State Innovation & Transformation Aayog, Assam

North-Eastern Region Workshop on Enhancing SDG Outcomes at District Level organized by NITI Aayog in collaboration with Transformation and Development Department, Govt. of Assam have organized the North Eastern Region Workshop on enhancing SDG outcomes at District level under State Support Mission (SSM) today at Assam Administrative Staff College, Guwahati. The inaugural programme was graced by Charan Boro,Hon’ble Minister of Transport and Bodoland Welfare Department, Govt. of Assam, Dr. V.K Paul, Member (Health) of NITI Aayog, Narayan Chandra Borkataky, Vice- Chairman SITA, Dr. Ravi Kota, Chief Secretary Assam, Satinder Bhalla, Secretary NEC, Rajib Sen, Programme Director NITI Aayog, Dr. Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative UNDP, Dilip Kumar Bora, Secretary T & D, P.Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy , CEO SITA among others.
Chief guest of the inaugural programme Charan Bora, Minister of Transport and Bodoland Welfare Department, Govt. of Assam in his keynote address said that the sustainable Development goals are global goals whose real success are measured locally. They must be felt in villages, towns, schools and homes, the Transport Minister said. He spoke at length about how Assam had moved from an aspirant to a front runner in the SDG India index under the able guidance of the Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Dr V.K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog delivering a special address acknowledged the role of UNDP and said that India would shine if the SDGs remain a priority. He emphasized the need to identify gaps and develop a clear action plan.
Narayan Chandra Borkataky, Vice-Chairman of SITA in his special address commended NITI Aayog for its continued commitment to strengthening cooperative federalism and supporting states in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Ravi Kota, Chief Secretary, Assam in his inaugural address spoke at length about the initiatives undertaken since 2016, during his tenure in the Finance department , which were closely aligned with the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals. He highlighted how these measures laid the foundation for inclusive and sustainable development. Emphasizing collective responsibility, he called upon all the North Eastern states to reflect on where they currently stand in terms of SDG achievements, identify gaps and work together to move forward in a focused and coordinated manner.
Satinder Bhalla, Secretary, NES giving his special address stated that the North Eastern Council has always been committed to the development of the region and reaffirmed its willingness to actively partner in the collective journey towards inclusive and sustainable development.
Dr. Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative, UNDP who delivered a special address stated that the North East is setting a benchmark in SDG implementation. She highlighted three key requirements for sustained progress such as robust data and strong lead divisions, effective localization of the SDGs and efficient delivery mechanisms.
In the inaugural session, the welcome remarks and context setting was given by Rajib Sen, Programme Director (SDGs), Niti Aayog. The Inaugural session was followed by the technical sessions.
The workshop will pan a picture of SDGs across the NER districts and the primary objective of this workshop is to nudge District Administrations to translate these findings into concrete, time-bound Action Plans. This strategy relies on the "Zoom-In Effect," an approach to data convergence that allows District Collectors (DCs) to identify a problem through the NER Index and subsequently utilize the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) to pinpoint the specific blocks or Gram Panchayats responsible for the lag. This enables administrative interventions to be directed with precision to the locations where they are most required.
Sustainable development requires a financial architecture where state and district budgets are directly aligned with SDG targets. To facilitate this, the workshop will introduce a "Step-by-Step Guide for SDG Budget Tagging," developed in collaboration with UNDP.
This workshop will served as a collaborative platform bringing together the leadership of the North Eastern states, including Chief Secretaries, Planning Secretaries, and District Collectors, alongside representatives from NITI Aayog, MDoNER, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, UNDP, and GIZ with the goal to institutionalize a rejuvenated administrative culture through the technical support of the State Support Mission (SSM)

CMO Assam
NITI Aayog

SITA & Assam Veterinary and Fishery University, Khanapara signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) today in the presence of Hon’ble Vice - Chairman Shri. Narayan Chandra Borkataky (Ex- MP) for the project “ Samriddhi Poultry: An Innovative Approach for Economic Empowerment of Rural Women of Assam through Model EGG Village.

Delegates of SITA, Govt. of Assam headed by Hon’ble Vice- Chairman Sri Narayan Chandra Borkataky on an official tour to Kerela attended a meeting with Smt. Sikha Surendran, IAS, Managing Director of Tourism, Govt. of Kerela. The meeting was also attended by CEO, SITA Sri P Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy, IAS along with Sri.A Kumar, Deputy Director, Sri Rajeev KS, Planning officer from Tourism department Kerela and other officials from both the state governments respectively.

