In a sharp political critique, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on June 15 launched a scathing attack on the resource allocation policies of the previous UPA government, particularly those influenced by the Sachar Committee report. Speaking at a public event, Sarma questioned the Congress-led government’s decision to prioritize minority communities in development schemes, arguing that the rightful claim to national resources should lie with tribal and indigenous populations.
Recalling the UPA era, Sarma pointed out that the Sachar Committee — formed during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s tenure — had laid the groundwork for directing government resources towards religious minorities. “The Congress government declared that minorities would have the first right over the country’s resources. That statement changed the course of many welfare schemes,” Sarma said.
He alleged that this approach resulted in the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Kalyan Yojana, which diverted 10% of Union Budget allocations to minority-dominated villages. This included the establishment of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), large educational institutions, Anganwadi centres, and housing provisions under the Indira Awas Yojana. Sarma noted that Assam, in particular, saw many such projects implemented with a religious-community focus.
Contrasting that with the BJP-led governance model, the Chief Minister said the current approach is rooted in equity and historical justice. “When we came to power, we asked ourselves: If there’s only one rupee to spend, who should get it — minorities or indigenous people?” he said. “Even members of the minority community will agree that tribals and indigenous groups, as the original inhabitants, must be given priority.”
