a contributor to the economy, with a strong focus on self-reliance, women-led development, and sustained peace.

Addressing a public programme, the Chief Minister said Assam has traditionally depended on states such as West Bengal for eggs, Andhra Pradesh for fish, and Gujarat for milk, but the situation is now changing as local production and small businesses are being encouraged, particularly among women. He said the government’s flagship initiative to create “Lakhpati Didis” would play a crucial role in strengthening the rural and village economy.

“Our goal is to turn 40 lakh women into Lakhpati Didis. If women engage in even small-scale business activities, it can generate an economic output of around Rs 32,000 crore. This will not only create eight lakh Lakhpati Didis initially but another eight lakh in the coming year, significantly improving the village economy,” the Chief Minister said.

Highlighting Assam’s improving economic indicators, Sarma said the state has achieved agricultural production of around 8.5 lakh metric tonnes of paddy and is witnessing steady growth in the tourism sector. He noted that people across Assam are producing a wide range of local products, contributing to employment generation and economic diversification.

Referring to long-term trends, the Chief Minister said Assam’s economy recorded a growth of nearly 45 per cent between 2020 and 2025. “If we can maintain this growth trajectory, Assam’s current national ranking of around 15th or 16th among Indian states can improve to the top 10 in the coming years,” he added.

Sarma also pointed to significant improvements in the law-and-order situation, which he said has helped attract tourists and encouraged entrepreneurial activity, especially among the youth. “Tourists are coming in large numbers now, and an entrepreneurial spirit is emerging among young people. This growth is not temporary; it must be permanent,” he said.

Emphasising the need for lasting peace to sustain development, the Chief Minister said continued vigilance would be required over the next few years. “Permanent peace is essential for economic progress. We must remain alert so that development and stability go hand in hand,” he said.