08/04/2026
Election dates are now announced, and once again the narrative of development, growth, and governance is being aggressively projected. But for Barak Valley, the real issue is not what is being claimed, but what has actually been delivered on the ground over the years.
The Bharatiya Janata Party is seeking support by combining identity, welfare, and development messaging. There is no denying that identity concerns among Bengali Hindus have played a decisive role. From the Assam Movement between 1979 and 1985 to the NRC process from 2015 to 2019, a deep-rooted sense of uncertainty influenced political alignment. The BJP understood this sentiment and built a strong narrative around security and stability, while the Indian National Congress failed to provide clarity during its tenure. This explains the political shift, but it does not justify the absence of economic delivery.
The real test of governance is not identity politics, but economic transformation. Assam is projected as a high-growth state with GDP growth in the range of 11 to 12 percent in recent years. However, when we examine per capita income, it remains around â‚ą1.3 to â‚ą1.5 lakh, which is still below the national average. This clearly indicates that growth is not inclusive and is not reaching the majority of people.
Between 2018 and 2024, economic output in the state increased steadily, but employment generation did not follow the same trajectory. Youth unemployment and underemployment remain serious concerns. This is a textbook case of jobless growth, where economic numbers improve, but livelihoods do not.
The structure of this growth further exposes the weakness. The expansion is driven primarily by government expenditure, construction, and services, rather than by strong industrialization. Without a robust industrial base, sustainable job creation is impossible. This means that long-term economic stability is still missing.
Barak Valley represents the most visible example of this structural failure. Despite its importance, the region has not received proportional industrial investment or economic focus. Development, where it exists, is uneven and limited.
The closure of the Cachar Paper Mill in October 2015 marked a turning point. This was not just the shutdown of an industrial unit; it was the collapse of the region’s economic backbone. Thousands of workers lost their livelihoods. Small businesses dependent on the mill suffered. The entire local economy was destabilized.
The deterioration of the mill began after 2012 due to reported financial irregularities, mismanagement, and systemic inefficiencies. However, accountability has never been clearly established. Instead, the burden of blame often fell on employees, many of whom had no involvement in any wrongdoing.
Reports from workers’ organizations suggest that more than 100 employees died due to prolonged financial distress, non-payment of salaries, and related hardships. This reflects the human cost of policy failure and administrative delay.
The closure was justified as a necessary step to save public funds. However, this raises a critical financial question regarding the funds that were already allocated to Hindustan Paper Corporation.
In the Lok Sabha, former Heavy Industries Minister Arvind Sawant referred to allocations in the range of ₹4,000 crore. Workers’ unions have cited figures such as ₹4,141 crore. At the same time, RTI-based disclosures referenced in public discussions indicate that only around ₹500 crore was actually spent on operations and revival efforts. This gap between sanctioned funds and actual utilization raises serious concerns about financial management and accountability.
Audit-related concerns have also been highlighted in discussions involving Comptroller and Auditor General observations on inefficiencies and financial irregularities in public sector units. Additionally, cases linked to administrative and financial irregularities have been referred to investigative agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation. However, these investigations are still pending, and no clear accountability has been established.
Now consider the contrast with Jagiroad.
A similar paper mill was shut down. However, that location is now being developed into a â‚ą27,000 crore semiconductor hub. This reflects clear policy intent, strong ex*****on, and a commitment to industrial transformation and job creation.
Jagiroad is moving forward with large-scale investment and planning.
Barak Valley, in comparison, continues to wait.
In 2022, the Assam Industrial Development Corporation acquired the whole Cachar Paper Mill assets. This created expectations of revival or industrial redevelopment. However, even after acquisition, no major industrial transformation has taken place on the ground.
There are discussions about possible investments by Numaligarh Refinery Limited and ONGC. There is ongoing work under the Bharatmala project. The Shillong–Silchar road project has received around ₹25,000 crore investment from the Central Government. Railway and road connectivity have improved after 2014.
These developments are important, but they are not sufficient.
Infrastructure alone cannot create jobs unless it is followed by industrial investment.
Recently, the inauguration of a Star Cement grinding unit in Cachar has been highlighted as a positive development. The unit, with a capacity of around 2 million tonnes per annum, is expected to contribute to industrial activity and employment. It also reflects some level of industrial interest in the region.
However, this raises an important question.
Can a single cement unit compensate for the loss of an entire industrial ecosystem created by Cachar Paper Mill?
The answer is clearly no.
This is not industrial revival. This is limited progress.
The pattern becomes clear. Large-scale investment and ex*****on are visible in certain regions, while others are left with partial development and prolonged delays.
This is not balanced growth. This is selective development.
At the same time, welfare schemes have expanded and provided short-term financial support. While these schemes offer immediate relief, they do not address the structural issues of unemployment and lack of industry.
Relief is not development.
Subsidy is not employment.
People are shown GDP growth, investment announcements, and infrastructure projects. But what they experience is unemployment, income instability, and economic uncertainty.
This gap between numbers and lived reality is shaping public perception.
The BJP has been successful in combining identity assurance, welfare delivery, and strong narrative building. The Congress has failed to present a credible alternative.
But political success in narrative does not automatically translate into economic success.
Barak Valley today stands at a critical inflection point.
With improved connectivity and initiatives like Bharatmala Pariyojana, the region has the potential to attract industries, generate employment, and rebuild its economy.
The opportunity exists.
But opportunity without ex*****on has no value.
Time to move from discussion to ex*****on.
Time to move from announcements to measurable outcomes.
Development must be inclusive, not selective.
Barak Valley deserves industries.
Barak Valley deserves jobs.
Barak Valley deserves accountability.
And above all, Barak Valley deserves development that people can actually feel on the ground.
