Assam CM Outlines Plans For 'I-Way To Viksit Assam' At Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized that in the era of digital transmission, connectivity is the lifeline of progress, and Assam is committed to leading this revolution to achieve fast-paced growth.

Sharing his vision during the thematic session titled "I-Way to Viksit Assam" at the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit in Guwahati, in the presence of Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, CM Sarma stated that Assam is fully prepared to be a strong stakeholder in the digital revolution with the active support of the Government of India.

The Assam CM noted that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is now experiencing an unprecedented digital revolution. To keep pace with this, he outlined his government’s plan to expand cyber footprints across the state.

Addressing the growing need for data, CM Sarma highlighted the announcements by Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and HDFC regarding the establishment of AI-enabled data centers in Assam. He pointed out that such developments will require high-speed data and requested Union Minister Scindia to explore the feasibility of bringing optical fiber from the Bay of Bengal through the Brahmaputra.

Once realized, this initiative would be a game changer in providing fast and reliable data to Assam, he added. CM Sarma also mentioned that with BPOs shifting from Tier 1 cities to Tier 2 and 3 cities, cities like Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Jorhat are expected to host several BPOs in the next two to three years, driving the demand for high-speed data.

He praised the Prime Minister’s Digital India Mission, launched a decade ago, with the transformative goal of digitally empowering every citizen. CM Sarma lauded the Prime Minister’s vision of ensuring that the benefits of digitalization reach the last mile, uplifting even the most marginalized sections of society.

He also highlighted the Assam Government’s ambitious plan to connect 25,250 villages with optical fiber and requested Union Minister Scindia’s assistance to complete the project soon, benefiting farmers and rural entrepreneurs.

CM Sarma reaffirmed that guided by the Prime Minister’s roadmap, the Assam Government is committed to creating an ecosystem that will transform the digital landscape of the state. He said, “We aim to pave the way from I-way to a Vikshit Assam, unlocking new opportunities and driving holistic development across the state.”

He also emphasized that recognizing the crucial role of the IT and telecom sectors in driving economic growth, enhancing education, and improving governance, the state government has taken bold steps to expand and modernize these sectors, focusing on bridging the digital divide, ensuring last-mile connectivity, and making telecom services more accessible across the state.

CM Sarma also mentioned that with the semiconductor facility coming up in Jagiroad, Assam is becoming a hub for various opportunities. He referenced Tata Sons Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran’s interest in setting up a mobile manufacturing unit, involving a financial outlay of Rs. 30,000 crore, which will create employment opportunities for the youth of the state, allowing them to pursue their goals within Assam rather than migrating to other states.

Expressing gratitude to Union Minister Scindia, CM Sarma acknowledged that under his leadership, Assam's I-way has seen unprecedented development. He concluded by stating that the Assam Government is fully prepared to use I-way as a force multiplier to achieve Viksit Assam.

Union Minister for Communications and DoNER, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, spoke at the event, emphasizing that Assam has the potential to be a key driver of national growth. He stated that with its locational advantage and immense possibilities, Assam is not only a gateway to ASEAN countries but also to the entire Global South, positioning itself as a manufacturing and logistics powerhouse. He further remarked that given the state’s rapid growth, Assam has the potential to become an integral part of Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a Viksit Bharat.

IT Minister Keshav Mahanta, Special Chief Secretary Sayedain Abbasi, Nokia India Country Head Tarun Chhabra, Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd President of Mobile Business and Devices Sunil Dutt, BSNL CMD A. Robert J. Ravi, and several other dignitaries were present at the event.

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