Amit Shah Highlights Assam's Industrial Growth and Development Initiatives

Assam's Industrial Future

Guwahati, June 30: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has emphasized that Assam is set to lead industrial advancement in the Northeast region.

He noted the state's swift infrastructure development, increasing investment opportunities, and a variety of significant projects as indicators of its rising economic influence in the area.

In a detailed interview, Shah discussed various critical topics, including the ongoing efforts to combat illegal immigration, Assam's aspirations to become an industrial center, and initiatives for wildlife conservation, among others.

This interview marks the third segment of a five-part series with the Union Home Minister.

AT: With an investment agreement of Rs 5 lakh crore in Assam, what impact do you anticipate?

Shah: I am confident that Assam will spearhead industrial growth in the Northeast. Agreements worth Rs 5 lakh crore have been established, and additional industries are emerging beyond these agreements. Assam is now a health hub for the Northeast, excelling in cancer treatment and medical education, thanks to the supportive governance.

There should be no doubt regarding Assam's industrial potential. The recent Advantage Assam Summit attracted investors from various regions, resulting in a total investment commitment of Rs 5,18,205 crore, which represents 80% of Assam's projected Gross Domestic Product (GDP), expected to reach Rs 6.43 lakh crore by March 2025. This investment is a crucial milestone for Assam's economic advancement.

AT: How has the government's focus on self-reliance translated into real results in key sectors?

Shah: The Prime Minister's vision for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat is not merely a slogan; it is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing domestic capabilities. In the defense sector, India has achieved complete self-sufficiency, with production reaching Rs 1.3 lakh crore and exports amounting to Rs 21,000 crore.

We have implemented a four-tier NCORD mechanism and established a joint coordination committee. A dedicated task force has been formed to combat trafficking via maritime routes. Platforms such as the CAZAR Information Management System, NIDAAN, and the NCORD portal have significantly improved operational efficiency.

The results are evident. From 2004 to 2014, 25 lakh kg of drugs valued at Rs 40,000 crore were seized. In contrast, from 2014 to 2025, over 1 crore kg worth Rs 1,50,000 crore were confiscated. To prevent recirculation, the government initiated a nationwide destruction campaign, eliminating 31.53 lakh kg of narcotics, ten times more than during the previous administration.

Synthetic drugs pose a global challenge. In the last five years, synthetic narcotics valued at over Rs 14,000 crore, weighing 23,000 kg, have been seized. Authorities dismantled 41 illegal laboratories across states, confiscated 86,000 kg of synthetic drugs, and arrested 136 individuals. The Modi government is addressing this issue from both grassroots and top levels, with 29 traffickers convicted in 12 major cases.

AT: How would you assess the economic progress of the country during the Modi government's 11 years compared to the UPA era?

Shah: The past 11 years under Modi's leadership have been marked by development and transformation. In 2014, India faced weak governance, deteriorating security, and a troubled banking system. The country's inclusion in the Fragile Five reflected stalled reforms and diminished investor confidence. This situation has dramatically changed under the Modi administration. India is now among the top four global economies and is recognized internationally as a growth leader. Non-performing assets have decreased significantly to 2.3%, revitalizing the banking sector. Internal security has improved remarkably, with a notable decline in violence in Jammu and Kashmir, the Northeast, and Naxal-affected areas. The government has restructured governance to focus on welfare delivery, lifting 26 crore people out of poverty and providing over 80 crore citizens with housing, electricity, clean water, toilets, and free LPG. Health insurance of Rs 5 lakh per family and consistent access to ration and cooking gas have become basic entitlements, benefits that were previously inaccessible for decades.

AT: Beyond GDP growth, what other indicators demonstrate broader economic progress under the Modi government?

Shah: Under the Modi administration, our nation has experienced comprehensive economic growth. Beyond the fact that GDP has doubled from USD 2 trillion to USD 4.2 trillion, other economic indicators are equally impressive. Capital expenditure has increased more than fivefold, from Rs 1.9 lakh crore to Rs 10.5 lakh crore. Per capita income has nearly doubled, and FDI inflows have surged by 143%. Inflation, which averaged 10.1% during the UPA years, has decreased to 4.6%. Foreign exchange reserves have doubled to USD 654 billion. Infrastructure development has accelerated, with highway construction reaching 21.3 km per day and metro rail expanding fourfold to 1,000 km. Over 55 crore people have been integrated into the banking system, and Direct Benefit Transfers have reached Rs 44 lakh crore. The digital economy now accounts for half of all global digital transactions. These results reflect tangible progress, extending far beyond mere GDP figures. The world now looks to India's model of financial inclusion and banking reforms as a benchmark.

AT: The Modi government claims to have prioritized the Northeast in terms of development, but the Congress party seems skeptical.

Shah: The Congress may attempt to mislead the people of the Northeast with its unfounded claims, but the data speaks for itself. During the UPA era, the Tax Devolution grant for the Northeast was Rs 1,08,483 crore in 2014-15, which has increased by 430% to Rs 5,74,741 crore under the Modi government in 2023-24. Similarly, grants to the region during the same period rose from Rs 2,37,972 crore to Rs 5,66,093 crore in 2023-24, a 138% increase. This is a factual representation of the Congress party's commitment to the Northeast.

It was the same Congress that allowed the Northeast to descend into violence, strikes, and blockades. In contrast, the last 11 years under the Modi government have ushered in a new era of peace and development in the Northeast. During this time, 12 peace accords have been signed, resolving many insurgency issues in the region, with over 10,000 insurgents surrendering. The data reflects these efforts: incidents of violence decreased from 11,327 between 2004-2014 to 3,493 from 2014-2025, a 69% reduction. The deaths of security personnel fell from 456 to 135, a 70% decrease, while civilian deaths plummeted from 2,651 to 397, an 85% drop. The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) has been lifted from many areas in Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh. In Assam, AFSPA has been removed from 32 out of 35 districts and from several police station areas in Arunachal Pradesh.

The growth of connectivity in the region has been remarkable during the Modi administration, with significant infrastructure projects like the Bogibeel bridge, the longest rail-road bridge in the country, and the Dhola Sadiya bridge, India's longest river bridge. The first rail link to Sikkim has been established, and India's highest twin-lane tunnel, the Sela Tunnel, is located in Arunachal Pradesh.

Approximately 46,296 km of village roads have been completed at a cost of Rs 47,279 crore. In terms of air connectivity, 64 new routes and airports have become operational, and 4,950 km of national highways have been completed with an investment of Rs 41,459 crore. The Northeast has set new records in connectivity, a reality achieved through our relentless efforts to establish peace through accords. The Congress, which criticizes us, allocated only Rs 2,332 crore to the DONER Ministry in 2014-15, which has now increased by 153% to Rs 5,915 crore in 2025-26. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who represented the Northeast, did little for the region's development during his tenure. How many industries did they initiate? None. In contrast, we have embarked on the ambitious project of establishing the region's first semiconductor unit. Before questioning the BJP, the Congress should explain to the people what they accomplished for the Northeast.