NEW DELHI — In a significant push for peace and inclusive growth in the Northeast, the Union Cabinet has approved four new components under the Central Sector Scheme of Special Development Packages (SDPs) for Assam and Tripura. With a central outlay of ₹4,250 crore, the initiative aims to accelerate socio-economic progress in historically underserved tribal and ethnic regions.
The packages are part of the government’s commitment to implement Memoranda of Settlement (MoS) signed with various ethnic groups between 2022 and 2024. Building on earlier successes with Bodo and Karbi groups, the new measures will extend development benefits to Adivasi, Dimasa, ULFA, NLFT, and ATTF communities, focusing on infrastructure, livelihoods, peace, and stability.
Financial Outlay and Sharing
The total financial outlay for these new components is ₹7,250 crore, with the Centre contributing ₹4,250 crore — ₹4,000 crore for Assam and ₹250 crore for Tripura. Assam’s government will add ₹3,000 crore from its resources. Funds for Assam will be utilised over five years (2025–26 to 2029–30), while Tripura’s allocation will be implemented over four years (2025–26 to 2028–29).
Component-Wise Allocation
₹500 crore for infrastructure in Adivasi-inhabited villages in Assam (2022 MoS).
₹500 crore for infrastructure in North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council areas, home to Dimasa groups (2023 MoS).
₹3,000 crore for statewide infrastructure under the 2023 MoS with ULFA groups.
₹250 crore for tribal welfare in Tripura under the 2024 MoS with NLFT and ATTF.
Peace and Stability Goals
By fulfilling long-pending demands of ethnic groups through targeted development and rehabilitation, the packages aim to strengthen peace-building efforts. The MoS framework aims to mainstream communities affected by past conflicts, fostering an environment that promotes sustained stability and growth.
Phased Implementation
Assam’s three components will be funded over five years starting in 2025–26, while Tripura’s project will run for four years from the same period. The phased approach is designed to ensure steady progress and continuous monitoring of outcomes.
With this move, the Centre is banking on development as a powerful tool for conflict resolution in the Northeast, reinforcing its vision of a stable and prosperous region.