What was announced
The Assam Cabinet, in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on September 24, 2026, at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Guwahati, approved the State Capital Investment Subsidy. Chief Minister Sarma announced that the subsidy is specifically for manufacturing units in Assam that met the eligibility criteria of the UNNATI, 2024 scheme but could not complete their registration by the extended deadline of September 30, 2026. The Chief Minister also stated that this measure is anticipated to generate approximately 2,000 direct employment opportunities within the state. During the same cabinet meeting, other significant decisions were also taken, including an Rs 11,000 crore investment proposal by JK Lakshmi Cement Limited for a clinker manufacturing unit and four associated cement grinding units in Assam, which is also expected to contribute to job creation. The cabinet also approved an Rs 1,500 Orunodoi payout for beneficiaries as a Durga Puja gift and a 20 per cent bonus for eligible tea garden workers.Why it matters
The approval of the State Capital Investment Subsidy is a crucial step for Assam’s industrial landscape, particularly for manufacturing units that faced hurdles in formalising their status under the UNNATI, 2024 scheme. By offering this subsidy, the government aims to rectify past registration issues and ensure these units can still benefit from state incentives, thereby preventing potential economic setbacks and job losses. The expected creation of 2,000 direct jobs through this and related industrial initiatives provides a significant boost to employment generation in the state, addressing a key concern for the youth and workforce. This move is poised to stimulate local economies, encourage further investment in the manufacturing sector, and contribute to the overall economic development of Assam.Background
Assam has been actively pursuing policies to accelerate industrial development and employment generation. The Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme (UNNATI), 2024, was introduced with the objective of promoting industrial growth in the North Eastern Region, including Assam, by offering various incentives to eligible units. The state has consistently focused on converting investment commitments into tangible projects and jobs through platforms like ‘Advantage Assam’. The current cabinet decision reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that no eligible industrial unit is left behind due to procedural delays or missed deadlines. The state’s budget for 2026-27 highlights a strategic shift towards combining social protection with industrialisation, employment creation, human-capital development, and large-scale productive investment, with a total budget of Rs 1,557 crore allocated to Industries, Commerce & Public Enterprise. Initiatives like the Chief Minister’s Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan, launched in 2023 with an allocation of Rs 500 crore, also underscore the government’s focus on supporting young entrepreneurs and self-employment. This latest subsidy forms part of a series of measures designed to foster a robust industrial ecosystem and tackle unemployment.Key details
The State Capital Investment Subsidy is specifically designed for manufacturing units in Assam that were eligible under the core provisions of the Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme (UNNATI), 2024, but failed to secure registration under the scheme within the stipulated extended timeframe, which concluded on September 30, 2026. While the precise financial outlay for this specific subsidy was not detailed in the immediate announcement, the Chief Minister confirmed its approval and its projected impact on employment. The broader context of industrial development in Assam also includes significant investments like the Rs 11,000 crore commitment from JK Lakshmi Cement Limited, which is independently expected to create approximately 2,000 direct jobs through its new clinker manufacturing and cement grinding units.Reactions
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while announcing the cabinet decisions, emphasised the government’s dedication to industrial growth and employment.“The State Cabinet has approved the State Capital Investment Subsidy for eligible manufacturing units of Assam, which are eligible under the substantive provisions of the Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme (UNNATI), 2024 but could not obtain registration under the said scheme within extended time period of 30th September, 2026,” Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. “This will generate direct employment of around 2000.”