Chaired a review meeting with senior officials of @nhidcl and concerned District Commissioners to assess the progress of major National Highway projects across Assam and address issues affecting their timely completion.
Reviewed major projects in Cachar and Sribhumi, including Silchar–Vairengte (29.36 km), Badarpur Bypass (11.10 km), Silchar–Churaibari Packages I, IV, V, VI & VII, and Silchar–Jiribam (13.09 km). The seven projects in Cachar cover 121 km with an investment of ₹7,602 crore, while four ongoing projects in Sribhumi cover 82.26 km with an investment of ₹4,239 crore.
Reviewed the repair and restoration of the Numaligarh–Jhanji and Jhanji–Dibrugarh stretches affected by the 2026 floods. Directed NHIDCL to expedite restoration works and ensure early restoration of connectivity.
Reviewed the Shillong–Silchar High Speed Corridor, a 166.80 km project with an investment of ₹22,864 crore, including 22.5 km of the 31.4 km Package-IV in Assam. Emphasised timely resolution of land-related issues to facilitate commencement of works.
Reviewed maintenance of key NH stretches in Cachar, including NH-06 Malidor–Badarpur (28 km), NH-306 Silchar���Lailapur (42.80 km) and NH-37 Malua–Jirighat (83.67 km).
Directed the concerned District Commissioners and NHIDCL officials to work in close coordination, resolve land acquisition, compensation and other pending issues within defined timelines, and ensure that administrative bottlenecks do not delay critical connectivity projects.
Strong road connectivity is essential for Assam’s economic growth, regional integration, trade and tourism. Our focus must remain on speedy execution, effective coordination and timely delivery of these strategic projects.
Chaired a VC with District Commissioners regarding the forthcoming observance of Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 and Partition Horrors Remembrance Day across the state.
This year's Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, to be observed from 9 to 17 August, assumes special significance as the nation commemorates 150 years of Vande Mataram. Discussions focused on Tiranga concerts, exhibitions, cycle and bike rallies, illumination of public spaces, community outreach initiatives, and the "Selfie with Tiranga" campaign to foster a deeper sense of patriotism and strengthen citizens' connection with the national flag.
The observance of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day on 14 August was also discussed, with emphasis on programmes aimed at sensitising younger generations to the suffering, sacrifices, resilience, and experiences of those affected by the Partition of India.
District Commissioners have been encouraged to ensure broad-based public participation and to conceptualise innovative initiatives that reflect the unique history, heritage, culture, and traditions of their respective districts.
@CMOfficeAssam
Held a comprehensive discussion with the delegation from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), comprising Shri Santhosh Kodukula, Investment Officer, Public Sector Clients Department (Region 1), and Shri Yogesh Bom Malla, Senior Financial Management Specialist, Sustainability and Fiduciary Solutions Department, to further strengthen our long-standing partnership in advancing Assam's infrastructure and development agenda.
As directed by Hon'ble Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the discussions focused on identifying priority projects for the next five years and aligning AIIB's technical and financial assistance with the Government's development priorities. Explored opportunities to expand collaboration in sustainable urban development, integrated township projects, innovative Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models, and other externally aided infrastructure initiatives to accelerate growth, strengthen connectivity, and build a resilient, future-ready Assam.
Reviewed the progress of the USD 320 million AIIB-funded Assam Secondary Road Network Improvement Project (ASRIP), under which 10 road improvement packages are upgrading the State's highway and major district road network. The project has achieved 61% physical progress and 54% financial progress, with USD 109.56 million disbursed to date. Also reviewed the implementation of the Road Asset Management System (RAMS) 2.0, which leverages digitally enabled solutions and AI-driven models to enable data-driven planning, predictive maintenance and smarter infrastructure management, reinforcing institutional capacity for the future.
The discussions also underscored the importance of technology-enabled governance, climate-resilient infrastructure and institutional reforms in building a modern development ecosystem capable of supporting Assam's rapidly evolving economic aspirations.
As a founding member of AIIB, India has benefited from the Bank's focus on financing sustainable, green and technology-enabled infrastructure. Assam looks forward to further deepening this strategic partnership to catalyse high-quality investments, strengthen connectivity, foster inclusive growth, and realise the vision of a globally competitive and future-ready State.