Workshop on “Identification of Export Potential and Certification Requirements for Handloom and Handicraft Products of Assam" was organised today by IIT, Guwahati jointly with State Innovation and Transformation Aayog, Govt. of Assam at the Conference Hall of Old guest House, IIT, Guwahati. The workshop was attended by Development Commissioner of Handloom of NEHHDC, local entrepreneurs, line departments and other stakeholders.

Hon'ble Vice Chairman of SITA, Shri Narayan Chandra Borkataky, undertook a series of field visits to review key developmental and educational initiatives supported by SITA. He visited Barbheta Gaon, Kaziranga, to review the progress of the ongoing project “Upscaling of Livelihood: Implementation through Smart Agriculture and Agri-Eco-Tourism” on September 9, 2025. This project aimed at enhancing rural livelihood opportunities through the integration of technology-driven agriculture and sustainable eco-tourism models, with a strong focus on community participation and long-term sustainability.

Later in the day, Hon’ble Vice Chairman Borkataky also visited JB College, Jorhat, to assess the progress of the Civil Services Study Centre, a project aimed at building a robust preparatory ecosystem for aspirants from Assam targeting the All India Civil Services Examinations. This Government-supported intervention is a step toward increasing Assam’s representation in national services. He engaged in a comprehensive discussion with Vice Chancellor
Prof. Jyoti Prasad Saikia, Registrar Dr. Utpal Jyoti Mahanta and Prof. Kishore Goswami, Nodal Officer of the project. As part of his visit, the Hon’ble Vice Chairman also held an interactive session with students and faculty members of JB College. He encouraged civil services aspirants to make the most of the Centre’s resources and highlighted the government’s commitment to nurturing local talent through quality support and structured mentorship.

The Civil Services Study Centre is part of a strategic effort to create a supportive preparatory ecosystem that encourages and enables youth from Assam to successfully compete in All India Civil Services Examinations. Similar centres are already operational at GC College of Silchar, Darrang College of Tezpur and BN College of Dhubri.
These visits reflect SITA’s continuous commitment to innovation-driven development and institutional strengthening across Assam — from grassroots livelihood enhancement to academic empowerment.
CMO Assam

Hon’ble Vice-Chairman Shri Narayan Chandra Borkataky of State Innovation and Transformation Aayog interacting with Shri Anurag Kashyap, Head-Project and Shri Nalinakshya Chamuah, Senior Manager of Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship, Guwahati on August 27, 2025 at his office chamber at Janata Bhawan, Dispur.
The interaction focused on exploring avenues of collaboration and discussing innovative approaches for promoting entrepreneurship and skill development in Assam. During the meeting, the IIE officials discussed the scope of imparting specialised training sessions for local entrepreneurs and youth, while also requesting support from SITA for such initiatives.

Hon’ble Vice Chairman of the State Innovation and Transformation Aayog (SITA), Shri Narayan Chandra Borkataky, reviewed the progress of the ongoing project on 'Ex-Situ Cultivation of Medicinal Plants & Conservation of Rare and Endangered Plants setting up Herbal Garden' on 26th August, 2025 at his office chamber at Janata Bhawan, Dispur.

The review was held in the presence of Dr. Ranjita Tamuli Talukdar, Principal Investigator of the project, and Dr. Snigdha Sarkar, Member of Rangia College. SITA is committed to encouraging innovative initiatives that preserve Assam’s rich biodiversity while promoting sustainable development for future generations.

Hon’ble Vice Chairman of the State Innovation and Transformation Aayog (SITA), Shri Narayan Chandra Borkataky, visited Barpeta on 20th August 2025 to review the progress of the traditional Fireworks Industry.

During a detailed meeting with Deputy Commissioner Shri Rohan Jha and officials from DI&CC at the DC office chamber, discussions were held about the implementation and present utilisation of the revolving fund provided by SITA, as well as possible interventions to improve production capacity, ensure safety standards, and create wider marketing opportunities for Barpeta fireworks.

The Hon’ble VC also interacted with the Secretary and the members of the Barpeta Atisbazi Shilpa Samabai Samittee, where he inquired about the progress, challenges, and future prospects of the fireworks sector.

