The Assam Budget for the financial year 2025-26 was presented by Finance Minister Ajanta Neog on March 10, 2025. With a strong focus on economic development, social welfare, and technological advancements, the budget outlines significant allocations and reforms to uplift various sectors in the state.
1. Budget Overview
- Total Budget Outlay: ₹2.63 lakh crore
- Estimated Surplus: ₹1,954.68 crore
- Opening Deficit: ₹2,574.95 crore
- Projected Fiscal Deficit: ₹620.27 crore
The budget aims to strike a balance between fiscal discipline and developmental priorities while ensuring sustainable economic growth.
2. Key Tax Reforms
- Professional Tax Exemption: Salaried employees earning up to ₹15,000 per month are exempted from professional tax, benefiting around 1.43 lakh individuals.
- Green Tea Leaves Tax Holiday: Extended for two more years, benefiting tea garden workers and promoting the tea industry.
- Electricity Subsidy: A rebate of ₹1 per unit will be provided for domestic consumers using up to 120 units per month, starting May 1, 2025.
These tax reforms aim to reduce the financial burden on individuals while boosting economic activity.
3. Major Social Welfare Initiatives
3.1. Women Empowerment & Financial Assistance
- Orunodoi Scheme: ₹5,000 crore has been allocated to benefit 37 lakh women, ensuring financial stability and empowerment.
- Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan: ₹3,038 crore is set aside to promote women entrepreneurship, launching on April 1, 2025.
- Bumper Cheque for Women: Under this scheme, eligible women will receive direct financial aid, enhancing economic independence.
3.2. Support for Tea Garden Workers
- One-Time Financial Aid: ₹5,000 will be provided to approximately 6.8 lakh tea garden workers, amounting to ₹342 crore.
- Tax Holiday for Green Tea Leaves: Extended for another two years, supporting the tea industry's sustainability.
3.3. Youth & Education Initiatives
- Chief Minister’s Jibon Prerana Scheme: Graduates from government universities and colleges (2025 batch) will receive ₹2,500 per month for up to a year to support their job search.
- Scholarship for Writers: 1,000 young writers engaged in creative, scientific, and academic writing will receive ₹25,000 each to encourage literary excellence.
These initiatives reflect the government's commitment to social empowerment, particularly for women, students, and tea garden workers.
4. Infrastructure & Technological Advancements
4.1. Assam’s First Satellite – ASSAMSAT
- Assam will collaborate with the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) to launch ASSAMSAT.
- The satellite will support socio-economic projects in agriculture, disaster management, and infrastructure planning.
4.2. AI & Cybersecurity
- Assam Police will set up India’s first AI-driven cybersecurity lab to tackle deepfake threats and enhance cyber surveillance.
These technological initiatives position Assam as a leader in AI innovation and space technology in India.
5. Additional Provisions
- Healthcare & Welfare Schemes: New programs for improving rural healthcare and maternal care.
- Smart Cities & Infrastructure: Expansion of roads, bridges, and urban infrastructure in key cities.
- Support for MSMEs & Startups: Special incentives for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to foster entrepreneurship.
6. Conclusion
The Assam Budget 2025-26 is a well-balanced financial plan that prioritizes economic growth, social welfare, and technological advancements. With a strong focus on empowering women, youth, and workers, while also driving AI innovation, space research, and infrastructure, the budget is set to pave the way for a progressive Assam.
This strategic approach ensures a sustainable and inclusive growth trajectory for the state, reinforcing Assam’s role as an emerging economic powerhouse in India.
