Assam CM meets PM Modi, briefs him about state’s welfare schemes

By | July 28, 2025
Assam CM meets PM Modi to discuss state welfare schemes

In a significant political engagement aimed at reinforcing centre-state cooperation, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday, July 28, 2025. The meeting, described by Sarma as “fruitful and encouraging,” centered on Assam’s achievements under welfare and developmental schemes, with a detailed briefing presented to the Prime Minister.

A High-Level Review of Assam’s Progress

CM Sarma’s visit came at a time when Assam is attempting to rebrand itself as a development-driven, progressive state in the North-East. During the meeting, the Chief Minister outlined the state’s remarkable strides in social welfare, public infrastructure, rural development, and health initiatives. According to sources close to the Assam Secretariat, the CM submitted a comprehensive performance report highlighting the government’s focus on last-mile delivery, transparency, and fiscal prudence.

Focus Areas Discussed with the Prime Minister

Among the key topics of discussion were education, healthcare, agricultural reforms, and infrastructural developments. The CM emphasized the impact of flagship programs such as Orunodoi, PM POSHAN, and Mukhya Mantri Lok Sevak Arogya Yojana, among others. These schemes, Sarma explained, have played a vital role in improving the lives of economically vulnerable populations across Assam.

Sarma also spoke about Assam’s evolving agriculture and dairy support system, including the recently announced ₹5 per litre milk subsidy aimed at benefiting rural dairy farmers. “Our farmers are the backbone of our economy. Strengthening their income through direct subsidies and market linkage is our top priority,” the CM noted during a media briefing after the meeting.

Infrastructure Boom and Institutional Strengthening

Assam has seen a spurt of high-budget infrastructure projects in recent months. The Chief Minister updated PM Modi about major undertakings such as:

  • A ₹25 crore community kitchen project in Dibrugarh under the PM POSHAN initiative, expected to serve over one lakh schoolchildren daily.
  • Multiple infrastructure ventures at Dibrugarh University and Assam Medical College & Hospital valued at ₹504 crore, aimed at expanding educational and medical capacities in the region.

Sarma reiterated that such projects are not only addressing service gaps but are also creating job opportunities and enhancing the region’s economic resilience.

Land Reclamation and Law Enforcement

One of the more contentious yet impactful initiatives highlighted was the state’s rigorous land eviction drive. Since 2021, the Assam government has reclaimed over 25,500 acres (or roughly 1.29 lakh bighas) of government and forest land that were under illegal encroachment. Sarma informed the Prime Minister that these efforts were being carried out lawfully and sensitively, with a view to safeguarding environmental resources and ensuring lawful land usage.

This land, according to the state government, is being repurposed for public welfare—such as schools, health centers, and agricultural cooperatives.

Drought Monitoring and Climate Resilience

In the backdrop of India’s unpredictable monsoon pattern this year, the CM also updated the Prime Minister on Assam’s drought contingency plan. With 15 districts reporting rainfall deficits, the state has activated a mitigation strategy involving:

  • Distribution of short-duration paddy varieties.
  • Support under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana.
  • Mobilization of rural job schemes like MGNREGA to ensure income stability in affected regions.

Sarma stressed that timely federal support—both administrative and financial—would be crucial to implementing drought relief effectively.

A Prelude to PM Modi’s Upcoming Assam Visit

This high-level meeting gains additional significance in the context of PM Modi’s upcoming visit to Assam on September 8, 2025, for the centenary celebration of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika. The Prime Minister is expected to inaugurate several projects and interact with stakeholders from the cultural and educational spheres.

In this regard, Sarma reportedly invited the Prime Minister to lay the foundation stone for a heritage-cultural complex dedicated to Dr. Hazarika. The state has already earmarked land and a preliminary budget for the project.

Political Implications and Central Backing

From a political standpoint, Sarma’s meeting reflects a strong working relationship with the Centre—a hallmark of his leadership since taking office. It also reinforces Assam’s alignment with the Union Government’s development vision for the North-East. The CM thanked the PM for his continued interest in the region, calling him “the true architect of Northeast India’s transformation.”

Observers believe that such meetings are not just symbolic, but instrumental in securing timely clearances, fund allocations, and policy alignment across ministries.

Conclusion

The meeting between CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and PM Modi stands as a powerful testament to cooperative federalism in action. With Assam pushing forward an aggressive development agenda and the Centre showing consistent interest, the state appears poised for rapid socio-economic transformation.

Sarma’s message was clear—Assam has made remarkable progress, but central support remains pivotal to achieving full saturation of welfare coverage and unlocking the state’s true potential.