NEW DELHI: With an aim at promoting clean energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Assam Bioethanol Plant and laid foundation stone for polypropylene plant at Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) at Golaghat in Assam. 

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, PM extended heartfelt greetings to all citizens and the people of Assam on the occasion of Sharodiya Durga Puja. He acknowledged the significance of the birth anniversary of the great spiritual figure Srimanta Sankardev and paid respectful tribute to the revered Gurujanas.

PM remarked that he has been in the North East for the past two days and every time he visits the region, he receives extraordinary affection and blessings. He highlighted the unique warmth and sense of belonging he experiences in this part of Assam and expressed gratitude to the people. 

PM Modi stated that today marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a developed Assam and a developed India. He announced that projects worth approximately ₹18,000 crore have been allocated to Assam. He noted that earlier in the day, he was in Darrang where he laid the foundation stones for connectivity and health-related projects. He further added that in the current location, he has inaugurated and laid the foundation for energy security-related projects, which will further strengthen Assam’s path to development.

Highlighting that Assam is a land that strengthens India’s energy capabilities, the PM remarked that the petroleum products originating from Assam contribute significantly to the nation’s development. He stated that their government is committed to elevating this strength to new heights. PM Modi informed that prior to arriving at the current venue, he attended another programme nearby where he inaugurated a modern plant that produces bio-ethanol from bamboo, describing it as a matter of great pride for Assam. Alongside the inauguration of the ethanol plant, he also laid the foundation stone for a polypropylene plant. He emphasized that these projects will boost industrial growth in Assam, accelerate the state’s development, and create new opportunities for farmers and youth and extended his congratulations to all for these initiatives.

“India is currently the fastest-growing major economy in the world”, stated the PM, remarking that as the country progresses, the demand for electricity, gas, and fuel is also rising. He highlighted that India has long been dependent on foreign sources for these energy needs, importing large quantities of crude oil and gas. As a result, the nation has had to pay lakhs of crores of rupees annually to other countries, which in turn boosts employment and income abroad. PM Modi emphasized that this situation needed to be changed. He affirmed that India has now embarked on the path of becoming self-reliant in meeting its energy requirements.

Noting that India is simultaneously working on discovering new reserves of crude oil and gas within the country while also enhancing its green energy capabilities, PM Modi recalled his announcement from the Red Fort regarding the ‘Samudra Manthan’ initiative. He highlighted expert assessments suggesting that India’s seas may hold substantial reserves of oil and gas. To ensure these resources are harnessed for national development, the PM also mentioned the launch of the National Deepwater Exploration Mission.

PM also highlighted that India is making rapid strides in the field of green energy and renewable power generation. He remarked that a decade ago, India lagged significantly in solar power production. However, today, India ranks among the top five countries globally in solar energy capacity.

“In the changing times, India requires alternative fuels to reduce dependence on oil and gas”, emphasised the PM, highlighting ethanol as one such viable option. He informed that a new plant producing ethanol from bamboo has been inaugurated today, and emphasized that this initiative will greatly benefit farmers and tribal communities in Assam.

Stating that arrangements are being made to ensure a steady supply of bamboo for operating the bio-ethanol plant, PM Modi highlighted that the government will support local farmers in cultivating bamboo and will also procure it directly. He informed that small units related to bamboo chipping will be established in the region. The PM announced that approximately ₹200 crore will be spent annually in this sector. He emphasized that this single plant will benefit thousands of people in the area.

Underlining that India is now producing ethanol from bamboo, the PM reminded the public of the earlier times when, under the opposition-led government, cutting bamboo could lead to imprisonment. He emphasized that bamboo, an integral part of daily life for tribal communities, was subject to restrictions. PM Modi highlighted that the current government removed the ban on bamboo cutting, and this decision is now delivering substantial benefits to the people of the North East.

Remarking that people use a wide range of plastic items in their daily lives, such as buckets, mugs, boxes, chairs, tables, and packaging materials, the PM explained that all these products require polypropylene, without which modern life is difficult to imagine. He highlighted that polypropylene is used to manufacture carpets, ropes, bags, fibers, masks, medical kits, and textiles, and also plays a vital role in the automotive sector as well as in producing medical and agricultural equipment. PM Modi announced that Assam has received the gift of a modern polypropylene plant. He stated that this plant will strengthen the foundation of ‘Make in Assam’ and ‘Make in India’, and will also boost other manufacturing industries in the region.

