Gupta spelt out a paradigm shift in the Corporation’s policy of extending loans. “The existing rule is that micro, small and medium entrepreneurs have to come forward with their own proposals to get AFC’s fincial assistance. Now I want to reverse the policy. The Corporation, with the help of technical experts, will make proposals and then invite entrepreneurs for availing loans. The policy will be in sync with Startup India, Mudra Yojo and Make in India so as to make the system feasible,” Gupta said, and added: “AFC is one of the oldest Corporations in Assam. I thank the Chief Minister for giving me such an assignment. The Northeast has been lagging behind industrially. However, it is rich in resources, potential, raw materials and manpower. Striking the right chord among these four strengths in the Northeast will determine industrial development in the region. Assam alone has 26 lakh unemployed, and hence providing all of them job is not feasible. What’s possible is to make them earn their livelihood with the resources available with us. The base of Assam economy is rural economy. Without the development of rural areas, economic development in the State is not possible.”