Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Barak Valley Agenda: Infrastructure, Education, and Political Challenges

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has embarked on a three-day visit to Barak Valley. During this visit he indulged himself in multiple inauguration and public addresses. The Chief Minister’s visit commenced with his arrival at Silchar, where he immediately proceeded to lay the foundation stone for the new Silghat Bridge over the Barak River.

Following this, Sarma participated in the Bhumi Pujan ceremony for the Borjalenga Model Degree College, a project that has been allotted a budget of ₹35 crores. The establishment of this college is seen as a pivotal move to improve the educational standards in Barak Valley. During his address at the event, Sarma emphasised the long-term benefits of the college, noting that it would provide local students with access to higher education within their region, reducing the need for them to migrate to other parts of the state or country.

While the focus on development was prominent, the Chief Minister did not shy away from addressing the political tensions surrounding him. Recently, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made multiple critical remarks about the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), specifically targeting the credibility of its degrees. He stated that students holding degrees from USTM, who wish to pursue government jobs in Assam, would be required to pass a separate examination, as their current degrees alone would not suffice considering it’s a degree from another state.

This stance is not just limited to USTM but also extends to degrees obtained from other states, including Karnataka, Maharashtra and West Bengal..

The Chief Minister’s statement has received strong backlash from opposition parties, particularly from Akhil Gogoi and AASU. In response, Sarma made it clear that he intends to fulfil his duties as the Chief Minister until the end of his current term in 2026. He remarked, “If Akhil Gogoi becomes the Chief Minister after 2026, he can do his work then. Until then, I will continue with my responsibilities in my own way.”

In response to the criticism, Sarma clarified that the requirement for a separate exam is merely his “concept” at this stage and has not yet been implemented. Despite the opposition’s protests, Sarma appears firm in his belief that such measures would help maintain the quality and credibility of candidates entering the Assam government workforce.

In addition to the educational and infrastructure projects, Sarma also touched upon the Silchar Municipal Elections, which have been a topic of much debate due to delays. When pressed on the matter, the Chief Minister attributed the delays to an ongoing court case. However, he suggested a solution that would involve public participation. He encouraged the people of Silchar to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), which he believes would expedite the election process. Sarma clarified that if he files the petition, it might be perceived as politically motivated, but a PIL from the public would carry more weight and be free from such biases. He expressed confidence that such a move could lead to the elections being conducted within a month.

The visit also included Sarma’s participation in various ceremonies and the announcement of new developmental schemes for the Dholai constituency. Sarma’s engagement with the public was evident throughout his visit, as he took the opportunity to interact with local leaders and residents, reassuring them of his administration’s commitment to the region’s development. The visit was strategically timed with the upcoming by-elections in Dholai, where the Chief Minister announced that newly elected MP Parimal Shuklabaidya, who was also the MLA of Dholai had been given the task to select the upcoming candidate for their party in Dholai Constituency.

Later in the day, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma addressing media, announced with financial support from the Airport Authority of India, a new Nuclear Medicine Centre has been established at Cachar Cancer Hospital. He shared that the hospital will also receive a PET/CT scanner, which will be the first of its kind in Barak Valley. This advanced nuclear medicine technology will aid in the detection of cancer. Additionally, he mentioned that a LINAC machine, will also be available at the hospital. Both these facilities will greatly enhance the hospital’s ability to support patients. He assured that both he and his government will continue to assist and support the development of Cachar Cancer Hospital in the future.