New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four new components under the existing Central Sector Scheme of Special Development Packages (SDPs) for Assam and Tripura, with a total outlay of ₹4,250 crore. The initiative aims to accelerate infrastructure development, promote livelihoods, and foster peace in areas affected by ethnic unrest.
As part of the decision, ₹500 crore will be allocated for infrastructure development in Adivasi-inhabited villages of Assam, in line with the Memoranda of Settlement (MoS) signed with Adivasi groups. Another ₹500 crore will go towards the North Cacher Hills Autonomous Council area, benefiting communities linked to the Dimasa National Liberation Army and Dimasa People’s Supreme Council.
A significant ₹3,000 crore will be earmarked for infrastructure projects in Assam under the MoS with ULFA groups. In Tripura, ₹250 crore will be invested to improve the socio-economic condition of tribal communities, as agreed in MoS with the National Liberation Front of Twipra and All Tripura Tiger Force.
The total financial implication of these new components is ₹7,250 crore, with ₹4,250 crore coming from the Central Government and ₹3,000 crore to be contributed by the Assam Government from its resources. The Assam packages will run from 2025-26 to 2029-30, while the Tripura package will be implemented from 2025-26 to 2028-29.
Boosting Livelihoods and Stability
The scheme is expected to create employment through infrastructure and livelihood projects, benefiting youth and women via skill development, entrepreneurship, and income-generation opportunities. The initiative also aims to improve health services, promote education, and attract tourism to the North East, thereby generating additional economic benefits.
Officials note that lakhs of people from Adivasi, Dimasa, and other communities in Assam, as well as tribal communities in Tripura, will gain from the projects. The government hopes the packages will not only spur development but also reinforce peace-building, as earlier MoS-based packages for Bodo and Karbi groups have shown positive outcomes.
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