New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four new components under the existing Central Sector Scheme of Special Development Packages (SDPs) for Assam and Tripura, with a total financial outlay of Rs 4,250 crore.
The Cabinet-approved components include Rs 500 crore for infrastructure development in Adivasi-inhabited regions of Assam, aligned with the 2022 Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) signed with Adivasi groups.
Another Rs 500 crore has been allocated for the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council area, home to Dimasa communities, under the 2023 MoS signed with Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA) and Dimasa People’s Supreme Council (DPSC).
The largest share, Rs 3,000 crore, will fund infrastructure projects across various districts of Assam following the MoS signed in 2023 with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) groups.
Additionally, Rs 250 crore has been earmarked for development in the tribal areas of Tripura as per the 2024 MoS signed with the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF).
The overall outlay of Rs 7,250 crore includes Rs 4,250 crore from the Centre and Rs 3,000 crore to be contributed by the Assam government.
Of the central share, Rs 4,000 crore will be utilised over five years (FY 2025–26 to 2029–30) for Assam-based components, while Rs 250 crore will be allocated over four years (FY 2025–26 to 2028–29) for Tripura.
The projects are expected to generate employment, especially among youth and women, through skill development, local entrepreneurship and livelihood support. Improved health services, education, as well as infrastructure are also key outcomes.
This development follows the success of previous MoS-based packages for Bodo and Karbi groups, which significantly contributed to peace and progress in Assam.
Officials anticipate increased tourism in the Northeast, further boosting local economies. The new initiative aims to extend those gains to other ethnic communities, ensuring stability and equity in the region.
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