Shillong, June 19: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has urged the Central Government to allow Northeastern states greater access to Externally Aided Projects (EAPs), citing the region’s strong track record in implementing development projects and efficiently utilizing international funding.
 |
| Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addresses the seminar on “Leveraging Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) in the North-Eastern States” in Shillong. (Image: X/himantabiswa) |
Addressing the inaugural session of the seminar on “Leveraging Externally Aided Projects in the North-Eastern States” in Shillong, Sarma appealed to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to enhance the limits available to Northeastern states under EAPs. He said the request was made on behalf of Assam and the other states of the region, emphasizing their consistent performance in executing projects backed by multilateral financial institutions.
The Chief Minister noted that externally aided projects have played a transformative role in Assam’s development over the past several years. According to him, these projects have enabled the state government to undertake major infrastructure and development initiatives that were previously considered financially unviable due to the high cost of capital.
Sarma highlighted that the value of EAPs in Assam has witnessed a substantial increase—from approximately ₹7,500 crore during the 14th Finance Commission period to nearly ₹53,000 crore during the 15th Finance Commission period. He described this growth as a reflection of both the state's implementation capacity and the confidence reposed in it by international development partners.
He informed the gathering that projects worth ₹53,000 crore are currently under implementation across Assam, covering key sectors such as bridges and embankments, healthcare infrastructure, robotics and technology, and major power infrastructure projects. Several projects have already been completed, while many others are progressing steadily, contributing significantly to the state's development trajectory.
The Chief Minister also pointed out that EAPs provide benefits beyond financial assistance. He said partnerships with multilateral agencies bring global best practices, advanced project management techniques, technical expertise, and institutional capacity-building that strengthen government systems and improve project outcomes.
ALSO READ: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh Hold High-Level Talks on Inter-State Cooperation and Excise Reforms
Sarma described the seminar as an important platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among Northeastern states. He thanked the Ministry of Finance for organising the event and acknowledged the valuable contributions of fellow Chief Ministers and senior officials participating in the discussions.
Reaffirming the region’s development aspirations, Sarma said the Northeastern states remain committed to transforming the region into a major growth engine for the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