Further, he also held discussions with the artisans of the brass metal industry of Barpeta and discussed about different issues regarding rising production costs, lack of modern tools, and marketing opportunities. The Hon’ble VC assured them that the Government of Assam is committed to extending necessary support for skill upgradation, financial assistance, and better market linkages to preserve and promote this traditional craft. He also visited the industrial units constructed by the Assam Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (AIIDC) under the Industries & Commerce Department for the production of Atasbazee (fireworks) products,

Later in the day, The Hon’ble VC, accompanied by his wife and SITA officials, also visited the historic Barpeta Satra to offer prayers and interacted with the Satradhikar and devotees.

Hon’ble Vice-Chairman of the State Innovation and Transformation Aayog (SITA), Shri Narayan Chandra Borkataky held a fruitful discussion with Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture, Excise, Horticulture, etc., Shri Atul Bora on the ongoing project “Upscaling of Livelihood: Implication through Smart Agriculture and Agri-Eco-Tourism" today on July 11, 2025 at his office chamber at Janata Bhawan, Dispur. The project is a joint venture of SITA and Directorate of Research (Veterinary), Assam Agriculture University, Jorhat which is implemented at Borbheta, Borjuri, Kaziranga.

The conversation focused on the transformative potential of smart agriculture practices and agri-eco-tourism to uplift rural livelihoods and promote sustainable development. Both leaders emphasized the importance of innovation, collaboration, and community involvement in driving the project's success. This initiative is a significant step towards building a self-reliant and resilient agricultural ecosystem in Assam.

Hon’ble Vice-Chairman Shri Narayan Chandra Borkataky of State Innovation and Transformation Aayog interacting with Shri Kishore Kumar Das, Principal of DIET, Morigaon along with SITA Chief Executive Officer Shri P Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy on July 4, 2025 at his office chamber at Janata Bhawan, Dispur. They discussed on the creation of a comprehensive logo of SITA reflecting the Aayog’s innovative and transformative approach which can be uniformly used across all SITA funded projects.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed on July 2, 2025 between State Innovation and Transformation Aayog (SITA), Assam and implementing partner Directorate of Research (Veterinary), Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara in the presence of Hon’ble Vice Chairman Shri Narayan Chandra Borkataky in his official conference room at Janata Bhawan, Dispur to execute the project on “Samriddhi Poultry Phase-III to be implemented at Gossaigaon District under BTR.

The MoA was signed by SITA Chief Executive Officer Shri P Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy, IAS on behalf of SITA and Dr. Probodh Borah, Director of Research (Veterinary), AAU, Khanapara. The programme was also attended by Dr. Mihir Sarma, Principal investigator of Samriddhi Poultry project and the officials of SITA.

The inaugural ceremony of the two-day workshop on "Viksit Assam@ 2047" organised by NITI Aayog in collaboration with Transformation and Development Department and State Innovation and Transformation Aayog, Assam took place today on 10th April, 2025 at Hotel Arista, Guwahati. This workshop aimed to foster dialogue and strategic planning for Assam's progress, aligning with India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

The dignitaries present in the opening ceremony of the workshop were Prof. Vinod K Paul, Member of NITI Aayog; Dr O P Agarwal, distinguished fellow of NITI Aayog; Dr. Ravi Kota, Chief Secretary to the Govt. of Assam; Dr. Neelam Patel, Project Director of Assam, NITI Aayog; Dr. Pravakar Sahoo, PD, NITI Aayog; Shri Yugal Kishore Joshi, PD, NITI Aayog; Shri Ranjan Sharma, Special Commissioner & Secretary, Transformation and Development Department, Govt. of Assam. Senior officials from both the Government of India and the Government of Assam actively participated in the workshop, making the event a vibrant platform for exchange of ideas.

The day one workshop included several interactive sessions where speakers and experts engaged in discussions to identify concrete steps towards building a resilient future for Assam. Significant sessions on the state of economy of Assam and its issues, Assam Tourism sector and its potential growth, Innovations and Initiatives to enhance Assam’s food and horticulture landscape, Sustainable aquaculture, Strengthening MSMEs, promoting handicrafts and supporting local entrepreneurship were discussed. Together, these discussions aim to pave the way for a resilient, inclusive, and innovative Assam by 2047.