India on Path to Energy Self-Reliance, Assam Key to Journey: PM Modi

• PM Modi inaugurates Assam Bioethanol Plant, lays foundation for ₹18,000-crore polypropylene unit.
• India targets energy and semiconductor self-reliance with new deepwater exploration mission.
• Nation climbs to world’s top five in solar power capacity.
• Bamboo-based ethanol plant to spend ₹200 crore yearly, boosting jobs and tribal incomes.
• ₹27,000-crore semiconductor factory coming up in Morigaon.

GG News Bureau
Golaghat, 14th Sept: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the Assam Bioethanol Plant and laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art polypropylene unit at Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) in Golaghat, calling it a landmark in India’s quest for energy self-reliance and sustainable development.

Greeting citizens on Sharodiya Durga Puja and paying tribute to Srimanta Sankardev, Modi said projects worth ₹18,000 crore have been rolled out for Assam. “India is the fastest-growing major economy, and our demand for fuel is rising. We cannot keep paying lakhs of crores abroad. India has embarked on the path of becoming self-reliant in meeting its energy needs,” he declared.

Highlighting the new bamboo-based ethanol facility, the PM noted it will create jobs for farmers and tribal communities, with the government investing about ₹200 crore annually in bamboo cultivation and chipping units. He reminded the audience that cutting bamboo once invited jail under earlier governments, a restriction his administration lifted.

Modi also laid the foundation of a polypropylene plant vital for manufacturing plastics, textiles, medical kits, automotive components, and agricultural equipment. “This will strengthen ‘Make in Assam’ and ‘Make in India’ and open new industrial avenues,” he said.

Underlining renewable goals, Modi pointed out that India now ranks among the world’s top five in solar energy. He cited parallel efforts to discover domestic oil and gas reserves, including the National Deepwater Exploration Mission announced during his Independence Day address.

Calling energy and semiconductors the twin pillars of future self-reliance, Modi revealed that a ₹27,000 crore semiconductor factory is coming up in Morigaon. “From mobile phones to space missions, chips are essential. Assam is playing a significant role in this journey,” he said.

The Prime Minister also emphasized preserving Assam’s culture alongside modernization. He listed projects such as the Maa Kamakhya Corridor, renovation of Rang Ghar, and development of Batadrava, birthplace of Srimanta Sankardev, into a global tourism hub.

Criticizing past governments for neglect and appeasement, Modi highlighted Mission Basundhara for distributing land pattas to tribal families and initiatives improving housing, tap water, and healthcare in tea gardens. “Our mantra is Nagrik Devo Bhava. We focus on satisfaction, not appeasement,” he said.

He concluded by asserting that Assam is poised to become a major hub for trade, tourism, and energy, reaffirming the collective resolve to build a developed Assam and a developed India.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Hardeep Singh Puri attended the event.