What New Initiatives Did the Cabinet Approve for Assam and Tripura?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rs 4,250 crore approved for Assam and Tripura development.
- Focus on infrastructure for Adivasi regions in Assam.
- Funds allocated for community empowerment and socio-economic growth.
- Long-term investment over five years for Assam and four years for Tripura.
- Targeting marginalized groups to improve livelihoods and education.
New Delhi, Aug 8 (NationPress) The Union Cabinet has recently sanctioned four new initiatives under the existing Central Sector Scheme of Special Development Packages (SDPs) aimed at Assam and Tripura, with a total financial allocation of Rs 4,250 crore.
As outlined in a Cabinet statement, Rs 500 crore is earmarked for enhancing infrastructure in Adivasi-inhabited villages in Assam, following the Memoranda of Settlement (MoS) established between the Central government and the Assam government with Adivasi groups.
This initiative is poised to benefit thousands from the Adivasi and Dimasa communities in Assam, along with residents from various districts and tribal groups in Tripura.
Additionally, Rs 500 crore will be allocated for infrastructure development in the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC), focusing on villages occupied by the Dimasa National Liberation Army/Dimasa People’s Supreme Council as per the MoS signed with the Government of Assam.
The Cabinet, presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also approved Rs 3,000 crore for infrastructure improvements in Assam in conjunction with the MoS with ULFA groups.
Moreover, Rs 250 crore is designated for the development of tribal communities in Tripura, following the MoS with the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF).
The total proposed funding for these four new components amounts to Rs 7,250 crore, with Rs 4,250 crore allocated under the Special Development Packages for Assam (Rs 4,000 crore) and Tripura (Rs 250 crore), while the Assam government will contribute the remaining Rs 3,000 crore.
Of the Rs 4,250 crore, Rs 4,000 crore will be distributed over five years from the Financial Year 2025-26 to 2029-30 for three components in Assam, and Rs 250 crore will be allocated over four years from 2025-26 to 2028-29 for one component in Tripura.
This scheme aims to foster equity by elevating the socio-economic conditions of marginalized groups who have not sufficiently benefited from existing government programs; it will enhance employment prospects, provide health services, promote education and skill development, and create livelihood opportunities for youth and women while boosting tourism from other regions.