@AIIB_Official@CMOfficeAssam
Reviewed Village Action Plans under Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II) at the State Level Screening Committee meeting today. The proposals are aimed at accelerating infrastructure-led, inclusive development in strategically important border villages while strengthening livelihoods, connectivity and service delivery in line with the vision of #ViksitBharat2047
Assam has 140 identified border villages across 9 international border districts under VVP-II, located along the State's 533.3 km international border comprising 267.5 km with Bangladesh and 265.8 km with Bhutan. Deliberated with the District Commissioners of the concerned border districts on the proposed Village Action Plans for selected villages, covering 256 development proposals with an estimated outlay of nearly ₹198 crore, across key sectors including all-weather roads, education, healthcare, livelihood generation, tourism, skill development and rural infrastructure. The meeting also emphasised greater synergy and convergence among departments, ensuring that existing Central and State schemes are leveraged effectively to maximise outcomes, eliminate duplication and optimise public investments.
Directed all concerned to ensure strict adherence to MHA guidelines, prioritise interventions based on local needs and expedite implementation through seamless inter-departmental coordination. Strengthening border infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, expanding economic opportunities and improving the quality of life in border villages remain central to our vision of secure borders, balanced regional development and inclusive growth.
@PMOIndia@CMOfficeAssam
Reviewed the roadmap for strengthening Assam's child protection ecosystem through a coordinated, whole-of-government approach in line with the recommendations of the Hon'ble Gauhati High Court consultations and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Model Rules, 2016.
Deliberated on a comprehensive, converged framework involving 11 stakeholder departments to institutionalise robust child protection mechanisms with clear accountability, inter-departmental coordination and time-bound implementation. Emphasised empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions through village-level vigilance committees, Bal Sabhas and community-led awareness initiatives to strengthen prevention and early intervention.
Also reviewed key action points, including the operationalisation of 36 One Stop Centres across 35 districts, deployment of 2,054 Gaon Panchayat Secretaries and 228 Lot Mandals as Child Marriage Prohibition Officers, and measures to strengthen rehabilitation, counselling and child-friendly institutional infrastructure. Reiterated our commitment to building a responsive, community-driven child protection ecosystem that safeguards every child's rights, dignity and future.
@CMOfficeAssam
Met with the delegation from Bernhard Schulte Cruise & Hospitality Services (BSM) and the Schulte Group, led by Mr. Martin Springer, President – Cruise & Hospitality, Mr. Frank Oertel, Managing Director – Cruise, and Capt. Sanjay Kushwaha, Director – Cruise & Hospitality.
The Schulte Group, headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, is a global maritime and cruise services organisation with expertise in cruise ship management, hospitality, maritime training and international workforce development. The organisation is licensed by the Directorate General of Shipping and the Ministry of External Affairs for recruitment and deployment of Indian seafarers and overseas professionals.
Discussions focused on strengthening Assam's river cruise tourism ecosystem, developing internationally benchmarked skill training programmes, and creating employment opportunities for the State's youth in the global cruise and hospitality sectors. The delegation also shared its interest in assessing Assam's training infrastructure and exploring collaboration under the State's initiatives for overseas employment and skill development.
With over 1,000 km of navigable waterways, led by the Brahmaputra, Assam offers significant potential for sustainable inland water transport and river cruise tourism. Such collaborations have the potential to position Assam as a leading hub for river cruise tourism and globally competitive hospitality skills, contributing to sustainable economic growth, enhanced livelihood opportunities, and greater integration with international tourism and maritime value chains.
Had a meaningful interaction with Smti. Vartika Rawat, IHC, Lagos, Nigeria, and Shri Nishi Kant Singh, DCM, Seoul, Republic of Korea, during their MCTP call-on.
The discussion drew upon my experience as Minister (Economic) at the Embassy of India, Washington, D.C., where I had the opportunity to work extensively on India–US economic and financial cooperation, investment facilitation, and engagement with multilateral financial institutions, including the World Bank and IMF. We exchanged views on the evolving global economic landscape and the growing importance of economic diplomacy in advancing India's development priorities.
We explored the immense potential of positioning Assam as India's gateway to Southeast and East Asia by strengthening international partnerships across strategic sectors. The conversation focused on opportunities in power and energy, semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, promotion of One District One Product (ODOP) initiatives, greater market access for Assam's GI-tagged products, and expanding trade and investment linkages with emerging global markets. We also discussed leveraging India's partnerships in Asia and beyond to integrate Assam more closely with regional and global value chains.
It was encouraging to receive their appreciation for Assam's well-executed Skill Development Mission, which is creating a future-ready workforce and reinforcing the State's competitiveness as an emerging investment destination. Such exchanges reaffirm the importance of collaborative governance and international engagement in accelerating Assam's economic transformation.
