Assam Budget prioritises Barak Valley's development: CM Sarma
Guwahati, July 16
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said the state government has accorded top priority to fulfilling the long-standing aspirations of the people of Barak Valley over the past decade, asserting that the region will no longer remain behind in Assam's development journey.
In a post on the social media platform X, the Chief Minister said that the Assam Budget 2026 has incorporated several landmark measures to strengthen governance, healthcare, education, connectivity, and infrastructure in the valley.
Sarma wrote that over the last decade, they have given the highest priority to fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people of Barak Valley, adding that in Assam's overall development journey, Barak Valley will no longer be left behind. He added that the budget has addressed the region's long-pending needs by making significant provisions across key sectors.
Highlighting the government's development philosophy, Sarma said balanced regional growth remains central to its vision of building a "Viksit Assam".
He noted that the Budget 2026 seeks to unlock the immense potential of Barak Valley by strengthening its institutions, expanding healthcare facilities, and improving transport and communication networks.
According to the Chief Minister, the government is committed to ensuring equal opportunities and equitable development for every region and every section of society, and makes it clear that there will be no compromise on this objective.
The Barak Valley, comprising the districts of Cachar, Sribhumi, and Hailakandi, has often seen calls for greater investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
The state government has, in recent years, announced several projects for the region, including road connectivity improvements, medical infrastructure expansion, and educational initiatives.
The Chief Minister's remarks come as the BJP-led government highlights the Assam Budget 2026's regional focus ahead of the implementation of several development projects announced during the Budget session.
The government has maintained that balanced regional development is essential for achieving inclusive economic growth and ensuring that all parts of the state benefit equally from Assam's ongoing development initiatives.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see focus on Barak Valley, but why only now? The region has been neglected for decades. The budget allocation for new schools and anganwadi centers is welcome, but we need better road connectivity to Hailakandi especially. The pothole situation there is horrible during monsoons.
As someone from Silchar, I appreciate the Chief Minister's commitment. The 200-bed hospital expansion and new ITI in Karimganj will create local jobs. But I wish they'd focus on the flood control measures too - every year we face the same problem in low-lying areas. Infrastructure without flood protection is incomplete.
Interesting to see the BJP government focusing on a region that has historically been a Congress stronghold. The allocation for the new bridge at Badarpurghat and upgrading the Silchar airport are practical steps. Let's hope the benefits actually reach the common man and not just contractors.
The Assam Budget 2026 mentions a 'Viksit Assam' but Barak Valley's development can't be just about infrastructure. What about preserving our language and culture? The Bengali-speaking community here feels left out sometimes. Balanced growth should also mean cultural respect. ⚖️
CM Sarma's tweet is classic political messaging - announce big numbers, hope people don't notice the fine print. The ₹500 crore for Barak Valley is less than 5% of total budget. For a region that contributes so much to Assam's tea export and has 3 districts, it's still insufficient. But better than nothing I guess.
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