Infrastructure, Education, Jobs: What Young In Assam Want Parties To Address

At the prestigious Cotton University, which has produced stalwarts across the fields of academia, entrepreneurship as well as politics, students spoke about everyday gaps that shape their futures.

04 Apr 2026, 10:58 · www.ndtv.com

Guwahati:

With Assam heading into a high-stakes election on April 9, for young and first-time voters the choice is less about party loyalty and more about outcomes and fulfilling promises on youth issues.

At the prestigious Cotton University, which has produced stalwarts across the fields of academia, entrepreneurship as well as politics, students spoke about everyday gaps that shape their futures.

For Mayur Pratim Barman, a second-year political science student, the issue begins at home. "Cotton College became a university, but infrastructure still needs improvement. Education needs development. Because of limited opportunities, students lose out," he says, reflecting a concern shared widely across campuses.

"There are many students who excel in fields like sports and technology, but due to a lack of proper opportunities, they remain held back. We want to urge whichever government comes to power to address this, so that these students can grow and succeed in areas where their talent lies," Barman added.

Anushmita Chakraborty from the education department said that as a general category student, she faces challenges during admissions.

While she is not opposed to reservation, she believes the government must ensure that students who perform well also have "fair access to opportunities", stressing the need for balance and equity in how policies are implemented.

For others like Nishant Ghosh, also a political science student, the concerns are broader but interconnected. "Religion shouldn't be an issue here. We want better employment so that youth don't have to leave the state. Education needs special attention," he said. "All new voters must vote and use their democratic rights," he urged.

"Youth here want a 'Golden Assam'," says Tanmay Ssil, another student.

Meanwhile, in Hojai, Haji Zaman, a first-time voter, said, "As a new voter, I want whoever gets the seat to work for development and education. Whatever mistakes the previous leaders made, shouldn't be repeated".

Another student, Nilutpol Das, also a first-time voter, said, "Whoever comes to power must put focus on skill development and employment opportunities too so that Assam's youth don't have to go elsewhere."

This election in Assam is also witnessing several candidates in their 20s and early 30s across parties. This includes first-timer Kunki Chowdhury contesting the Central Guwahati seat from the Assam Jatiya Parishad against BJP veteran Vijay Kumar Gupta.

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