@varushi@ifsnk
Held a discussion with Shri Raj Singh, Founder of Antara Luxury River Cruises—the operator of the world's longest river cruise, MV Ganga Vilas—on leveraging the immense potential of the Brahmaputra to position Assam as a globally recognised luxury river cruise destination. Emphasised integrating premium tourism experiences, including golf tourism, to create a distinctive, high-value tourism ecosystem.
Discussed a long-term vision involving over ₹500 crore of proposed investment in dedicated luxury river cruise vessels and supporting tourism infrastructure along the Brahmaputra, with focus areas including Chandrapur (Guwahati), Kurua, Silghat, Nimati Ghat and Majuli to strengthen Assam's river tourism network.
Stressed that tourism-led growth must directly benefit the people of Assam by prioritising employment for Assamese youth through industry-led skill development in hospitality, cruise operations, culinary services and marine engineering. The proposal has the potential to create around 5,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, while strengthening local enterprises, artisans and community-based tourism.
Developing the Brahmaputra as a world-class inland water tourism corridor will unlock new avenues for investment, employment and sustainable economic growth, further reinforcing Assam's emergence as a leading global river tourism destination.
Today, during a visit to my native village, Kotapadu, a remote hamlet in Andhra Pradesh bordering Odisha, I had the privilege of meeting Shri Lingudu Papayya—the barber who cut my hair throughout my childhood.
Kotapadu is where my farming parents lived, toiled, and eventually passed away. It is where my childhood unfolded after initial schooling within the locality till class-X in Governemnt school nearby, until I left home to pursue higher studies—first for my https://t.co/TsGbWaETdw. (Agriculture) at Bapatla. That journey eventually led me into the IAS, and over the past 34 years took me nearly 1,700 kilometres away to Assam, later on Central deputation to New Delhi and Washington, D.C., and today I have the privilege of serving the people of Assam as its Chief Secretary. Yet, despite the distance travelled and the responsibilities shouldered, my roots remain firmly planted in the soil that nurtured me.
For nearly thirteen years, from around 1971 to 1984, Papayya was a familiar and reassuring presence in our village. Every haircut was more than a routine; it was part of the rhythm of rural life, where occupations, relationships, and communities were woven together.
As we spoke today, I asked him about his health and, almost instinctively, who now cuts his hair and shaves his beard. Smiling gently, he said that a barber now comes from a village about three kilometres away. That simple answer spoke volumes. The traditional village occupations that once sustained entire families have gradually faded. The economic and social fabric of rural India has changed in ways that are both subtle and profound.
Half a century is no small measure of time. Those of us who have lived through these decades can truly appreciate the enormity of this transformation. The younger generation, with new aspirations and opportunities, may understandably regard these changes as natural, perhaps even insufficient. But for people like Papayya, who have witnessed the old world quietly giving way to the new, the magnitude of change is deeply personal.
Meeting him today was more than a reunion. It was a reminder that history is not written only in books or monuments—it also lives in ordinary people whose hands, hearts, and humble professions quietly shaped our lives in ways we often come to appreciate only much later.
Time changes villages. Occupations change. Generations change. But gratitude endures.
Thank you, Papayya, for being an unforgettable part of my childhood and for reminding me, once again, how precious our memories truly are.
#childhood #gratitude #rural #economy #occupatios #roots #villages
Shri Mridul Shivhare, IAS, Staff Officer to Chief Secretary, Assam conducted a session today on professional ethics for the ACS OTs in their Foundation Course, 2026 batch.
Chaired a detailed review meeting today on the operationalisation of the Task Force constituted for creation of 2 lakh Government jobs in Assam over the next five years, in line with the spirit of the Sankalp Patra and the decision of the State Cabinet.
Discussions focused on:
- Mapping of existing and anticipated vacancies across Departments, field offices, autonomous bodies, colleges, universities, missions and societies.
- Assessment of year-wise retirement projections and gradewise vacancies in field offices.
- Identification of direct recruitment vacancies across Departments.
- Rationalisation and streamlining of recruitment processes to ensure transparency and timely appointments.
- Measures to improve manpower availability in remote and difficult areas through suitable policy interventions and incentives.
Additionally, discussions were held on promotion of entrepreneurship and self-employment initiatives through schemes such as CMAAA and allied programmes alongside direct Government recruitment.
