Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah recently laid the foundation stone for the new building of the Assam Legislative Assembly in Dibrugarh and inaugurated or initiated work on five projects with a combined investment of about Rs 17.15 billion. The event was attended by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and other senior leaders.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Shah said the decision to develop Dibrugarh as Assam’s second capital reflects the state government’s push for inclusivity and balanced regional development. The new Assembly complex will be built on 57 bighas of land, marking a key step towards decentralising governance and strengthening Dibrugarh’s administrative role.

The Home Minister highlighted infrastructure and flood-management initiatives, stating that Rs 6.92 billion has been spent to develop 15 wetlands in the first phase to mitigate floods, support irrigation, enhance groundwater levels and promote allied activities such as animal husbandry, tourism and water sports.

Referring to trade opportunities, Shri Shah said that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, India has signed a free trade agreement with the European Union, enabling Assam’s tea to access European markets such as Paris and Berlin at zero tariff.

He said Assam and the North East have become a priority across sectors including infrastructure, transport, industry, environment and sports. Highlighting security and socio-economic changes, Shri Shah said peace and development have replaced earlier periods of unrest, with increased employment opportunities and rising youth incomes.

The Union Home Minister also inaugurated the first phase of a multi-disciplinary sports complex in Dibrugarh, built at a cost of Rs 2.38 billion on 106 bighas, and laid the foundation stone for its second phase costing Rs 2.09 billion. Additional projects included housing for legislators and a Wildlife Research Institute to be developed at a cost of Rs 2.92 billion, focusing on research, disease surveillance and capacity building.

Shri Shah said these initiatives collectively reflect the government’s commitment to long-term development, social inclusion and economic growth in Assam and the wider North East.