PM Modi remarked that just as Assam is known for its traditional Gamosa and its renowned Eri and Muga silk, the state’s identity will now also include textiles made from polypropylene. 

Underscoring that the nation is demonstrating exceptional commitment towards the Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign, and Assam is one of its key centres, PM Modi expressed strong confidence in Assam’s capabilities and said that the state has been chosen for a major national initiative—the Semiconductor Mission. He explained that his trust in Assam stems from its proven potential, citing how Assam Tea, once relatively unknown during colonial times, was transformed into a global brand by the land and people of Assam. The PM emphasized that in this new era, India’s self-reliance depends on two critical sectors: energy and semiconductors, and Assam is playing a vital role in both.

PM said that from bank cards and mobile phones to cars, aircraft, and space missions, the core of every electronic device lies in a small electronic chip. He emphasized that if India aims to manufacture these products domestically, it must also produce its own chips. To achieve this, India has launched the Semiconductor Mission, with Assam serving as a major foundation for this initiative. PM Modi highlighted that a semiconductor factory is rapidly being constructed in Morigaon, with an investment of ₹27,000 crore. He stated that this is a matter of great pride for Assam.

PM Narendra Modi remarked that the opposition governed the country for a long time and held power in Assam for several decades. He stated that during those years, the pace of development remained slow and Assam’s cultural heritage faced challenges. He highlighted that their governments at the Union and state  is now empowering Assam’s traditional identity while also integrating it with a modern profile. PM Modi criticised the opposition for bringing separatism, violence, and disputes to Assam and the North East, whereas their party is transforming Assam into a state enriched with development and heritage. The PM affirmed that it is the current government that granted classical language status to the Assamese language. He expressed satisfaction that the Assam government is swiftly implementing the new National Education Policy and actively promoting education in local languages.

PM Modi further stated that the opposition failed to give due recognition to the great sons of the North East and Assam. He highlighted that this land has produced valiant warriors like Veer Lachit Borphukan, yet the opposition never accorded him the honour he truly deserved. The PM affirmed that the current government has given rightful respect to Lachit Borphukan’s legacy. He informed that his 400th birth anniversary was celebrated at the national level and his biography has been published in 23 languages. He also mentioned that he had the opportunity to unveil a grand statue of Lachit Borphukan in Jorhat. The PM concluded by stating that those whom the opposition neglected are now being brought to the forefront by the present government.

Mentioning that the historic Rang Ghar in Sivasagar had long remained neglected, and the current government has undertaken its renovation, the PM highlighted that the government is working to transform Batadrava, the birthplace of Srimanta Sankardev, into a world-class tourism centre. Drawing parallels with the development of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham complex in Varanasi and the Mahakal Mahalok in Ujjain, the PM announced that a Maa Kamakhya Corridor is also being developed in Assam.

PM Narendra Modi stated that their government is actively preserving numerous symbols and sites associated with Assam’s rich culture and history for future generations. He remarked that this initiative is not only benefiting Assam’s heritage but also expanding the scope of tourism in the state. The PM emphasized that as tourism grows in Assam, it will generate greater employment opportunities for the youth.

PM stated that amidst the ongoing development efforts, Assam faces a growing challenge—illegal infiltration. He remarked that during the tenure of the opposition government, infiltrators were allotted land and illegal encroachments were protected. He alleged that in pursuit of vote-bank politics, the opposition disrupted Assam’s demographic balance. PM Modi affirmed that their government, in collaboration with the people of Assam, is actively addressing this issue. He highlighted that the government is reclaiming land from infiltrators and allocating land pattas to tribal families in need. He praised the Assam government for Mission Basundhara, under which lakhs of families have already received land pattas. He further stated that land rights of the Ahom, Koch Rajbongshi, and Gorkha communities have been recognized in certain tribal areas, and they have been included in the list of protected classes. The PM emphasized that their party is fully committed to correcting the historical injustices faced by tribal communities.