Finally, Assam Rising

In what many saw as an audacious proclamation, Assam’s fifteenth Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma declared soon after taking office that he would place Assam among India’s top five states. For a state long marked by economic stagnation, weak industrial growth and recurring political and ethnic unrest, the ambition sounded bold-almost improbable. Nearly five years later, it is time to take stock. Assam’s journey in this period has been strikingly transformative, shaped by renewed hope, rising aspirations, and a determined push to address decades of neglect. Under experienced leadership, the goal of becoming one of India’s best-performing states now appears increasingly achievable. Assam is among the fastest-growing large states, has rolled out landmark beneficiary programmes, implemented major land reforms, and attracted one of India’s largest semiconductor investments. Improvements are visible across income, employment, poverty reduction, fiscal management, infrastructure, and cultural preservation. Finally, Assam Rising examines these shifts, highlights challenges and outlines strategic priorities ahead.