Assam, nestled in the Northeastern region of India, is a state rich in cultural diversity, natural resources, and a unique historical tapestry. However, beneath this vibrant façade lie several pressing social issues that have been shaping the socio-economic landscape of the state. This essay delves into some of these critical challenges, supported by recent data and developments.

Rising Unemployment Among Educated Youth

Unemployment remains a significant concern in Assam, particularly among educated youth. The Economic Survey of Assam for 2023–24 highlighted a startling increase in the number of educated job seekers. Registrations at employment exchanges surged from 1.37 lakh in 2021 to nearly 10 lakh in 2022, marking a sevenfold increase. This surge underscores the growing demand for employment opportunities that align with the aspirations and qualifications of the youth.

(Source: Economic Survey of Assam 2023–24)

The mismatch between educational qualifications and available job opportunities has led to underemployment and frustration among the youth. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, including the promotion of skill development programs, encouragement of entrepreneurship, and the attraction of investments to create job opportunities within the state.

Mental Health Challenges Stemming from Cyberbullying

The advent of digital technology has brought about new challenges, notably cyberbullying, which has significantly impacted the mental health of Assam's youth. A joint study by UNICEF and the National Service Scheme (NSS) revealed that approximately 95% of young people in Assam have experienced mental health issues due to cyberbullying and corporal punishment. The study further indicated that nearly 60% of the surveyed youth reported that such experiences adversely affected their social relationships, while 24% faced stress, anxiety, and fear.

(https://theprint.in/india/95-assam-youth-suffer-from-mental-health-issues-due-to-cyberbullying-finds-unicef-study/1229436/)

This alarming statistic calls for immediate action, including the implementation of comprehensive digital literacy programs, the establishment of support systems for victims, and stringent enforcement of laws against cyberbullying to safeguard the mental well-being of the youth.

Human-Elephant Conflict

Assam’s rich biodiversity includes a significant population of wild elephants. However, rapid deforestation and habitat encroachment have led to increased human-elephant conflicts. In response, conservation groups have developed innovative solutions such as the "Haati App" (Elephant App), which alerts residents about the presence of elephants near human settlements, allowing them to avoid dangerous encounters. Despite these efforts, between 2019 and 2023, elephants were responsible for 2,829 human fatalities in India, with 629 deaths in 2022 alone.

(https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/assam/app-to-mitigate-human-elephant-conflict-in-assam-developed/article68504702.ece)

Mitigating this conflict necessitates a balanced approach that includes habitat restoration, community engagement in conservation efforts, and the development of early warning systems to protect both human lives and elephant populations.

Illegal Mining and Occupational Hazards

Illegal mining practices, particularly "rat-hole" mining, have been a persistent issue in Assam, leading to fatal accidents and environmental degradation. In January 2025, a tragic incident occurred in the Umrangso area, where nine miners were trapped in a flooded coal mine. Rescue operations faced significant challenges due to the depth of the mine and water levels. After 44 days, the bodies of five missing miners were recovered, highlighting the perilous working conditions associated with illegal mining activities.

Addressing this issue requires stringent enforcement of mining regulations, provision of alternative livelihoods for those dependent on illegal mining, and rehabilitation of affected areas to prevent environmental degradation.

Flood

Assam, one of India’s most flood-prone states, experiences three to four flood waves annually, affecting approximately 40% of its land area. In 2022, floods impacted 5.6 million residents across 32 districts, leading to the displacement of 4.7 million people and damaging over 108,000 hectares of cropland.

The average annual economic loss due to floods is around ₹200 crore, with significant spikes in years like 1998 (₹500 crore) and 2004 (₹771 crore).

(waterresources.assam.gov.in)

These recurrent floods result in loss of life, widespread displacement, destruction of property, and disruption of livelihoods, exacerbating socio-economic challenges and hindering the state's development.

Plight of Refugees and Stateless Persons

Assam has been a focal point for refugee influxes, particularly the Rohingya Muslims and Christian Chin refugees from Myanmar. In September 2024, over 100 Rohingya and 30 Christian Chin refugees initiated a hunger strike protesting their indefinite detention at the Matia Transit Camp in Assam. Despite holding UNHCR-issued cards, these refugees faced prolonged detention, leading to calls for their release and resettlement.

(https://www.deccanherald.com/india/assam/rohingya-chin-refugees-from-myanmar-on-hunger-strike-inside-foreigner-transit-camp-in-assam-2-3185910)

This situation underscores the need for a humane and legally sound approach to handling refugees and stateless persons, ensuring their rights are protected in accordance with international conventions.

Environmental Conservation and Community Engagement

Assam's environmental landscape is under threat from deforestation and industrial activities. However, communities like the villagers of Barekuri have showcased exemplary coexistence with wildlife. In this village, residents live harmoniously with endangered hoolock gibbons, India’s only ape species. Despite challenges such as habitat loss due to deforestation and pollution, the community’s efforts highlight the potential of grassroots conservation initiatives.

(https://assamtribune.com/assam/6-months-after-mann-ki-baat-barekuris-battle-to-protect-gibbons-continues-1569024)

Such models of community engagement are vital for biodiversity conservation and can serve as blueprints for other regions facing similar challenges.

Drug Abuse in Assam

Assam is grappling with a significant drug abuse problem, leading to severe health crises. In 2023–24, 7,274 HIV-positive cases were detected, with 65% linked to injecting drug users.

