New Delhi: In a landmark decision, the Union Cabinet has approved a substantial financial package of Rs 4,250 crore for Assam and Tripura under the Central Sector Scheme of Special Development Packages (SDPs). This move is a significant step towards consolidating peace and driving inclusive growth in the region, coming on the heels of multiple Memoranda of Settlement (MoS) signed with ethnic groups in both states. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the decision, stating that it will “boost development in the region and create new opportunities for youngsters and women.”
The financial outlay is part of a larger Rs 7,250 crore initiative, with the remaining Rs 3,000 crore to be contributed by the Assam state government. The Centre’s share will be disbursed over a five-year period, from the financial year 2025-26 to 2029-30 for Assam’s components, and over four years for Tripura. This new package follows previous successful MoS-based initiatives with groups like the Bodo and Karbi, which have shown positive outcomes in peace-building and development.
In Assam, the cabinet has earmarked Rs 3,000 crore for infrastructure projects across the state, in line with the MoS signed with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA 2023) groups. Additionally, Rs 500 crore has been sanctioned for infrastructure development in villages inhabited by Adivasi groups, as per the 2022 MoS. Another Rs 500 crore is allocated for the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) area, to benefit communities linked to the Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA) and Dimasa People’s Supreme Council (DPSC), following their 2023 accord. Meanwhile, Tripura will receive Rs 250 crore for the development of its tribal communities, in accordance with the 2024 MoS signed with the NLFT and ATTF groups.
The scheme is specifically designed to uplift vulnerable and marginalised communities, focusing on those who have not adequately benefited from existing government programmes. The funds are aimed at boosting employment, providing better health services, and promoting education and skill development for the youth and women. The initiative is also expected to increase tourist footfall, thereby creating more livelihood opportunities for the people of the Northeast. This holistic approach is set to bring lakhs of people from Adivasi and Dimasa communities in Assam, as well as tribal communities in Tripura, into the mainstream of development and progress.
Read More: Nagaland Hosts Landmark Exhibition Celebrating Northeast’s Educational Journey