Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday, November 7, 2025. Commended Assam for its exemplary performance in effectively utilizing the special central fund allocated for development projects. She lauded the state’s prompt fund deployment, transparent mechanisms, and visible progress in infrastructure and social welfare initiatives.
Speaking at a review meeting on central fund utilization, Sitharaman said Assam has become a model for fiscal efficiency and development planning, setting a benchmark for other states across India.
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Assam Emerges as a National Leader
According to the Finance Minister, Assam has outperformed several larger states in terms of timely execution of centrally funded projects. She highlighted how the state government’s coordination between departments, local bodies, and implementing agencies has ensured minimal delays and maximum impact.
“Assam’s proactive governance has made it one of the most efficient users of central resources,” Sitharaman stated. “The state’s commitment to accountability and delivery reflects in the speed and quality of project implementation.”
Her remarks come amid the central government’s ongoing evaluation of how states have used funds under various special schemes meant to boost regional development, rural infrastructure, and livelihood programs.
Efficient Use of Funds for Real Change
Over the past few years, Assam has received special central funds for projects in sectors such as healthcare, rural connectivity, irrigation, and education. What sets the state apart, according to the Finance Ministry, is the swift fund utilization and clear documentation of outcomes.
Key projects under the special central fund include new rural roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, upgradation of district hospitals, and the expansion of flood management infrastructure across the Brahmaputra Valley.
Sitharaman praised the state government for maintaining a transparent system of reporting fund use and ensuring that benefits reached the grassroots level. She also emphasized that Assam’s approach has inspired other northeastern states to adopt similar accountability frameworks.
Nirmala Sitharaman’s Visit and Observations
During her recent visit to Guwahati, the Finance Minister interacted with state officials and reviewed progress on several flagship schemes. She noted that the Assam government’s emphasis on digital governance has played a key role in improving fund management.
“Technology-driven tracking systems have reduced leakages and ensured that every rupee reaches its intended destination,” Sitharaman observed. She added that such models of efficiency align with the central government’s vision of transparent and result-oriented governance.
The Minister also met with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who briefed her on the state’s financial performance and highlighted the government’s focus on regional equity and sustainable growth.
Boost for Assam’s Development Vision
Sitharaman’s acknowledgment comes as a major morale booster for Assam’s administration. The Finance Minister said the state’s achievements show that effective planning and timely fund use can accelerate socio-economic transformation.
She noted that Assam’s performance was particularly commendable in challenging sectors such as flood mitigation, rural electrification, and agricultural modernization areas that require consistent funding and cross-departmental coordination.
The Finance Ministry also appreciated Assam’s success in creating employment opportunities through development projects, especially in rural and semi-urban regions. “This is a strong example of how efficient fund use directly improves people’s lives,” Sitharaman said.
Assam’s Push for Inclusive Growth
Assam’s focus on inclusive development has been central to its progress. Government programs funded by the special central fund have targeted both rural and urban populations, ensuring balanced growth.
Recent projects include new model schools in underdeveloped districts, women’s livelihood schemes, and initiatives to boost bamboo-based industries and eco-tourism. The Finance Minister praised these efforts as evidence of Assam’s innovative use of national funds to support local priorities.
“Development is not just about infrastructure it’s about empowerment,” Sitharaman remarked. “Assam’s leadership has understood this perfectly, making the most of every fund for real human development.”
Strengthening the Northeast’s Economic Future
The Finance Minister stressed that Assam’s performance reflects the broader success of the central government’s Act East policy, which seeks to strengthen economic connectivity and growth in India’s northeastern region.
She assured that the Centre would continue to support Assam and other northeastern states with targeted funding for infrastructure, logistics, and industry. “When states like Assam show such remarkable results, it encourages us to invest more in regional development,” she said.
The central government, she added, plans to enhance budgetary allocations for projects that have demonstrated measurable impact, including Assam’s initiatives in healthcare, education, and green energy.
A Call for Other States to Follow
Sitharaman concluded her remarks by urging other Indian states to take cues from Assam’s model of governance. “Effective fund use is not just about spending—it’s about accountability, planning, and the will to deliver,” she said.
Her statement underscored the Centre’s focus on rewarding states that display financial discipline and development efficiency. Assam’s achievement, she said, serves as a “shining example of what good governance can achieve when coupled with vision and dedication.”
A Path Forward for Sustainable Growth
Assam’s success story signals a new chapter in regional development. As the state continues to lead in efficient use of central resources, it stands poised to become a hub of growth in the northeast.
The Finance Minister’s recognition not only reinforces Assam’s progress but also highlights the importance of transparent governance and fiscal responsibility in India’s federal structure.
For Assam, the message is clear continued commitment to timely, transparent, and people-focused development will keep it at the forefront of India’s growth story.