SILCHAR : “The all-round development of Barak Valley is not just a vision but a firm commitment of the Assam Government led by  Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma,” asserted Minister for Food, Public Distribution, Consumer Affairs, and Barak Valley Development,  Kaushik Rai during his keynote address at a high-level review meeting of the Barak Valley Development Department. The meeting was held at the new conference hall of the District Commissioner’s Office in Silchar on Tuesday.

Addressing a distinguished gathering comprising public representatives and senior administrative officials from the districts of Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi, Minister Kaushik Rai underlined the need for united efforts and timely action to fulfil the developmental aspirations of the people of Barak Valley.

He highlighted that the funds sanctioned for the Barak Valley Development Department in the financial year 2025–26 are a clear reflection of the Chief Minister’s deep commitment to the upliftment of the region. He urged that these financial resources must lead to visible and result-oriented transformation on the ground.

The Minister stated that the Barak Valley holds vast potential to emerge as a dynamic growth corridor and reiterated the government’s determination to unlock this potential through focused efforts on infrastructure development, welfare initiatives, and sustainable livelihood schemes.

He called for strengthened inter-departmental coordination, urging all stakeholders to function with a mission-oriented mindset to ensure the timely completion of all ongoing development projects. Minister Rai directed departmental heads to remove all administrative bottlenecks and closely monitor implementation processes, and maintain complete transparency and accountability at every stage.

During the meeting, comprehensive reviews were conducted on the progress of various schemes being implemented under both the Central and State Governments in the three districts of the valley. Detailed discussions were held on challenges faced in project execution, fund utilisation, inter-agency collaboration, and future planning strategies.

The Minister stressed that no developmental work should be delayed due to procedural issues and emphasised that all public welfare projects must be executed with compassion, urgency, and efficiency.

Special focus was given to accelerating critical areas like rural road connectivity, healthcare infrastructure, access to clean drinking water, expansion of educational facilities, and livelihood generation programs, all of which play a direct role in improving the quality of life for the people of Barak Valley.

The Minister reaffirmed that the Barak Valley Development Department must act as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation rather than merely functioning as an administrative unit.

In the course of the meeting, two significant cultural initiatives were also discussed. One of them is the proposed organisation of a mega Dhamail Dance Performance or Festival in Silchar in the month of December 2025, tentatively on 16th December, where approximately 8,000 to 10,000 performers from across Assam are expected to participate. Final confirmation of the date will be made after further discussions.

The second proposal is for a grand Barak Festival to be held in Guwahati, tentatively on 6th, 7th, and 8th January 2026. This three-day cultural festival aims to celebrate and showcase the unique heritage, traditions, and values of the Barak region. Both dates are subject to final approval and official announcement.

The meeting was attended by several prominent dignitaries, including Rajya Sabha MP Kanad Purkayastha; MLAs Mihir Kanti Shome,  Dipayan Chakraborty,  Nihar Ranjan Das,  Bijoy Malakar,  Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha,  Siddique Ahmed Laskar,  Khalil Uddin Mazumder, and  Suzam Uddin Laskar.

Also present were  Adil Khan, IAS, Secretary of the Barak Valley Development Department;  Ranjit Kumar Laskar, ACS, Additional Secretary of the Department; the District Commissioners of Karimganj and Hailakandi districts; and senior officials of various departments involved in development implementation.

Following the review session, the Barak Valley Development Department was formally inaugurated at the historic Old Circuit House building in Silchar by Minister Kaushik Rai in the presence of MP Kanad Purkayastha, MLA Dipayan Chakraborty, Udharbond MLA Mihir Kanti Shome, Dholai MLA Nihar Ranjan Das, South Sribhumi MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha, Ratabari MLA Bijoy Malakar, other dignitaries, and senior officials.

Addressing the media after inaugurating the temporary office of the Barak Valley Development Department at the old Circuit House in Silchar, Minister Kaushik Rai stated that this office will function from the present location for the next six months and will be permanently shifted to the Secretariat building in Srikona from January 2026, upon completion of the new complex.

He emphasised that this inauguration marks not merely the opening of an office, but the commencement of a mission aimed at bringing visible and transformative changes in the lives of the people of Barak Valley.