Assam’s ₹1.68 Lakh Cr Budget: Big Money, Bold Moves & A Power-Packed Growth Plan!

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 10, 2025

Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog presented the State Budget 2025-26 on Monday, outlining a Rs 1,68,673 crore outlay aimed at accelerating economic growth, bolstering infrastructure, and fostering industrial development while ensuring inclusive welfare initiatives.

The budget estimates reveal Rs 1,55,428.75 crore in receipts under the Consolidated Fund, with Rs 1,17,225.97 crore allocated for revenue expenditure and Rs 38,202.78 crore for capital expenditure. Despite a projected budget deficit of Rs 620.27 crore, Assam has maintained fiscal prudence, keeping the debt-to-GSDP ratio within the 32% limit.

Highlighting Assam’s remarkable progress, Neog emphasized that the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) grew by 19% in FY 2023-24, surpassing the national average. The per capita income also surged by 17%, reinforcing Assam’s position as one of India’s fastest-growing states.

“This budget embodies our commitment to an inclusive economic agenda, women’s empowerment, and cultural preservation. We are deepening reforms and accelerating Assam’s journey toward becoming one of India’s top five states,” said Neog.

She said it also reinforces and expands an inclusive economic agenda, ensuring empowerment across all sections of society. Women – both school-going and entrepreneurs – remain central to our vision. Youth will benefit from enhanced education, skill development, and employment opportunities, while farmers will receive greater support through remunerative pricing for paddy, maize, and mustard.

“It is a people-centric welfare budget, designed to provide security and safeguards for every citizen while upholding strong fiscal responsibility to secure resources for future generations. “we are deepening reforms, fortifying progress, and accelerating Assam’s journey toward becoming one of India’s top five states. A Viksit Assam is no longer just a vision—it is a reality in the making, ensuring Assam emerges as a proud contributor to Viksit Bharat.

New industrial parks are planned in Dibrugarh, Golaghat, Silchar, Jagiroad, Palashbari, Tezpur, and Nalbari. Key infrastructure projects include the One District One Road initiative to develop 25 km of roads per district, a new flyover for Silchar, a new Assembly building in Dibrugarh, and medical colleges in Darrang and veterinary/agriculture colleges in Karbi Anglong.

The government has expanded Orunodoi 3.0 to 37.2 lakh beneficiaries with Rs. 5,000 crore allocated for financial support to women. The Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan will provide Rs. 10,000 seed capital to SHG members. Employment generation has seen 1,19,899 jobs provided so far, with an additional 40,697 posts advertised. The Chief Minister’s Jibon Prerana initiative will offer a monthly stipend of Rs. 2,500 for fresh graduates. NFSA beneficiaries will receive a subsidized supply of Masur Dal, sugar, and salt.

The tea sector will see one-time financial assistance of Rs. 5,000 for 6.8 lakh tea garden workers. Assam’s cultural heritage will be strengthened with plans to establish Sahityarathi Lakshminath Bezbaruah Bhawans and a Rs. 100 crores grant to Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra. The Year of Books Initiative will provide Rs. 25,000 grants for 1,000 young writers.

The Bon Mitra Abhijan will address human-elephant conflict through habitat enrichment. Kaziranga Safari Vehicle Upgradation will introduce electric vehicles for wildlife tourism. The state also aims to transform Karbi Anglong into a clean energy hub.

Major announcements

The government announced ASSAMSAT, Assam’s own satellite, in collaboration with ISRO, to enhance disaster management, agriculture, and border security.

The state will establish a Proton Therapy Centre at the State Cancer Institute in Guwahati, becoming the first such facility in Eastern India.

The government has announced incentives for medical college faculty, including Dynamic Assured Career Progression and financial assistance for conferences and vehicle purchases.

Assam Higher and Technical Education Funding Scheme will support higher education institutions with state-backed loans. Dibrugarh Polytechnic will be upgraded to a full-fledged engineering college. Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao will be developed as clean energy and eco-tourism hubs.

A Bhutan-Bodoland-Bay of Bengal (B3) Corridor will enhance connectivity, and Jogighopa will see the development of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

The government will create two new administrative departments—Startups, Incubation, and Innovation Department and Barak Valley Development Department.

The government will also reduce land registration fees for cooperative societies and allow land conversion for micro and small industries.

A dedicated fund, Assam Industrial Momentum (AIM) Fund, will be created with Rs. 2,000 crores to support industrial investments.

A High-Powered Industrial Promotion Board will be constituted to streamline approvals. The government is also working on establishing Unity Mall to promote Assam’s unique products, including GI-tagged items.

Assam will also launch its own government OTT platform to preserve Assamese cinema, literature, folk music, and documentaries.

Developing India’s first Bamboo Smart City showcasing sustainable and eco-friendly urban planning.

Digital Assam Tea-Exchange: India’s First AI & Blockchain-Powered Tea Auction. Assam will work with Tea industry stakeholders to introduce India’s first AI-driven, blockchain-based Tea Auction System to enhance transparency and efficiency.

Assam Water Metro & Ropeway: The government plans to introduce a Water Metro from Fancy Bazar to Guwahati Airport, allowing passengers to check in at Fancy Bazar IWT Jetty for seamless travel. Additionally, a high-capacity ropeway (Aerial Tramway) from Khanapara to the airport is being explored to enhance connectivity and reduce travel time.