Assam Governor Details Foreigners Tribunal Outcomes and State's Economic Progress
In a comprehensive Republic Day address delivered at the Veterinary College playground in Guwahati on Monday, Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya provided significant updates on the state's handling of suspected nationality cases and its broader developmental trajectory.
Foreigners Tribunals: Cases Disposed and Declarations Made
Governor Acharya revealed that since the inception of the process, Assam has referred a total of 4,34,922 cases of suspected nationality to the Foreigners' Tribunals. Out of these, an impressive 3,56,714 cases have been disposed of as of October 31, 2025. This judicial processing has resulted in 1,69,812 persons being officially declared as illegal foreigners from the specified territory.
"This reflects the state's sustained commitment to due process and the rule of law," Acharya emphasized during his speech. He further noted that 467 illegal foreigners have been repatriated to their countries of origin. This group included 457 convicted foreigners and 10 individuals who were declared foreigners through tribunal proceedings.
Border Security Measures and Economic Empowerment Initiatives
On the front of preventing illegal influx, the governor highlighted operational enhancements along the Indo-Bangladesh border. Specifically, 14 border outposts and 14 patrol posts have been made operational in the districts of Cachar, Sribhumi, Dhubri, and South Salmara.
Shifting focus to economic development, Acharya gave special mention to women-led empowerment through the Lakhpati Baideu scheme. He reported that 8.82 lakh rural women have achieved annual incomes exceeding 1 lakh rupees through diversified livelihood activities under this initiative.
To build on this success, the state government launched the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan (MMUA) on April 1, 2025. This flagship program aims to cover approximately 30 lakh individual members associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs), providing them with a financial grant of Rs 10,000 each to foster entrepreneurship.
Social Welfare and Governance Reforms
The governor also spotlighted the Orunodoi 3.0 scheme, launched on October 7, 2025, which now benefits nearly 38 lakh recipients. The utilization of Aadhaar-based systems ensures transparency and targeted delivery of benefits under this social welfare program.
In the realm of law and order, Assam has emerged as a national front-runner in implementing the new criminal laws—the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). According to assessments by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Assam ranks first among all states in the effective implementation of these legal frameworks.
Economic Growth Metrics and Future Projections
Governor Acharya presented compelling data on Assam's economic performance, attributing it to responsible fiscal management, sustained public investment, and inclusive development policies over the past five years.
- At constant prices, Assam's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) grew by approximately 45% between the financial years 2019–20 and 2024–25, surpassing the national average during the same period.
- At current prices, the state's GSDP is estimated to cross Rs 7 lakh crore in FY 2025–26, more than doubling compared to FY 2020–21.
- Capital expenditure has more than doubled over the last five years, increasing from about Rs 12,500 crore in FY 2020–21 to over Rs 26,000 crore in FY 2024–25.
"Assam recorded the highest growth rate of 17.4% among all states in FY 2023–24 and is projected to be among the top six states in terms of GSDP growth for FY 2024–25," Acharya stated. He added that the per capita income for FY 2024–25 is estimated at Rs 1,59,185, marking a 10.7% increase from the previous year.
Concluding his address, the governor expressed optimism about the upcoming Advantage Assam 2.0 summit and reaffirmed the state's vision for a united and prosperous future, driven by infrastructural advancements and targeted social welfare programs.
