HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Feb 25: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has emphasised the crucial role of digital connectivity in accelerating the state’s development, asserting that Assam is committed to leading the digital revolution.
Speaking at the I-Way to Viksit Assam session during the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit in Guwahati on Tuesday, Sarma highlighted the state’s readiness to become a significant stakeholder in India’s digital transformation with the active support of the central government.
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The session, attended by Union Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M Scindia, focused on enhancing digital infrastructure to support Assam’s economic growth. Sarma underscored India’s rapid digital advancements under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and outlined his government’s plans to expand cyber infrastructure across the state.
Referring to the increasing demand for high-speed data, Sarma pointed to the announcement by Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani about setting up an AI-enabled data center in Assam, along with a similar initiative by HDFC.
To further strengthen digital connectivity, he proposed studying the feasibility of extending optical fiber connectivity from the Bay of Bengal through the Brahmaputra, a move he described as a potential game-changer in ensuring fast and reliable data access across the state.
“I, therefore, request the Union minister to study the feasibility of bringing optical fibre from the Bay of Bengal through the Brahmaputra. Once materialised, it will prove to be a game-changer in getting fast and reliable data in Assam,” Sarma said.
As business process outsourcing (BPO) companies shift from Tier 1 cities to smaller cities, Sarma projected that Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Jorhat would witness a surge in BPO establishments within the next two to three years, increasing the demand for robust digital infrastructure.
He also recalled the Prime Minister’s vision for a Digital India, which aimed to empower citizens by expanding internet access and digital services.
Highlighting the state government’s ambitious plan to connect 25,250 villages with optical fiber, Sarma sought the Union Minister’s support to expedite the project.
“Assam has 4,000 forest villages, but these are deprived of mobile services due to existing restrictions. I request the Union minister that if the Centre brings in a law to provide mobile connectivity to forest villages, they will also be digitally connected,” the CM said.
He stressed that improved connectivity would benefit farmers and rural entrepreneurs, driving inclusive growth.
He further reiterated the Assam government’s commitment to transforming the state’s digital landscape, aiming to create new opportunities and promote overall development.
Recognising the pivotal role of the IT and telecom sectors in economic progress, Sarma said the state government is taking bold steps to modernise these industries by ensuring last-mile connectivity and bridging the digital divide.
He also pointed to Assam’s emerging status as a technology hub, citing the upcoming semiconductor facility in Jagiroad and Tata Sons’ plans to invest ₹30,000 crore in setting up a mobile manufacturing unit.
This, he noted, would generate local employment, reducing the need for young professionals to seek jobs outside the state.
Expressing gratitude to the Union Minister for his support, Sarma asserted that Assam’s digital infrastructure had seen unprecedented progress and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to leveraging technology as a “force multiplier” for development.
In his address, Union Minister Scindia praised Assam’s potential as a driver of national growth.
He highlighted the state’s strategic location as not just a gateway to ASEAN countries but also a key player in the Global South and a rising manufacturing and logistics powerhouse. He expressed confidence in Assam’s ability to contribute significantly to Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
The event was attended by IT Minister Keshab Mahanta, Special Chief Secretary Sayedain Abbasi, Nokia India Country Head Tarun Chhabra, Reliance Jio Infocomm President (Mobile Business & Devices) Sunil Dutt, BSNL CMD A. Robert J. Ravi, and several other dignitaries. (With inputs from PTI)
