Cabinet Approves ₹4250 Crore for Special Development Packages in Assam and Tripura

New Delhi, August 8: The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned four new components under the Central Sector Scheme of Special Development Packages (SDPs) for Assam and Tripura. This decision, which aligns with the Memoranda of Settlement (MoS) signed with various ethnic groups, is set to benefit the region with an outlay of ₹4,250 crore.

The components of the scheme are focused on improving infrastructure, creating job opportunities, and providing socio-economic benefits to vulnerable communities in Assam and Tripura. Here’s a breakdown of the approved components:

Key Allocations:

1. Assam:
   • ₹500 crore for the development of infrastructure in Adivasi-inhabited villages/areas as per the MoS between the Government of India and the Assam Government with Adivasi groups.
   • ₹500 crore for the development of infrastructure in North Cacher Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) areas, primarily benefiting villages inhabited by the Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA) and Dimasa People’s Supreme Council (DPSC).
   • ₹3,000 crore allocated for infrastructure projects in Assam, benefitting areas inhabited by the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) groups.
2. Tripura:
   • ₹250 crore for the development of tribals in Tripura under the MoS signed with the National Liberation Front of Twipra (NLFT) and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF).

Financial Breakdown:

The total outlay for the four new components is ₹7,250 crore, with the central government contributing ₹4,250 crore under the existing SDP scheme for Assam and Tripura. The remaining ₹3,000 crore will be funded by the Assam state government, which will stretch the investment over five years for the Assam components (FY 2025-2026 to 2029-2030), and four years for Tripura (FY 2025-2026 to 2028-2029).

Expected Impact:

The approved components are expected to generate substantial employment opportunities, particularly for the youth and women in the region. Infrastructure development and livelihood projects will provide skill-building programs, foster local entrepreneurship, and boost income generation through various activities. These projects aim to mainstream marginalized communities and foster long-term stability and development.

Benefits:

The scheme will primarily target the North Eastern states of Assam and Tripura, addressing the socio-economic needs of vulnerable groups that have historically been underserved by government initiatives. Key benefits include:

• Improved infrastructure: Roads, schools, healthcare facilities, and other essential infrastructure.
• Boost to employment: Job creation through infrastructure and socio-economic projects.
• Empowerment of youth and women: Through education, skill development, and livelihood activities.
• Tourism boost: Enhancing infrastructure and services to attract tourists, thereby contributing to regional economic growth.

These initiatives align with previous MoS-based packages, such as those for Bodo and Karbi groups, which have shown positive outcomes in fostering peace and development. The new packages will support inclusive development while ensuring that affected communities benefit from the economic and social advancements.

Background:

The MoSs signed between the Government of India, Assam, Tripura, and various ethnic groups (Adivasi, DNLA/DPSC, ULFA, NLFT/ATTF) aim to promote peace, rehabilitation, and development in the affected areas. These settlements underscore the commitment to peaceful coexistence, economic progress, and the upliftment of marginalized groups in the region.

As the implementation of these projects begins, they are expected to transform the socio-economic landscape of Assam and Tripura, creating a more equitable and prosperous future for the people of North East India, an official statement added.