Deliberations also covered preparation of annual employment targets, department-wise projections, and robust implementation and monitoring mechanisms to ensure a structured, transparent and future-oriented approach towards public employment in Assam.
It was noted that over 1.64 lakh recruitments have already been undertaken during the previous tenure of the Government through ADRE and departmental recruitment processes.
All concerned Departments have been directed to undertake detailed internal assessments and furnish actionable inputs for preparation of the five-year roadmap.
Chaired the 3rd Board Meeting of the Assam Innovation and Startup Foundation (AISF) to review institutional progress and approve key strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening Assam’s startup and innovation ecosystem.
Approved the operational model of the India AI Centre of Excellence–Assam (AI-CoE Assam), being established under the IndiaAI Mission with an approved outlay of ₹40 crore over four years under a 90:10 funding pattern. The Centre is envisaged as a strategic platform for accelerating AI-driven innovation, strengthening public service delivery, nurturing technical talent and positioning Assam as a key contributor to India’s AI ecosystem.
Noted that the induction of eminent leaders from the startup, venture capital and incubation ecosystem, including Mr. Amit Singal, Founder & CEO, Indicorn Angels & Fluid Ventures; Mr. Prasad Menon, President, ISBA; and Mr. Rajan Bajaj, Founder & MD, Slice, during the formative phase of AISF and the India AI Centre of Excellence–Assam, would provide strategic direction and strengthen Assam’s innovation ecosystem in line with the vision of Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma to position the State as a major hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and AI-led growth.
Reviewed key developments undertaken by AISF in recent months, including startup incubation programmes, investor engagement initiatives, strategic ecosystem partnerships and implementation support activities under the Assam Startup and Innovation Policy.
AISF informed the Board that 489 startups have been registered under the ecosystem so far, generating 714 direct and indirect jobs, alongside the establishment of 22 active ecosystem partnerships.
Also reviewed progress of the Assam Startup Incubation Programme being implemented in collaboration with IIT Guwahati Technology Innovation Centre (IITG-TIC), including incubation infrastructure development and entrepreneurship support initiatives across educational institutions in the State.
@CMOfficeAssam@himantabiswa
Appreciate IFAD’s positive response and keen interest in partnering with Assam.
Reiterated the State’s commitment, under the guidance of Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, to advancing a comprehensive, farmer centric EAP with a focus on strengthening livelihoods, value chains and market linkages for smallholder farmers.
@himantabiswa
Chaired a VC with DCs and CGD companies to review the expansion of PNG across Assam, in line with the directions of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Emphasised strict adherence to timelines, including mandatory switchover to PNG in connected areas within three months. Directed focused implementation during June, prioritisation of industrial supply, and compliance with updated pipeline norms.
Directed all district administrations to expedite pending processes, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and ensure accelerated rollout. Joint teams will undertake targeted outreach across districts to engage consumers, disseminate information, and promote the benefits of PNG.
District-wise directions:
* Kamrup Metro – Implementation and monitoring to be led by the District Commissioner.
* Cachar – Intensify outreach and review pending permissions and current status.
* Darrang – Ensure clear and consistent consumer communication.
* Sonitpur – Strengthen coordination with the agency and submit detailed progress reports.
* BTR districts (Kokrajhar, Baksa, Chirang) – Work closely with Adani Total Gas Ltd. to resolve pending permissions and expedite rollout.
Reiterated the need for an accelerated expansion approach, seamless coordination, and regular monitoring to achieve rapid PNG penetration and strengthen clean energy adoption across Assam.
@PetroleumMin
Apprised District Commissioners today, through a VC, on the objectives, scope and implementation framework of the Gyan Bharatam Mission announced in the Union Budget 2025–26. Officials from the Cultural Affairs Department, including the Director of Museums, Director of Cultural Affairs, Director of Archaeology, and other stakeholders were present.
The Mission aims to create a comprehensive, digitally accessible repository of India’s manuscript heritage through systematic survey, geo-tagging, documentation and digitisation. At the national level, over 62 lakh manuscript records have been collected, with more than 5.7 million manuscripts already verified through a standardised, technology-enabled process.
In Assam, field-level efforts have identified over one lakh manuscripts across institutional repositories and private custodians, many of which are 100–500 years old. These include rare works on astronomy, traditional knowledge systems, elephants, folk practices and tantric Buddhism, among others, with 13 manuscripts already taken up for publication by the Directorate of Museums and the Directorate of Historical and Antiquarian Studies.
