Assam Government's Bold Moves Ahead of Elections: Empowering Women and Tackling Illegal Occupations

As Assam approaches an election year, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's administration has sent a strong and clear message on two fronts. On one hand, there is an unprecedented push to economically empower women, while on the other, the government is taking a firm stance against illegal encroachments on forests and government land. The state government has provided seed capital to approximately 1.5 million women under its self-reliance program, aiming to increase this number to 4 million in the coming months. Each woman is initially receiving ₹10,000 to kickstart small businesses, agricultural activities, livestock rearing, shops, tailoring, or other self-employment ventures. The government asserts that this initiative is not merely assistance but a step towards establishing a sustainable income for women. Additionally, successful participants will have access to larger loans at lower interest rates.

This initiative is being implemented across all districts, with a significant impact observed in rural areas. The government describes it as the backbone of women's empowerment, claiming it will strengthen the domestic economy and increase cash flow in villages.

Simultaneously, the state government has intensified its decisive actions against illegal encroachments. Recently, over 5,000 bighas of reserve forest land in Hojai district were freed from encroachment. Officials state that this land had been illegally occupied for years, causing significant damage to the forest area. The Chief Minister has made it clear that any form of illegal occupation of forests and government land will not be tolerated.

According to state government data, more than 100,000 bighas of government and forest land have been reclaimed in recent years. Large-scale operations have been conducted in several districts, including Sonitpur, to remove illegal settlements. The Chief Minister has issued a stern warning on social media, stating that there is no place for illegal occupants in Assam.

Currently, Assam's political landscape appears to be divided into two distinct and conflicting poles: one focused on welfare and empowerment, and the other on strict governance and identity politics. Both approaches are centered around the upcoming assembly elections. The women's self-employment scheme is seen as a strategic move to secure votes, as female voters not only hold significant numbers but also influence household and societal decisions. By directly providing capital to women, the government is not just offering financial support but also instilling respect, trust, and hope for the future. The target of reaching 4 million women is particularly significant, as the state government aims to position women as partners rather than mere beneficiaries. This initiative is also strategically undermining the opposition, especially in areas where anti-government sentiments have traditionally been strong.

However, Assam's politics is not solely driven by welfare schemes. Issues of identity, land, and resources have always been sensitive topics. This is where the anti-encroachment campaign showcases its political strength. When the government clears thousands of bighas of land and openly declares that illegal occupants should leave, it is not just enforcing the law; it is addressing the sentiments of voters who have long felt insecure due to demographic changes and fears of losing land.

This firmness particularly resonates with voters who believe previous administrations were weak and compromising on these issues. The current leadership aims to project itself as decisive, fearless, and capable of making tough decisions without yielding to pressure. This image is invaluable in electoral politics. It is no coincidence that as elections approach, both campaigns have intensified. On one side, trust is being built by providing economic security to women, while on the other, strict actions are reinforcing the message that the government will not compromise on local interests.

Ultimately, the upcoming assembly elections will determine whether the people of Assam continue to support this aggressive, decisive, and clear governance style. Currently, the signs indicate that the government has sharpened its tools before entering the electoral arena.