Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has recently urged contractors and industrialists to prioritize hiring local Assamese workers, while discouraging the employment of "Miya Muslims." This directive has sparked considerable debate and raised concerns about its potential impact on the state's socio-economic landscape.

Sarma's call to prioritize Assamese workers is rooted in his administration's broader agenda of promoting economic opportunities for indigenous communities. He has repeatedly emphasized the need to change the perception of local workers' capabilities and has cited examples of successful infrastructure projects completed by Assamese laborers, such as the Bogibeel Bridge, which he claimed was constructed entirely by local Mising workers. Sarma has also mentioned the employment of Assamese workers at the upcoming semiconductor unit in Jagiroad.

In a recent statement, Sarma called on Assamese people not to sell land or offer employment to “unfamiliar people,” a term he has used to refer to Bengali-origin Muslims. He also urged people to raise objections against what he described as the unchecked movement of workers, claiming it was affecting employment prospects for indigenous communities.

The term "Miya Muslim" is often used to refer to Muslims of Bengali origin in Assam, many of whom reside in the lower Assam districts. Sarma's remarks targeting this community have drawn criticism from rights groups and political observers who view it as discriminatory and potentially divisive. These groups express concerns about the potential marginalization of a significant segment of the state's population and the implications for social harmony.

Sarma's stance is not new. In January 2025, during a tour in Mumbai, he urged industrialists not to hire illegal Bangladeshi migrants for "cheap labor," emphasizing the need to address the issue of illegal migration by not incentivizing it through employment. He argued that industries often employ middlemen to source cheap labor from Bangladesh, and that industries should decide against hiring such labor.

The Chief Minister's repeated emphasis on prioritizing local workers reflects a desire to boost the economic stability of the Assamese community. He has suggested that contractors should invest in training local youth instead of sourcing labor from other districts. Sarma believes that providing opportunities and training to local workers will improve their capabilities and reduce the reliance on laborers from outside the region.

While Sarma's supporters argue that his policies are aimed at empowering indigenous communities and addressing the issue of illegal immigration, critics contend that his rhetoric risks alienating and marginalizing specific groups within Assam. They argue that such statements could exacerbate existing social tensions and create an environment of discrimination.

The Assam government is focused on attracting investments and promoting economic growth in the state. Sarma has been actively engaging with business leaders to showcase Assam's potential as an investment hub, highlighting its rapid development, attractive policies, and talented workforce. His administration is aiming for significant investment commitments in sectors like tourism, semiconductors, and defense.

The long-term consequences of these policies and statements remain to be seen. It is clear that Sarma's approach is reshaping the discourse on labor and identity in Assam, with potential ramifications for the state's social and economic future.