Finance
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects in Silchar, Assam, today. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi stated that visiting the Barak Valley, a land defined by its culture and vibrancy, is always a deeply special experience for him. The Prime Minister remarked that Silchar serves as the gateway to this valley, where history and language have merged to create a unique regional identity. Shri Modi noted that the region’s strength lies in its diversity, where Bengali, Assamese, and tribal traditions flourish together in harmony. “The diversity of the Barak Valley is its greatest asset, fostering a spirit of brotherhood among its citizens” affirmed Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister observed that the fertile plains and tea gardens of the region have long been the backbone of its local economy and trade routes. PM Modi stated that today’s inauguration of projects worth thousands of crores will further empower the Barak Valley as a logistics hub for the entire North East. Shri Modi noted that these initiatives in rail, road, and education are designed to create vast employment opportunities for the local youth. The Prime Minister pointed out that the region is now being positioned to connect not just the state, but the neighboring regions of West Bengal and the North East. “Barak Valley is going to become a major logistics and trade hub for the North East,” remarked Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister remarked that the current government is making the region the centerpiece of India’s Act East Policy. PM Modi noted that the current administration is working to restore its industrial glory. The Prime Minister observed that a historic milestone was reached today with the ground-breaking ceremony for the ₹24,000 crore Shillong-Silchar High-Speed Corridor. He stated that this Access Controlled Corridor is the first of its kind in the North East and ends a decades-old wait for the people. Shri Modi noted that this corridor will link Silchar to Mizoram, Manipur, and Tripura, and eventually to the vast markets of South-East Asia. The Prime Minister pointed out that this connectivity will provide an immense boost to local industry, agriculture, and tourism. “Barak Valley is going to be connected to a very bright future,” affirmed Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister stated that the new Silchar flyover will provide much-needed relief from the traffic congestion that has long troubled the city’s residents , this infrastructure is a major boon for students at Silchar Medical College, NIT, and Assam University, saving their precious time. Noting that the electrification of over 2,500 kilometers of Assam’s rail network will ensure faster travel, Shri Modi observed. “High-speed, clean rail transport will significantly benefit the pristine environment of the Barak Valley”.
The Prime Minister said that the tea garden workers and farmers of the valley have contributed immensely in Assam’s development. He said that so far more than ₹20,000 crore under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi has been transferred to the farmers of Assam. Shri Modi further noted that just yesterday, thousands of farmers in the Barak Valley also received money in their bank accounts. The Prime Minister added that this assistance is helping farmers meet their small but important needs related to agriculture. Shri Modi noted that the establishment of the region’s first Agriculture College at Patharkandi will transform the valley into a hub for agricultural research. The Prime Minister pointed out that this institution will provide the necessary support for local youth to launch successful agri-startups. “Barak Valley will now be known for agricultural studies and research,” stated Shri Modi.
Shri Modi stated that the current government follows the mantra of prioritizing those who have been left behind in the race for development. The Prime Minister remarked that while border villages were once considered the “last” villages, his government views them as the “first” villages of the nation. He noted that the Vibrant Village Program, expanded from Cachar district, is already bringing visible improvements to border habitations. The Prime Minister pointed out that the historical neglect of these areas is now being replaced by proactive development and strategic focus. “We consider the border villages as the first villages of the country,” affirmed the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister observed that the Assam government has performed a historical duty by granting land rights to thousands of tea garden families.Stating that providing these land titles is a major step toward changing the future of generations who served for two centuries, Shri Modi noted that this legal security ensures a life of dignity “These land rights will now allow families to access central schemes like permanent housing, electricity, and water”.
The Prime Minister stated that the government has also focused on providing schools, scholarships, and job opportunities specifically for the youth of the tea gardens. PM Modi remarked that these efforts are opening doors to a golden future for the children of workers who were previously neglected. He said that education, skill development, and health have become the primary pillars of the current government’s regional strategy. The Prime Minister pointed out that Assam is rapidly emerging as a health hub, with AIIMS and cancer hospitals now forming a strong network. “The doors of a golden future are opening for the youth of the tea gardens,” noted Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister observed that while the youth of Assam now have an open sky of opportunities in the semiconductor and tech sectors, the current era of peace and progress has been achieved through immense sacrifices and must be protected from regressive forces. The Prime Minister pointed out that a befitting reply must be given to any force trying to push the state back into its troubled past. “Assam is now becoming an important part of India’s semiconductor sector. The ecosystem and talent related to next-generation technology are getting ready here,” affirmed Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister observed that during global crises and wars, the current government is working with full strength to minimize the impact on Indian citizens. Shri Modi noted that the region’s journey on the path of progress is now unstoppable, supported by its rich language and culture. PM Modi remarked that the development projects inaugurated today are just the beginning of a new era for the valley. The Prime Minister observed that the collective resolve of the people will ensure a bright and prosperous future for the entire state. “The day is not far when Barak Valley will be recognized as a new center of development,” concluded Shri Modi.
Source: PIB