Directed all DCs to undertake structured, district-wise mapping of manuscripts to ensure comprehensive coverage. Emphasised early constitution of District Level Committees for effective field coordination.
Advised prioritisation of districts with higher manuscript volumes for focused documentation and phased digitisation. Underscored the need for standardised metadata, rigorous verification, and adherence to survey protocols.
District administrations must ensure proactive coordination with the Cultural Affairs Department, institutions, community custodians and other stakeholders to facilitate effective implementation of the Mission across Assam.
@DIRECTORATEOFC1@ArchaeologyAxom@AssamMuseum
Held a detailed VC with District Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police of 17 districts hosting NEET examination centres, to review preparedness for the exam scheduled on 3 May across the country.
Deliberated on ensuring a seamless, fair and secure conduct of the examination across all 88 centres in Assam. Emphasised that examination venues must not coincide with locations designated as counting centres for post-election vote counting, so as to avoid any administrative or logistical overlap. Reviewed security arrangements with a focus on strict vigilance and adherence to prescribed protocols.
Directed that any instance of misconduct or irregularity be reported promptly to the National Testing Agency (NTA) for immediate action. Also instructed all districts to activate District-Level Committees and convene coordination meetings with all stakeholders to address gaps and ensure readiness in all respects.
Reiterated the need for close coordination between civil and police administration to uphold the integrity of the examination process.
@NTA_Exams
It was a pleasure meeting Shri Puneet Agrawal, IFS, Ambassador-designate of India to Thailand, to discuss avenues for strengthening engagement between Assam and Thailand across key sectors.
Our discussions focused on mutually beneficial opportunities in agriculture and allied sectors, recognising Assam’s strong potential in agro-processing to enhance both production-led and market-led linkages. We also explored collaboration in freshwater fisheries, with emphasis on learning from Thailand’s advanced aquaculture practices.
The food processing sector emerged as another key area, given Thailand’s well-developed ecosystem and global trade platforms. Assam’s participation in such forums can help attract investment and boost exports.
Tourism remains a priority, with Assam’s expanding infrastructure, unique tea estate golf courses (“tea-tees”), river cruise circuits, and homestays offering strong potential to attract visitors from Thailand.
We also discussed promoting One District One Product (ODOP) goods, focusing on complementarities for market access and value addition.
Emphasised the importance of sustained knowledge exchange and institutional collaboration. Assam’s improving connectivity, robust infrastructure, and cultural affinities- especially with communities in Upper Assam, provide a strong foundation for deeper engagement with Thailand.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to further strengthening ties and exploring concrete avenues for cooperation.
@IndiainThailand
Held a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of Invest India, Smt. Nivruti Rai, and her team to discuss opportunities for promoting investment and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Assam.
During the meeting, Smt. Rai shared a brief overview of Invest India, the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of the Government of India under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The agency serves as the first point of contact for global and domestic investors and provides end-to-end support across the investment lifecycle.
I highlighted that Assam is actively seeking investments across multiple sectors. Defence, aerospace and pharmaceuticals are among the priority sectors, while tourism, agriculture, petrochemicals, semiconductors and hydropower also offer strong potential to attract Foreign Direct Investment in the State.
Also emphasised that Assam is increasingly drawing the attention of investors due to its improving infrastructure, strategic location in the North East etc.
It was agreed that Invest India and the Assam Government to jointly work on a few aspirational sectors for attracting FDI initially and decided to:
(a) Hold a brainstorming session in the next two months to develop a visioning plan for Assam to attract FDI and to anchor India in it’s economic partnership with ASEAN countries as part of the Act East Policy.
(b) Secondly, jointly explore FDI opportunities in value chain opportunities for sectors like Electronic Systems Design Manufacturing (ESDM) around the Tata OSAT plant in Jagiroad.
@himantabiswa@CMOfficeAssam@CimGOI@DPIITGoI@rnivruti@investindia@TataElectronics
The IAS Association stands in solidarity with Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary, & his family.
Unwarranted personal attacks on civil servants performing their duties with integrity are deeply regrettable.
We reaffirm our commitment to uphold the dignity of public service.
#UPSCTales
Every UPSC season brings stories of grit that warm the heart. Meet Beerappa Siddappa Doni- a shepherd’s son from Amage village, Kolhapur, who cracked the civil services.
He was in the fields, tending sheep, when the news came - You’ve made it. AIR 551!
Today, his entire village beams with pride. A boy once lost in hills and herds is now on the path to becoming an IPS officer.
Congratulations 💐
@SPsofIndia@UPSC_Official