The Bharatiya Janata Party's Dhubri district unit in Assam has enthusiastically welcomed the recently presented Union Budget, describing it as a 'bucket full of financial gifts' specifically tailored for the northeastern states, with a particular emphasis on Assam's development. This positive assessment was shared during a media briefing held at the party office in Dhubri on Tuesday, where key local leaders outlined the budget's transformative potential for the region.
Budget Positions Assam as Pillar of 'Purvoday' Initiative
Addressing journalists, district president Ranjit Kumar Ray, former legislator Ashwani Roy Sarkar, RK Puram legislator Arun Sharma, and Minority Morcha president DK Surana collectively emphasized the budget's strategic focus on Assam. DK Surana, in particular, elaborated to media representatives that this financial plan firmly establishes Assam as the central pillar of the government's ambitious 'Purvoday' (Rise of the East) initiative. He noted a significant paradigm shift in how the northeast is perceived—moving away from being viewed primarily through a security lens to being recognized as a vital 'Connector Economy' for South East Asia.
Key Allocations and Infrastructure Boost
The leaders detailed several substantial allocations and initiatives outlined in the budget that are poised to benefit Assam and the broader northeast region. Surana highlighted a massive Rs 40,000 crore allocation dedicated to the semiconductor mission, manufacturing sectors, and strategic industries, which is expected to spur technological and industrial growth. Additionally, the budget includes plans for the operationalization of 20 new national waterways within the next five years, enhancing connectivity and trade routes.
Further emphasizing holistic development, the budget focuses on city and regional advancement, with specific attention to infrastructure in Tier II and Tier III towns. This encompasses improvements in housing, education, skill development programs, and support for the creative economy, aiming to foster balanced growth across urban and semi-urban areas.
Specific Benefits for Assam's Regions and Tourism
Among the targeted allocations, Karbi Anglong is set to receive Rs 200 crore, while Bodoland will benefit from Rs 156 crore, aimed at addressing local developmental needs and promoting regional equity. In a move towards sustainable transportation, the budget proposes the introduction of 4,000 electric buses for the Purvoday states, with a significant portion earmarked for Guwahati and other Tier II towns in Assam, potentially reducing pollution and improving public transit.
Surana also underscored the Buddhist Circuit scheme, an initiative designed to develop and preserve Buddhist heritage sites across Assam and neighboring states. He expressed confidence that this scheme would not only safeguard cultural heritage but also boost international tourism, attracting visitors and generating economic opportunities for local communities.
Overall, the BJP Dhubri unit's response reflects optimism about the budget's potential to accelerate development in the northeast, positioning Assam as a key economic hub and enhancing the quality of life for its residents through targeted investments and strategic initiatives.
