The Assam Cabinet, meeting at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Dispur, Guwahati, has approved raising a ₹200.36 crore loan from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development to finance 27 rural development projects sanctioned under RIDF-XXXI.
The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, with officials stating that the funds will be used to strengthen rural infrastructure and accelerate development in the border areas of the state.
The Assam Cabinet meeting in Guwahati approved a ₹200.36 crore loan from NABARD to fund 27 projects under RIDF-XXXI. Implemented through the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department and the Border Protection and Development Department, the projects aim to boost rural infrastructure and development in Assam’s border regions.
Projects Cleared in Guwahati
According to Cabinet sources, the projects will be implemented through:
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department
- Border Protection and Development Department
The initiatives are aimed at improving:
- Rural connectivity and infrastructure
- Livestock and veterinary facilities
- Development support in border and remote areas
Officials said the selection of projects was finalised after technical and financial scrutiny at the state level in Guwahati.
Guwahati’s Role in Funding Decisions
As Assam’s administrative and financial decision-making hub, Guwahati plays a central role in mobilising institutional funding for statewide development. Senior officials at Dispur said accessing NABARD’s RIDF support reflects the government’s focus on leveraging national financial institutions for targeted rural growth.
The approval also signals closer coordination between Guwahati-based departments and NABARD for timely execution and monitoring.
Why This Matters
Rural infrastructure projects funded through RIDF are considered critical for:
- Enhancing agricultural and allied sector productivity
- Supporting livelihoods in border districts
- Bridging development gaps between urban centres like Guwahati and rural Assam
Officials noted that improved rural infrastructure also eases migration pressure on Guwahati by creating opportunities closer to home.
Part of a Wider Development Push
The loan approval forms part of a broader package of policy decisions cleared by the Assam Cabinet in Guwahati, covering areas such as:
- Employment generation
- Land reforms
- Social inclusion
- Border area development
What Happens Next
The Finance Department will proceed with formal loan documentation with NABARD. Implementing departments will then issue work orders and begin execution of the sanctioned projects, with periodic reviews to be conducted from Guwahati.
Frequently Asked Questions
₹200.36 crore has been approved under RIDF-XXXI.
The decision was taken by the Assam Cabinet at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Guwahati.
