GUWAHATI, Jan 1: On the first day of 2026, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hosted the customary New Year’s press conference, ‘Notun Dinor Aalap’, at Koinadhara. Reflecting on a period of “unprecedented transformation,” the Chief Minister unveiled a suite of new welfare schemes and infrastructure deadlines, while highlighting the state’s record-breaking economic growth.
Economic Surge and Governance
CM Sarma revealed that Assam has emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing economies. According to recent data, the state’s economy has expanded by 45% over the last five years, with per capita income rising by 54%.
On the security front, the CM emphasized a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal immigration and crime:
- Illegal Immigration: A new protocol has been established to “push back” declared foreigners within one week of their status confirmation.
- Law Enforcement: Drugs worth ₹2,919 crore have been seized in the last five years.
- Legal Reform: Assam was the first state to implement the three new criminal laws in India.
Infrastructure: The ‘Brahmaputra Bridge’ Revolution
The Chief Minister provided a status update on four massive bridge projects over the Brahmaputra River that aim to integrate the state’s geography:
- Guwahati-North Guwahati Bridge (Scheduled to open for the public by February 2026)
- Jorhat-Majuli Bridge
- Palashbari-Sualkuchi Bridge
- Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge
“The Guwahati-North Guwahati bridge will be a New Year gift to the residents, significantly easing the commute across the river,” the CM stated.
New Welfare Schemes: ‘Babu Asoni’ and Orunodoi Bonus
In a major move toward gender-balanced welfare, the CM announced the ‘Babu Asoni’ scheme specifically for male students, mirroring the success of female-centric education incentives.
1. Babu Asoni for Male Students
Starting February 2026, male students from families earning below ₹4 lakh per annum will receive monthly financial aid:
- Post Graduate Students: ₹2,000 per month.
- Graduate Students: ₹1,000 per month.
2. Advance Bihu Gift for Women
CM Sarma announced a consolidated payment of ₹8,000 to be credited to Orunodoi beneficiaries on February 20, 2026. This includes:
- ₹5,000: Cumulative Orunodoi payment for January to April.
- ₹3,000: A special “Bihu Gift” to boost livelihoods ahead of the festival.
Wildlife Success: Zero Rhino Poaching
In a significant victory for conservationists, the Chief Minister confirmed that zero rhino poaching incidents were reported in Assam throughout the year 2025. He attributed this success to the coordinated efforts of the forest department and the “Operation Falcon” initiative.
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