Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said direct benefit transfer (DBT) programmes have emerged as the state’s most effective tool for reducing poverty, adding that the government is now targeting a single-digit multidimensional poverty rate.
Replying to the discussion on the state Budget in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Sarma said Assam’s multidimensional poverty rate has declined from 32.67 per cent in 2015 to 14.47 per cent. He attributed much of this improvement to the expansion of direct cash transfers to eligible beneficiaries.
The Chief Minister said DBT has enabled the government to reach people directly, making it a more effective poverty alleviation strategy than relying solely on long-term economic growth. While sectors such as agriculture, MSMEs and industrial development remain vital, he noted that their impact on poverty reduction takes longer to materialise.
Sarma said the government’s objective is to further reduce the multidimensional poverty rate to below 10 per cent through continued expansion of welfare initiatives and targeted financial assistance.
Highlighting the Centre’s role in Assam’s development, he said support from the Union government has helped the state undertake major infrastructure projects, including the proposed elevated corridor at Kaziranga and the planned tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra River.
The Chief Minister also criticised previous Congress governments, alleging that welfare schemes in earlier years failed to reach intended beneficiaries because many people lacked bank accounts and Aadhaar-linked identification. Referring to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s observations on leakages in welfare delivery, Sarma said the current DBT mechanism has significantly improved transparency and efficiency.
He credited flagship welfare programmes such as Orunodoi, Nijut Moina and the free foodgrain distribution scheme with making a substantial contribution to poverty reduction across the state.
Sarma also warned that the government would not tolerate attempts to obstruct development projects, alleging that certain groups influenced by Left ideology were trying to delay infrastructure initiatives.
Emphasising the need for sustained economic expansion, he said Assam must continue to promote industrialisation, strengthen agriculture and support other productive sectors to increase the state’s budgetary capacity and generate long-term growth.
Dismissing the opposition’s criticism that the Budget lacked originality, Sarma said it reflects the BJP-led government’s long-term roadmap for Assam’s development.
He also appealed to legislators to actively encourage entrepreneurship in their constituencies, facilitate the execution of government projects and mentor young aspirants preparing for competitive examinations to help create a more self-reliant Assam.