Economic Development Assam Steering Committee

Abstract

Our entire thinking has been influenced by one major factor: a fairly well informed and fervent demand for development from the people at large - students, political parties, women's groups, voluntary organisations, economists, ministers, administrators, entrepreneurs - with whom we had the privilege of interacting. This magnitude of popular awareness and interest in development is a rare social force. Constructively used, it can be the most precious capital for the development of Assam. We were further encouraged when our analysis showed that most of the suggestions and proposals for development of Assam, made by the non-officials and officials we met, were sound and practical. We are convinced that for speedy all round development of Assam what we need is a comprehensive well concerted effort from a multitude of economic and social dimensions, particularly involving infrastructure, agriculture and rural sector as well as industries - small and major - on the one hand, and people's participation and a committed involvement from all concerned including the State and the Central Government on the other. Our approach has been largely inspired by this conviction and concern and a number of important projects have been recommended to gear up the State's pace of development.