The Business Landscape in Assam: An Outsider's Dominance

In recent years, a common narrative has emerged in Assam suggesting that the majority of businesses are owned and operated by non-Assamese communities, particularly Bengalis and Marwaris, while Assamese individuals play a significantly smaller role. This article aims to explore this phenomenon, examining the factors contributing to this trend and addressing the concerns often raised by local communities.

Factors Contributing to Outsider Dominance in Assam

The presence of non-Assamese entrepreneurs in Assam can be attributed to a combination of historical, economic, and cultural factors. Historically, many Bengali communities migrated to Assam during the colonial era, establishing themselves in various economic sectors. Additionally, Marwari communities, renowned for their business acumen, have settled in Assam and have become integral to the state's economic structure.

Economic Structure: Unlike other regions where businesses have diversified into various sectors, Assam's traditional economic activities, such as agriculture and tea cultivation, have not seen significant diversification. This has created a reliance on external communities for more complex and diverse business ventures. Similarly, Assamese entrepreneurs may face challenges in accessing capital and networking opportunities, which can be more readily available to non-Assamese groups.

Cultural Factors: There may also be cultural reasons for lower Assamese participation in business. Traditional occupations and a lack of exposure to modern business practices could contribute to this phenomenon. However, it is important to note that Assamese entrepreneurs do exist and are contributing to the economy, albeit in less visible sectors.

Regional Variations in Business Ownership

Regional variations have been observed in the ownership of businesses across different towns and cities in Assam. For instance, in a small town located between Dibrugarh and Tinsukia, only 15% of the population is Bengali, yet 70% of the shops are owned by them. Even within this small town, only 2% of Marwari entrepreneurs own businesses, and the Punjabi community owns almost all the garages. In Digboi, a town with a Bengali population of 60%, 80% of the businesses are owned by Bengalis. Similarly, in Tinsukia, 98% of the businesses are owned by Marwaris, Bengalis, Punjabis, and Biharis. This disparity in ownership is also evident in the professional sectors, where a significant portion of teachers, doctors, IOCL, railway, and bank employees are Bengalis. Moreover, almost all the CAs and priests are Bengalis, while less than 5% of the businesses are run by Assamese.

Assam's Economic Backbone

It is essential to acknowledge that despite the dominance of non-Assamese communities in business ownership, Assamese entrepreneurs contribute substantially to the state's economy, often leading in sectors such as agriculture, tea cultivation, and small-scale industries. While the visible business landscape may appear to be dominated by outsiders, these communities are crucial for the overall development and sustenance of Assam's economy.

Efforts are ongoing to promote entrepreneurship among the local population, with the aim of enhancing their participation in the business landscape. Programs and initiatives are being implemented to provide financial support, business training, and access to markets, thereby encouraging greater Assamese involvement in various sectors.

Conclusion

In summary, while it is true that non-Assamese communities dominate a significant portion of businesses in Assam, the actual picture is more nuanced. Assamese entrepreneurs play a vital role in various sectors and contribute significantly to the state's economic prosperity. Efforts to promote local entrepreneurship and diversify the business landscape are ongoing, with the goal of achieving a more balanced and inclusive economic environment. As Assam continues to evolve, it is crucial to embrace and celebrate the diverse contributions of all communities to the state's economic vitality.

Keywords: Assam business, Bengalis in business, Marwaris in Assam, Assamese entrepreneurship