KOKRAJHAR: The Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Previously associated with violence, insurgency, bomb blasts, and killings, the region is now making headlines for its rapid progress. Since the signing of the BTR Accord with the central and Assam state governments on January 27, 2020, BTR has seen significant advancements in various sectors, including tourism, infrastructure, education, sports, and transportation. Chief Executive Member (CEM) Pramod Boro stated, “We are working towards making Bodoland a center for tourism, industry, and agriculture, with a strong emphasis on sustainable development and creating local opportunities.”
Earlier this week, BTR commemorated the fifth anniversary of the Accord, reaffirming its commitment to becoming Assam’s leading region. Following the celebrations, CEM Pramod Boro engaged with The Sunday Guardian, expressing optimism that BTR will achieve even greater developmental milestones in the years ahead. “We are now in a position to address all non-constitutional issues, while constitutional matters will be dealt with in due course,” Boro stated.
To foster long-term peace and unity, the Bodoland Happiness Mission was launched, encouraging dialogue among diverse communities. A vision document addressing the aspirations and concerns of 26 different communities was formulated, tackling long-standing issues such as land rights. This initiative aims to ensure enduring stability, harmony, and progress in the region.
Boro emphasized that the current priority is to enhance education and healthcare. Efforts are being made to strengthen the education system, while health indicators like the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) are being closely monitored. Recently, a malaria outbreak in Kokrajhar and Srirang was successfully contained within a month, and long-term health solutions are being developed. Additionally, livelihood management remains a key concern. Despite having a population of 3.5 million, Bodoland lacks major industries, resulting in limited local employment opportunities. Many residents migrate to different parts of India in search of work, which disrupts family structures. To counter this, BTR aims to generate employment opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, livestock, handloom, and sericulture. Achieving this goal requires robust policies and sufficient financial support. A major challenge, Boro noted, is the lack of banking facilities in several parts of Bodoland. During the movement era, numerous businesses and banks exited the region. While some financial institutions relocated to designated areas, they never fully returned. Efforts are now being made to restore banking services to their original locations.
Boro highlighted that the total annual budgetary allocation for the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) is approximately Rs 800 crore, constituting about 12% of Assam’s total budget. He stated, “We have requested the Centre to implement Article 280 in the Council (BTC) area so that we can receive direct funding from the Union government. These funds would be allocated under a structured scheme, as outlined in the 2020 peace accord. Only then can we fully execute our developmental plans. This financial support will also strengthen the Council.”
He also mentioned that centre is preparing the “final draft” for another amendment to the 125th Constitution Amendment Bill. Initially introduced in the Rajya Sabha in 2019, this Bill seeks to amend provisions related to the Finance Commission and the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Under the Sixth Schedule, land transfer regulations restrict non-residents from purchasing land, though leasing options are available. BTR is offering land leases to interested parties willing to establish businesses and industries, and several groups have already expressed interest.
Sports is another area where Bodoland has immense potential, particularly in football. However, the region lacks adequate infrastructure, such as stadiums and indoor sports facilities. Over the past four years, significant investments have been made to enhance sports infrastructure. Football, in particular, has been organized more professionally in the last two years, with Bodoland hosting the prestigious Durand Cup twice. A FIFA-standard football stadium has been constructed in Kokrajhar, and various other sports disciplines are being promoted. Scholarships are being provided to athletes, and a strong emphasis is being placed on education and career development.
Despite being a small council with limited resources, Boro emphasized that government funds are being utilized efficiently. The objective is to ensure the full implementation of both central and state-sponsored schemes to drive tangible development in the region.
Tourism development is another focal area. Bodoland has several attractions, including three rafting centers, two of which are already operational. Plans are underway to establish another rafting center on the Somkhos River this year, provided safety and operational management are ensured. Additionally, Kokrajhar has a paragliding center that is expected to open for tourists soon. Various projects are in progress to enhance infrastructure, making the region more accessible and welcoming for visitors.
Eco-tourism, along with general tourism, is in the planning phase, with policies being designed to promote sustainable growth. While Bodoland possesses vast eco-tourism potential, the absence of well-defined policies and sufficient funding has hindered its progress. Now, with better resource allocation, initiatives are being launched to tap into this potential. The number of visitors to Bodoland has been increasing, and while the region cannot provide incentives as state governments do, there is significant support from the Chief Minister and key officials in attracting industries. Bodoland’s handloom sector holds significant promise, particularly as the region produces India’s most breathable cocoons. This sector is poised for expansion, and efforts are being made to stimulate growth in tourism, industry, and education by inviting business leaders, technical experts, and investors. The goal is to establish Bodoland as a peaceful and inviting destination for both tourists and entrepreneurs. To support these ambitions, work is being done to improve accommodations and expand eco-tourism initiatives, especially around water bodies.
Boro further mentioned that vocational training is being strengthened through the expansion of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), increasing the number from seven to eleven. These institutions are being made more effective, with a focus on campus placements akin to IITs. In agriculture, various initiatives such as pig and goat farming programs and the Green Mission—focused on planting high-value crops—have been launched. This year alone, plantation work has been provided to 18,000 families, and one lakh sandalwood plants will be distributed to farmers. Additionally, a target has been set to produce seven lakh kilograms of jute in the coming year.
While these initiatives are in their early stages, systematic progress is being made, including the development of a comprehensive agricultural database. Efforts are also underway to create a tourism circuit connecting Bodoland with Sikkim, Bhutan, and other northeastern states. Srirampur is set to be developed as a tourism hub, and representatives from all northeastern states are being invited to establish tourism information offices in the region.