The Union Cabinet on Friday approved four new components under the existing Central Sector Scheme of Special Development Packages (SDPs) for Assam and Tripura. The move aims to accelerate socio-economic development in regions that have been historically underserved, with a total Central outlay of ₹4,250 crore.
These components are part of the government’s continued efforts to implement the Memoranda of Settlement (MoS) signed with various ethnic groups in both states. The packages are designed to improve infrastructure, enhance livelihood opportunities, and promote peace and stability in the region.
In Assam, ₹500 crore has been allocated for the development of infrastructure in Adivasi-inhabited villages as per the MoS signed in 2022. Another ₹500 crore will go towards the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) area, home to the Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA) and Dimasa People’s Supreme Council (DPSC) communities, as agreed in the 2023 MoS. A major portion of the funding, ₹3,000 crore, has been earmarked for infrastructure development across the state under the MoS signed with the ULFA groups, also in 2023.
In Tripura, ₹250 crore will be directed towards the welfare and development of tribal communities, in line with the MoS signed in 2024 with the National Liberation Front of Twipra (NLFT) and the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF).
The financial structure of the initiative includes a total projected outlay of ₹7,250 crore. Out of this, ₹4,250 crore will be borne by the Centre under the existing SDP scheme—₹4,000 crore for Assam and ₹250 crore for Tripura. The remaining ₹3,000 crore will be contributed by the Assam state government.
According to the plan, the ₹4,000 crore meant for Assam will be spent over five years from 2025-26 to 2029-30, while the ₹250 crore for Tripura is to be utilised over four years from 2025-26 to 2028-29.
The development packages are expected to generate employment, particularly through infrastructure and livelihood projects. Youth and women will benefit through skill development programmes, income-generating opportunities, and entrepreneurship support. The government expects the initiative to also increase tourist footfall, thereby adding another layer of local employment.
This new set of initiatives follows previous MoS-based development packages announced for groups like the Bodo and Karbi, which have shown promising outcomes in peace-building and inclusive growth in the North Eastern Region. The current approvals mark another milestone in the Centre’s ongoing commitment to regional peace, development, and the mainstreaming of marginalised communities.