Modi Cabinet Approves Rs 4,250-Crore To Drive Socio-Economic Progress In Assam And Tripura Under Special Development Scheme

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved new components under the central sector scheme of Special Development Packages (SDPs) for Assam and Tripura, with a total outlay of Rs 4,250 crore, the Ministry of Development of North-East Region said in a statement.

Of the total package, Rs 500 crore will be allocated for developing infrastructure in Adivasi-inhabited villages and areas of Assam, while another Rs 500 crore is earmarked for the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council area, covering Dimasa National Liberation Army and Dimasa People’s Supreme Council-inhabited regions.

A major share, Rs 3,000 crore, will go towards overall infrastructure development in Assam.

Tripura’s tribal communities will receive Rs 250 crore for targeted development projects.

According to the ministry, the package will bring significant socio-economic benefits, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised groups who have not benefited adequately from existing schemes.

It is expected to enhance employment opportunities, provide health services, promote education and skilling, and boost incomes through livelihood activities for youth and women.

Tourism in the North Eastern Region is also expected to get a push, with an anticipated increase in visitor inflow creating additional jobs and livelihood opportunities.

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The ministry highlighted that infrastructure and livelihood projects under the SDP will create employment, promote skill development, income generation, and encourage local entrepreneurship.

The initiative follows a series of Memoranda of Settlement (MoSs) signed between the Government of India, the State Governments of Assam and Tripura, and various ethnic groups: Adivasi groups (2022), Dimasa National Liberation Army/Dimasa People’s Supreme Council (2023), United Liberation Front of Asom (2023), and National Liberation Front of Tripura/All Tripura Tiger Force (2024).

According to the ministry, these agreements seek to promote peace, inclusive development, and rehabilitation through targeted infrastructure and socio-economic projects.

The statement noted that previous MoS-based development packages, such as those for the Bodo and Karbi groups, have delivered positive outcomes in peace-building and regional development, and the new measures are expected to replicate and expand those gains across Assam and Tripura.

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