Assam has the potential to leverage its youthful demographic to spearhead industrialization and create employment opportunities, as emphasized during the webinar titled “Assam’s Youth and Viksit Bharat 2047: Pathways to Industrialization, Employment and Entrepreneurship.” This event was organized by ACTION NGO and the Forum for Indian Journalists on Education, Environment, Health & Agriculture (FIJEEHA) in collaboration with the National Service Scheme (NSS) Cell of Gauhati University and supported by Cairn Oil & Gas.
With over one-third of its population aged between 15 and 34, Assam’s demographic dividend represents a vital asset that can be transformed into sustained economic growth. The discussions resonated with the national objective of youth-led development, as highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, emphasizing the critical role of Assam’s youth in driving the state’s economic transformation over the next two decades.
Key speakers stressed the importance of long-term industry engagement in fostering industrial growth that can lead to local employment. Pranjit Tamuli, Senior Executive Officer of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, noted that a commitment from industries to engage consistently with Assam would bolster the regional economy. Dr. Ranjan K. Kakati from the NSS Cell underscored the necessity of educational institutions in bridging gaps between education and employability. He referenced the National Education Policy (NEP), which promotes skill development and experiential learning.
The webinar also addressed the trend of reverse migration as a result of improved job prospects and a conducive environment for industries, highlighted by independent journalist Chandrani Sinha. Entrepreneurship emerged as a critical avenue for employment, especially in sectors that utilize local resources. Priyanka D Patwari, a textile entrepreneur, argued that with the right support ecosystem, Assam’s youth could establish sustainable businesses.
Furthermore, inclusivity in growth was underlined by development expert Mriganku Bahak, stating that development should empower rural and semi-urban communities alongside industrial progress. The webinar facilitated constructive dialogue among youth, academia, industry, and civil society, reinforcing the need for industries to act as long-term partners in Assam’s growth journey. The contributions of companies like Cairn were acknowledged for their role in advancing youth empowerment initiatives, including the implementation of Digital Classrooms, mental health programs in colleges, and support for local cultural and sports events, aligning with Assam’s broader developmental objectives.