Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma used his Independence Day address to present a broad vision for the state, combining tributes to those who sacrificed their lives for the nation with announcements covering flood rehabilitation, infrastructure, education, agriculture and social reforms.
Speaking at the Independence Day programme, Sarma acknowledged the difficult circumstances facing Assam following recent disasters. He expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones, homes and sources of livelihood, and assured those affected that the government would continue efforts to support their rehabilitation. He said more than 100 people had died across four districts and thanked the NDRF, SDRF, Assam Police and other agencies involved in rescue and relief operations.
Stay Connected · Headline8
Get breaking news instantly — follow our official channels
Sarma also remembered Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters and thanked voters for giving his government a mandate of 102 seats in the 126-member Assembly. He said the strong electoral mandate carried greater responsibility and pledged to work towards building a more prosperous and resilient Assam.
On development, the Chief Minister highlighted the recognition of Assamese as a classical language and the UNESCO World Heritage listing of the Charaideo Maidams. He said Assam was developing an independent growth model and outlined plans for major investments, including Rs 1.5 lakh crore for infrastructure development. He also referred to projects such as a proposed satellite city, employment generation and the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code.
Several social and administrative measures were also announced. Sarma said Mission Basundhara 4.0 would be introduced from December, while Mission Sat Kamana and Mission Sadbhavana would accelerate pending work in the Secretariat. He called for a firm campaign against child marriage and urged Assam Police to maintain a zero-tolerance approach for 30 days beginning November 1.
A significant announcement concerned women whose husbands enter another marriage without legally ending their first marriage. Sarma said 20 per cent of the government employee’s salary would be deducted and transferred to the first wife, subject to her application. He indicated that similar protection could later be extended to private-sector employees through legislation.
The Chief Minister also announced Rs 100 crore for Cotton University and an Agriculture Excellence Award for 1,000 educated entrepreneurial farmers, with each recipient receiving Rs 1 lakh. Under Asom Mala, he said 6,000 km of roads would be developed, while efforts would continue to secure UNESCO recognition for Majuli’s Vaishnavite traditions and Bihu.
Addressing Assam’s younger generation, Sarma made a pointed remark about commonly used Western labels such as Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha. He said he did not subscribe to such classifications and instead described the children of Assam as being like his own son and daughter, stressing a more personal connection with the state’s youth.
Sarma also urged citizens to participate actively in the upcoming Census 2026, which he described as important for determining India’s future direction. He appealed to residents to cooperate with census officials, provide information in Assamese where appropriate and participate in rainwater harvesting efforts.
Overall, the Independence Day speech combined remembrance and national pride with an extensive agenda for Assam, covering disaster recovery, economic expansion, infrastructure, social protection, education, agriculture and cultural recognition.
