Guwahati: Pijush Hazarika on Monday said that Assam has not yet entered the list of India’s top five developed states because the state is still dealing with financial liabilities inherited from previous governments.
Speaking at a public event, Hazarika defended the financial policies of the government led by Himanta Biswa Sarma and highlighted Assam’s recent economic growth. He claimed that according to the “Handbook of Statistics on Indian States 2024-25” published by the Reserve Bank of India, Assam has emerged as one of the fastest-growing major state economies in the country over the last five years.
Hazarika stated that economic activity in Assam has grown faster than the national average during the BJP-led government’s tenure. He claimed that while the national growth average stood at around 28 percent, Assam recorded nearly 44 percent growth in economic activity over the past five years.
The minister further said that Assam has outperformed several major states, including Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana in certain economic indicators.
Addressing concerns over rising state debt, Hazarika said Assam’s current debt stands at nearly ₹2 lakh crore. However, he argued that several other states have significantly higher debt burdens. He cited examples including Punjab with around ₹4.47 lakh crore debt, Tamil Nadu with approximately ₹10.71 lakh crore, Karnataka with about ₹8.24 lakh crore, Kerala with nearly ₹4.33 lakh crore, and West Bengal with around ₹7.64 lakh crore debt.
Hazarika maintained that the Assam government follows the borrowing guidelines set by the Reserve Bank of India and does not hide information regarding state loans. He said the government publicly informs people whenever loans are taken.
He also criticized political opponents for allegedly creating “drama” over the issue of state debt and said the BJP-led government would continue its development work in Assam despite criticism.
The remarks came amid ongoing political debates in Assam regarding the state’s financial condition and development model under the current government.