(https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/rise-in-hiv-infections-in-assam-due-to-injecting-of-drugs-minister/article67828872.ece)

The Assam government has intensified its anti-drug campaign, resulting in the seizure of narcotics worth Rs 2,100 crore over the past three years.

Despite these efforts, challenges persist, as high-profile traffickers remain elusive and addiction rates continue to rise.

The government has also launched the ‘Drug-Free Assam’ app to encourage public reporting of drug-related activities. Additionally, there has been a notable increase in drug seizures, including 56.6 kg of heroin and 10,665.5 kg of ganja between April 2016 and July 2024, in line with initiatives like "War Against Drugs."

These initiatives underscore the state’s commitment to combating the drug menace and safeguarding public health.

Child Marriage

Child marriage has been a significant social issue in Assam, with 31.8% of women reportedly married before the age of 18. To combat this, the Assam government initiated a stringent crackdown in 2023, resulting in over 3,000 arrests. This legal action led to an 81% reduction in child marriage cases across 20 districts between 2021–22 and 2023–24.

Additionally, the ‘MukhyaMantrirNijutMoinaAsoni’ scheme was launched to financially support approximately one million girl students, aiming to keep them in school and deter early marriages.

These combined efforts underscore the state’s commitment to eradicating child marriage and empowering young girls through education and legal measures.

Insurgency

Assam has experienced significant insurgency challenges over the past few decades. These insurgencies have primarily stemmed from ethnic, regional, and political grievances among various groups seeking autonomy or independence. Between 1991 and July 2015, Assam witnessed 9,382 insurgency-related incidents, resulting in the deaths of 5,166 individuals, including 912 security personnel.

The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), established in 1979, emerged as one of the most prominent insurgent groups, advocating for Assam’s independence. Over time, other groups, such as the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) and the KarbiLongri North Cachar Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF), also took up arms.

Decline in Insurgency

Since 2014, there has been a marked decline in insurgency-related activities in Assam. The Ministry of Home Affairs reported an 80% reduction in such incidents across Northeast India. In Assam, incidents decreased from 824 in 2014 to 158 in 2022. This period also saw the surrender of approximately 6,000 militants from various groups.

Peace Initiatives and Accords

Several peace accords have been instrumental in bringing stability to the region:

• Bodo Accord (January 27, 2020): Led to the surrender of 1,615 cadres, along with arms and ammunition.
• KarbiAnglong Agreement (September 4, 2021): Resolved disputes in the Karbi regions; over 1,000 armed cadres surrendered.
• Adivasi Groups’ Surrender (September 15, 2022): Eight Adivasi insurgent groups laid down arms.
• DNLA Ceasefire (April 27, 2023): The Dimasa National Liberation Army agreed to cease violence.

Witch-Hunting

Witch-hunting has been a persistent social menace in Assam, deeply rooted in superstitious beliefs and socio-economic factors. Between 2001 and 2019, at least 161 individuals lost their lives to such practices, with 133 cases officially registered.

Geographical Prevalence

The practice is notably rampant across 17 districts, with Kokrajhar recording the highest number of deaths (45), followed by Chirang (24), and Goalpara (17). Other affected districts include Tinsukia, Udalguri, Nagaon, Sonitpur, and KarbiAnglong.

Legislative Measures

The Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act, enacted in 2015 and given presidential assent in 2018, classifies witch-hunting as a cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable offense with penalties extending up to life imprisonment.

Challenges in Enforcement

Many incidents occur in remote villages, making it difficult to file FIRs, especially when entire communities are involved. Village headmen are often complicit, resulting in low conviction rates.

Awareness and Community Initiatives

Project Prahari, initiated by DGP KuladharSaikia, focuses on community development and alternative livelihoods to combat superstitions. The initiative operates in over 100 tribal villages.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence remains a pressing concern in Assam. According to NFHS-5, 32% of married women aged 18–49 in the state have experienced spousal violence—higher than the national average of 29.3%.

(assamtribune.com)

According to NCRB, Assam recorded a crime rate of 154.3 per 100,000 female population in 2020—the highest in India for the fourth consecutive year. Specifically, there were 11,408 cases registered under Section 498A of the IPC.

Despite recent declines (14,000+ cases in 2022 vs 26,000+ in previous years), the conviction rate remains low at just 4.8%.

Education and Healthcare Disparities

Educational Disparities

Assam's literacy rate, as per the 2011 Census, was 73.18%, slightly below the national average. Dropout rates remain high, especially in rural areas (over 6% at the primary level and 20.25% at the secondary level). Gender disparity, though reduced, persists.

Healthcare Disparities

Assam has a doctor-to-population ratio of 1:1,500, below the WHO’s 1:1,000 recommendation. Only 14.5% of surveyed hospitals have postnatal critical care units. Hospitalization costs (urban average ₹47,064) and reliance on private healthcare exacerbate inequities.

Human Trafficking

Assam is a significant hub for human trafficking. In 2021, the state registered 161 cases, rescuing 279 victims (including 110 children). The state ranked second-highest in 2018 and remained among the top seven in 2020.

Poverty and lack of employment make residents vulnerable. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the situation.

Conclusion

Assam's social landscape is a complex interplay of cultural richness and socio-economic challenges. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach encompassing economic development, social justice, environmental conservation, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Collaborative efforts involving government initiatives, community participation, and support from non-governmental organizations are essential to foster a just and equitable society in Assam.

Article contributed by Sahid Hazarika, edited by TCS