Assam in 2020 has done well in some sectors such as Police & Safety and District Administration. However, it has lost some of the momentum from 2019 in other sectors like Municipal Sanitation, Transport and Water. The state experienced some setbacks, moving from #14 in 2019 to #23 in the annual SKOCH State of Governance evaluation.

Top Gainers

Police & Safety Ranks Highest For Assam In 2020

The Police & Safety segment has grown in 2020 all over India. After all, as the most visible arm of governance, the police have served at the frontlines all through the pandemic. In the same way, Assam in 2020 too has shown progress in this niche. Assam has moved up from being unranked in 2019 to scoring the #11 spot in 2020.

The Kamrup (Rural) Police Department performed exceptionally well in response to the Covid-19. The Kamrup department, like all others across the country, served on the frontlines of the pandemic. The police played an important role in enforcing social distancing and lockdown protocols. They worked tirelessly to educate people about the pandemic. The also delivered over 35,000 essential supplies to the underprivileged and help the migrant labourers in the region. The department also set up a 24*7 helpline. They also collaborated with NGOs and other groups to assist over 1000 families and delivered medical supplies to over 100 families.

Medium Performers

District Administration Continues To Perform In Assam In 2020

District Administration has matured in 2020. Even though Assam in 2020 falls down the charts a bit, from #10 in 2019 to #18 in 2020, the state still features in the segment. Several districts from the state submitted projects to us for review, which shows that governance at the district level is robust.

Cachar

District Administration Cachar has done excellent work in the Health/Health Tech space with the AASTHA project. The project recognises the profound mental health impact of the pandemic, particularly on Covid-19 patients and people awaiting test results in quarantine centres. Prior to the program, reports of unease, mental health concerns and even suicidal thoughts and attempts were brought to the authorities. The Psychiatric Department of Silchar Medical College (SMCH) and the Nodal Officer of National Mental Health Programme collaborated with the Health Department to extend psychosocial support to quarantined persons and their families. Doctors visited quarantine facilities to address the concerns of the residents. The project underscores the need for mental health assistance on top of material and medical aid in times of crisis.

Jorhat

District Administration Jorhat has done good work in the Agriculture niche under the MGNREGA program. The Jorhat District Rural Development Agency launched the Water Conservation of Morongial Low Laying Area project. The project is called Sukapha Park and was originally a barren region with negligible vegetation. Under the MGNREGA umbrella, land development, plantation, soil and water conservation tasks have been initiated in phases. A dam was constructed under the project. In addition, beautification measures such as adding boating services have allowed the place to develop as a conservation and tourism project. Local youths formed SHGs to introduce activities like zip-lining. The project has not only helped in ecological and environmental terms but has also brokered peace in the region, resolving a land dispute in the area, along the Assam-Nagaland border.

District Administration Hailakandi has been another noteworthy player this past year. They have several meaningful projects to their credit, such as ‘Akanksha: Accelerated Learning Programme’, ‘Amla Gur Candy: To Reduce Anaemia Level’ project and the ‘Bidyalaya Jol Sanrakshan Prokolpo’ programme in the Water Resources niche. Another important actor has been District Administration Sonitpur, which was successful in meeting its ODF target under the Swachh Bharat Mission.