GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has reaffirmed the state's commitment to driving digital transformation, emphasising that connectivity is the backbone of progress.
Speaking at a thematic session titled "I-Way to Viksit Assam" as part of the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit, Sarma outlined Assam's roadmap to becoming a strong stakeholder in India's digital revolution.
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The session was attended by the Union Minister for Communications and DoNER, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia.
Highlighting the rapid digital advancements made, Sarma stressed the need to expand Assam’s cyber-infrastructure to match the pace of digitalisation across the country. He presented his government's plan to increase digital footprints across the state, ensuring last-mile connectivity and economic growth.
Sarma referred to Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani's announcement of setting up an AI-enabled data centre in Assam, along with a similar facility by HDFC, stating the growing demand for high-speed data connectivity. To address this, he proposed a strategic plan to bring optical fibre from the Bay of Bengal through the Brahmaputra River, urging the Union Minister to explore its feasibility. If realised, this initiative would be a game changer for the state’s digital infrastructure.
The chief minister also highlighted Assam’s potential as an emerging hub for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). He noted that with BPO firms shifting from Tier 1 to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, locations such as Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Jorhat are set to witness the establishment of multiple BPOs in the next two to three years, further boosting the demand for high-speed internet.
Sarma reiterated Assam's ambitious goal of connecting 25,250 villages with optical fibre, urging the Union government’s support in expediting the project. He emphasised that improved digital connectivity would empower farmers and rural entrepreneurs, driving economic growth across the state.
Referring to Assam’s emergence as a technology and manufacturing hub, Sarma pointed out the development of a semiconductor facility in Jagiroad and the ₹30,000 crore mobile manufacturing unit planned by Tata Sons, led by Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran. These projects, he noted, would generate employment opportunities, enabling Assam’s youth to build their careers within the state rather than migrating elsewhere.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, in his address, praised Assam's strategic location and economic potential, stating that the state is not just a gateway to ASEAN nations but to the entire Global South. He highlighted Assam’s capacity to become a manufacturing and logistics powerhouse, playing a crucial role in Prime Minister Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
Sarma thanked the Union Minister for Communications for his support in Assam’s digital transformation, affirming that the state government is fully committed to leveraging digital infrastructure to propel Assam towards progress.
The event was attended by Assam IT Minister Keshab Mahanta, Special Chief Secretary Sayedain Abbasi, Nokia India Country Head Tarun Chhabra, President of Mobile Business & Devices at Reliance Jio Sunil Dutt, BSNL CMD A. Robert J. Ravi, and several other industry leaders and dignitaries.