March 10, 2025: The Assam government has made significant allocations and announcements for the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) and the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) in its Budget 2024-25, aiming to accelerate infrastructure development, economic growth, and social welfare in the region.
A key highlight of the budget is the development of the Bhutan-Bodoland-Bay of Bengal (B3) Corridor, a strategic initiative to enhance trade and logistics connectivity between Bhutan and India, linking it with Jogighopa and Phulbari. Additionally, the government has prioritized infrastructure projects, including the completion of 702.39 km of all-weather roads under the Goodwill Mission and 400.54 km under the Mukhya Mantri Path Nabikaran Achani since 2022-23. Another milestone in irrigation was achieved with the completion of the long-awaited Dhansiri Irrigation Project after 46 years, benefiting over 70 villages and 32,000 farmer families.
In an effort to strengthen BTC governance and improve regional development, the government has allocated ₹1,143 crore for the council, focusing on infrastructure projects and the implementation of regional accords. Moreover, ₹4,160 crore has been earmarked specifically for BTR under various schemes and initiatives.
Recognizing the need for peace and stability, the budget also focuses on rehabilitation efforts. The Assam government has sanctioned an additional ₹30 crore to support over 4,000 families affected by past ethnic conflicts in BTR. The rehabilitation of former National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) cadres has also been addressed, with over 6,600 former members receiving socio-economic support, and more than 270 cases against them being withdrawn.
Cultural preservation and education remain at the forefront of the government's vision for BTR. The region has received Geographical Indication (GI) certification for 21 traditional Bodo products, including Aronai, Dokhona, Eri Silk, and Jwmgra, as part of efforts to promote Bodo heritage. In the education sector, the budget mandates the teaching of Assamese or Bodo as a compulsory subject in schools under both CBSE and state board curricula, with penal provisions for non-compliance.
Honoring the contributions of Bodo leaders, the government has undertaken the construction of 40 auditoriums across the 40 constituencies of BTR, each with a seating capacity of 700, under the Sujit Narzary Auditorium Project.
With these extensive financial allocations and development projects, the Assam government is reinforcing its commitment to the holistic progress of the Bodoland Territorial Region, ensuring infrastructure expansion, cultural preservation, and economic stability for the people of the area.