Himanta Updates PM Modi on Welfare Initiatives, Invites FM Sitharaman to Visit Assam

On July 28, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma paid a visit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and briefed him on the state's progress in various socio-economic indicators and the implementation of major welfare schemes. In a post on the social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), the Chief Minister stated that he had the privilege of meeting the Hon’ble Prime Minister and apprised him of Assam's notable development strides. He highlighted the state’s advancement in several socio-economic parameters and mentioned that major welfare schemes in Assam are nearing saturation, indicating wide outreach and effective implementation.

During the meeting, CM Sarma also extended a formal invitation to PM Modi to visit Assam on September 8. The visit is scheduled to coincide with the launch of the year-long birth centenary celebrations of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, a legendary figure in Assamese culture and Indian music. Additionally, the Prime Minister will inaugurate India’s first bio-ethanol plant at Numaligarh in Assam’s Golaghat district during the visit. This dual-purpose visit is seen as a significant event in Assam’s developmental narrative and a moment of pride for the people of the state.

Apart from meeting the Prime Minister, CM Sarma also had a crucial meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on the same day. During their interaction in New Delhi, Sarma extended an invitation to the Finance Minister to visit Assam and lay the foundation stone of the upcoming Kanaklata Barua University at Gohpur. He shared the news on social media and emphasized the importance of this institution, which is named after one of Assam’s most revered freedom fighters, Birangana Kanaklata Barua.

The proposed university will be a landmark institution in Assam, not just for its historical and emotional significance but also for its academic innovation. It is designed to be one of the first universities in the region to adopt an entirely industry-oriented academic model. The goal is to align higher education in Assam with emerging global trends in technology and innovation. Specialized programs at the university will focus on cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, robotics, and other future-centric domains.

This approach aims to prepare students for the evolving demands of the job market and promote innovation, research, and entrepreneurship within the state. By integrating industry needs with academic curriculum, the Kanaklata Barua University is expected to become a hub for technological advancement and skill development.

The Chief Minister’s meetings with the PM and the Union Finance Minister reflect the state government’s commitment to pushing Assam’s developmental agenda forward, with an emphasis on both cultural heritage and modern innovation. These interactions are also a part of Assam’s broader vision to emerge as a model state in the Northeast and across India.