Golaghat (Assam), Sep 14 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today criticised earlier opposition governments, asserting that Assam’s development had been delayed and its cultural heritage neglected during their tenure.
In contrast, the current government is “constantly strengthening Assam’s identity,” said the Prime Minister after inaugurating a bamboo-based bioethanol plant, underlining the government’s thrust on energy self-sufficiency, industrial growth, and cultural revitalisation in Assam.
He also laid the foundation stone for a Polypropylene Unit at Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) in Golaghat.
Addressing the gathering during Sharodiya Durga Puja, the Prime Minister extended greetings to all citizens and especially the people of Assam.
He also paid tribute to Srimanta Sankardev and other Gurujanas on their birth anniversaries.
Modi said, “India has embarked on the path of becoming self‑reliant in meeting its energy needs.”
He described the inauguration of the bioethanol plant and the laying of the foundation stone for polypropylene manufacture as critical steps in that direction.
He added, “Today, India ranks among the world’s top 5 countries in solar power.”
Highlighting the growing demands for electricity, gas, and fuel, he emphasised that India must reduce dependence on imports that cost the country “lakhs of crores” annually.
Speaking of Assam’s role in the national development journey, he stated, “India needs two key things to become self‑reliant ‑ energy and semiconductors. Assam is playing a significant role in this journey.”
He observed: “We are constantly strengthening Assam’s identity.”
Modi informed that projects worth approximately Rs 18,000 crore have been earmarked for Assam.
He referred to earlier announcements in Darrang for connectivity and health projects and said that the newly inaugurated and announced plants will bolster energy security in the state.
He noted that the bioethanol plant will benefit farmers and tribal communities, as arrangements are being made to cultivate bamboo locally, set up units for bamboo chipping, and assure direct procurement by the government.
He disclosed that about Rs 200 crore per annum will be invested in this sector, affirming the plant will benefit thousands in the area.
Modi also recalled that under previous administrations cutting bamboo could lead to imprisonment in some areas, but now the ban has been removed, and “this decision is now delivering substantial benefits to the people of the North East.”
On polypropylene, the Prime Minister discussed its wide application, stating that everyday items—from buckets, mugs, chairs to medical kits and agricultural equipment—rely on polypropylene.
The new plant will strengthen ‘Make in Assam’ and ‘Make in India’ objectives and stimulate the region’s textile and manufacturing industries.
The Prime Minister stressed that renewable energy and domestic production are central to India’s future.
Recalling his announcement of the ‘Samudra Manthan’ initiative, he said expert assessments indicate India’s seas may hold large reserves of oil and gas, prompting the launch of the National Deepwater Exploration Mission.
“We are giving due recognition to historical figures, including Veer Lachit Borphukan whose 400th birth anniversary was celebrated nationally, and whose statue was unveiled in Jorhat.” he said.
He also mentioned the renovation of the historic Rang Ghar, development of Batadrava (birthplace of Srimanta Sankardev) into a world‑class tourism centre, and the upcoming Maa Kamakhya Corridor initiative.
The Prime Minister affirmed that welfare schemes are being extended to tea garden workers, maternal and infant health is being prioritised, and better housing, water, electricity are being provided across Assam.
He declared, “A new era of development has begun in Assam and Assam is poised to become a major centre for trade and tourism.”
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Hardeep Singh Puri, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
