Assam CM Highlights Impact of Direct Cash Transfers on Poverty Reduction

In a recent address, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the significant impact of direct cash benefit transfer schemes on reducing poverty in the state. He revealed that the multidimensional poverty rate has dropped from 32.67% in 2015 to 14.47% currently, with a goal to bring it down to single digits. Sarma criticized past administrations for their failure to address poverty effectively and highlighted the importance of central government support in executing transformative projects. He urged MLAs to promote entrepreneurship and guide youth in competitive exams to foster a self-sufficient state. The Chief Minister's remarks reflect a commitment to ongoing development and growth in Assam.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 15, 2026, 17:21 IST

Significant Progress in Poverty Alleviation

File image of Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma. (Photo:@himantabiswa/X)

Guwahati, July 15: On Wednesday, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized that the implementation of direct cash benefit transfer (DBT) schemes has been pivotal in diminishing poverty levels within the state. He expressed the government's ambition to reduce the multidimensional poverty rate to below ten percent.

During a discussion regarding the state budget in the Assembly, Sarma noted that Assam's multidimensional poverty rate has significantly decreased from 32.67 percent in 2015 to the current 14.47 percent.

He stated, "The direct cash benefit transfer has been the most effective tool for poverty alleviation in our state, and we are determined to lower this rate to a single digit. Direct cash transfers are essential for directly combating poverty, while other methods like development and agriculture will take much longer to yield results."

The Chief Minister also acknowledged the central government's support in executing various ambitious initiatives, which has empowered his administration to carry out transformative projects.

Sarma criticized previous Congress administrations for their inability to effectively reduce poverty, attributing this to a lack of bank accounts and Aadhaar registrations among the populace. He recalled that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had recognized that only a fraction of welfare benefits reached the intended recipients.

He highlighted that welfare initiatives such as Orunodoi, Nijut Moina, and the distribution of free food grains have significantly contributed to poverty alleviation in Assam.

According to Sarma, the budget reflects a joint commitment to development from both the Centre and the state, noting that it is due to the central government's backing that ambitious projects like the Kaziranga elevated corridor and the underground tunnel through the Brahmaputra are currently underway.

He accused individuals influenced by Leftist ideologies of opposing development projects and warned of stringent actions against those hindering progress.

"To expand the budget, we require growth. Industrialization, agriculture, and advancements in these sectors are crucial," he remarked.

The Chief Minister underscored the importance of a competitive approach within the current federal framework to secure enhanced support from the Centre.

In response to opposition claims that the budget was merely a repetition of previous years, Sarma asserted that it embodies the ongoing vision of the BJP-led government for the state's advancement.

He called upon MLAs to foster entrepreneurial initiatives in their constituencies, collaborate on government projects, and guide youth towards success in competitive examinations.