Guwahati, Mar 10: The Assam government has presented an ambitious budget for 2025-26, outlining a roadmap for innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth. The budget envisions a future where Assam leads in next-generation technologies, green industries, and economic transformation.
“We dream big. We dream of a brighter tomorrow. The Government aims to empower the youth by engaging them in futuristic enterprises, enabling them to become active contributors to a Viksit Assam,” Finance Minister Ajanta Neog stated while presenting the Budget. The budget has an outlay of Rs 2.63 lakh crore, focusing on economic growth, infrastructure, industrial development, social welfare, and cultural preservation.
Finance Minister Ajanta Neog highlighted that the state’s budgetary expenditure has increased by 250% over the past decade. She emphasized that Assam’s economy is on a strong growth trajectory, with per capita income rising steadily and the Debt-to-GSDP ratio maintained within 32%.
“The increase of budgetary expenditure by 250 per cent in less than 10 years is perhaps one of its kind in our nation’s fiscal history,” Finance Minister Ajanta Neog said.
The government has introduced several initiatives to harness the power of artificial intelligence and green technology.
High-tech AI-powered agri-hubs will be set up in 100 selected villages, where AI and drones will assist farmers in making data-driven decisions, improving yields, and enhancing sustainability.
Assam will drive innovation in AI, energy security, renewable energy, biofuels, and green technology. Developed through strategic investments and industry partnerships, this hub will position Assam as a leader in cutting-edge technology.
The government will seek international funding to establish a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) dedicated to research and innovation. This SEZ will focus on emerging technologies and green energy, fostering sustainable growth and technological excellence.
Assam will develop the country’s first bamboo-smart City, showcasing sustainable and eco-friendly urban planning. Future government buildings will prioritize bamboo-based materials, boosting the state’s bamboo industry and job creation.
It will promote bioplastic startups, positioning Assam as India’s first Green Packaging Industrial Hub. Investments in banana-fiber-based packaging will drive eco-friendly industrial growth.
The state will develop a robust carbon credit system to promote sustainable growth while attracting international investments in green initiatives. This framework will enable the state to earn carbon credits, generating economic benefits through sustainability.
Assam Police will establish India’s first AI-based lab to combat deepfake threats and enhance cyber surveillance. This cutting-edge facility will bolster digital forensics, cybersecurity, and online threat detection, positioning Assam as a leader in AI-driven law enforcement.
It has plans to revolutinise the tea industry and the state will introduce India’s first AI and blockchain-powered tea auction system to enhance transparency and efficiency in the tea trade. This digital platform will ensure secure transactions, fair pricing, and strengthen Assam’s global position as a leader in the tea industry.
The budget 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 a 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 crore 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.
The government has announced ASSAMSAT, Assam’s 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 will set up the Bhutan-Bodoland-Bay of Bengal (B3) Corridor, which will enhance connectivity, and Jogighopa will see the development of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
A dedicated fund, the Assam Industrial Momentum (AIM) Fund, will be created with Rs. 2,000 crore 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.
The minister said the state will also launch its own government OTT platform to preserve Assamese cinema, literature, folk music, and documentaries.
The Indian Chamber of Commerce says the budget has a strong focus on social welfare, women empowerment, infrastructure development, and economic growth.
The Tea Association of India said the measures for the tea industry reflect the government’s strategic focus on sustaining the growth of Assam’s tea industry, ensuring the welfare of tea workers, and reinforcing the sector’s significance in the state’s socioeconomic landscape. ” The budget proposes extending the tax holiday on agricultural income tax for the next three years, aiming to provide financial relief and encourage investment in the tea sector. This was a much sought-after relief by the industry,” the association said.
