Assam is shinning

Assam is rapidly emerging as a major manufacturing and technology hub, driven by green energy initiatives, substantial industrial investments, and a growing business outsourcing sector. The state is undergoing a transformative shift similar to Gujarat’s development trajectory a decade ago, where Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) laid the foundation for economic growth before making way for private sector dominance. Leading corporate players have already recognized Assam’s potential. The Tata Group has initiated work on a 27,000 crore semiconductor chip industry, marking a significant milestone in the state’s industrial landscape. Japanese investors are also exploring opportunities, further strengthening Assam’s economic prospects. Meanwhile, top conglomerates such as the Ambanis and Adanis have expressed keen interest in the region. On the inaugural day of the two-day “Advantage Assam 2.0 – Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025,” investment commitments totaling nearly1,00,000 crore were announced-an indication of Assam’s growing prominence as an investment destination. Beyond manufacturing, Assam is also making strides in the technology and business outsourcing sector. Infosys, one of India’s leading IT firms, has established its first technical center in the state and launched a 500-seat BPO facility. These developments highlight an emerging trend where data centers and business operations are gradually shifting from Tier-1 cities to Assam, positioning it as a new technology hub in India. In addition to oil, gas, coal and cement etc Assam is also abundant in tea, rubber, bamboo etc which have resulted in setting up of related industries. These in turn provide employment of several lakh local people.A key driver of Assam’s transformation is Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, whose leadership has significantly propelled the state’s development. His ability to streamline governance, enforce law and order, and foster economic growth has won him strong public trust. His administration has undertaken an aggressive crackdown on organized crime, targeting criminal syndicates involved in extortion and drug smuggling. While his approach has drawn criticism from some quarters—particularly allegations of being authoritarian and anti-minority—the results are undeniable. Under his leadership, Assam has witnessed unprecedented infrastructural progress and investment. One of the most striking examples of this development is Diphu, which has surged ahead of Dimapur in terms of infrastructure, commerce, and overall growth. The town boasts well-developed roads, a thriving business sector, and plans for a new airport, which could potentially overshadow Dimapur’s status as a key trade center. Even the railway station at Dhansiri or Bokajan could overshadow Dimapur and relegate the latter to a feeder-station.Dimapur airport is also just operating due to heavy volume of passengers. There is need to realize the unless the present airport is shifted to nearby Chümoukedima, Nagaland will lose its advantages. Himanta has made it clear that his vision is to elevate Diphu far beyond Dimapur’s current standing. Meanwhile, in a similar vein, the Manipur government is actively working to develop Senapati to rival Kohima in terms of infrastructure and economic activity. For Nagaland, Assam’s progress offers valuable lessons. The state must recognize that good governance-marked by efficiency, transparency, and accountability-is the key to unlocking economic growth. Nagaland possesses immense entrepreneurial potential, but over indulgence in political rhetoric, tribe politics and spoon feeding syndrome has resulted in inefficiency and widespread corruption and the rise of the nouveau riche. The people seek peace, justice, and development rather than rhetorical, mythical politics and empty promises. If governance improves, there is no reason why Nagaland cannot emerge as a formidable economic force, outshining other states in the region.