Assam Government Intensifies Development Efforts Ahead of BTC Elections

Focused Development Initiatives in Bodoland

Udalguri, July 3: As the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections draw near, the Assam government is ramping up its initiatives in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) by conducting district-specific review visits aimed at expediting development projects and welfare programs.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma commenced a five-day tour of the region starting from Udalguri on Thursday. He noted that the Bodoland Territorial Autonomous Districts (BTAD) are falling behind other areas in the state regarding the finalization of beneficiary lists for various schemes.

“While other regions in Assam have their beneficiary lists prepared, BTAD is somewhat lagging. Therefore, I have decided to personally visit all five BTAD districts to assess the progress,” the Chief Minister stated.

His itinerary includes visits to Tamulpur on Friday, followed by Baksa, Kokrajhar (on July 8), and Chirang (on July 9). “These visits will enable us to pinpoint deficiencies and speed up implementation,” he added.

One of the significant announcements made was the expansion of the Orunodoi 3.0 scheme. “Previously, Udalguri had 58,000 beneficiaries under Orunodoi. We are now increasing this number to 1.18 lakh families. This initiative is designed to directly assist the most impoverished and vulnerable populations,” Sarma explained.

Additionally, he revealed that the Mukhya Mantri Mohila Udyomita Scheme will be launched in August, providing Rs 10,000 to each self-help group to foster women's entrepreneurship. Approximately 1.07 lakh women in Udalguri are expected to benefit from this scheme.

Under the Mukhya Mantri Atmanirbhar Assam Scheme, around 2,500 youths from Udalguri have already been identified for financial and skill development assistance.

During the meeting in Udalguri, the Chief Minister emphasized that discussions transcended political affiliations, involving leaders from BJP, UPPL, and BPF to ensure eligible families receive the benefits of welfare schemes.

“This meeting was also political in nature — leaders from BJP, UPPL, and BPF were present. We thoroughly discussed development. More than 2 lakh families in Udalguri alone will benefit from various schemes,” he assured.

Sarma mentioned that the government has allocated Rs 1,500 crore for road infrastructure in BTAD, with plans to complete pending road projects.

“We have set ambitious targets to finish all major projects before the elections. Starting in August, women will begin receiving financial assistance; Orunodoi 3.0 is set to launch on September 10; and tea garden workers will start receiving their promised benefits in October. Additionally, around 50,000 youths will receive employment support,” he stated.

He also disclosed that the government is collaborating with Bhutan to address water issues in the region.

“Bhutan has consented to allow us to channel water from their reservoirs to Udalguri, Baksa, and Tamulpur. Two projects have already been completed, with three more underway. This will significantly enhance agricultural productivity and drinking water supply in these areas,” he noted.

Reaffirming the government's dedication to fostering peace in the region, Sarma remarked, “Our goal is to ensure both development and peace in BTAD. The BTC elections are scheduled to occur before Durga Puja. The Secretary will evaluate the ground situation based on feedback from observers before making a final decision.”