Guwahati, Feb 18: Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal on Tuesday described the Union Budget 2025-26 as a roadmap for a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.
Addressing the media at the PWD Convention Centre in Guwahati, Meghwal said the budget outlines a vision that will shape the country’s economic future.
“The Union Budget 2025-26 is not just financial planning; it is a vision document that will drive development across all states. The budget is designed to strengthen the economy through four key growth engines—agriculture, investment, MSMEs, and export and industrial development,” Meghwal said.
The minister highlighted the budget’s focus on agricultural growth, stating that farmers in Assam and the Northeast would benefit from increased investment in the sector.
On investment, Meghwal said both public and private funding would play a key role in economic expansion. He cited infrastructure development, including the redevelopment of seven railway stations in Assam under the Amrit Bharat Station scheme, with an allocation of ₹872 crore, as an example of public investment. Private investment, he said, would be encouraged through business expansion, industrial growth, and entrepreneurship.
Discussing MSMEs, Meghwal noted that the sector contributes significantly to GDP and employment. The budget, he said, has raised loan limits for MSMEs and updated definitions to ensure wider inclusion. He emphasized that the growth of the MSME sector would lead to increased production and employment generation.
On exports and industrial development, Meghwal said boosting exports and expanding industries were essential to maintaining economic momentum. He stated that all four sectors together form the foundation of the current budget.
The minister also spoke about the importance of technological advancements, stating that the budget incorporates elements from all four industrial revolutions—steam power, electricity, IT, and AI-driven technologies such as robotics and 3D printing.
Regarding Assam’s share in the budget, Meghwal said ₹45,000 crore has been allocated under the State Devolution Fund for railway infrastructure, the Bharat Amrit Station scheme, and the development of national highways. He also announced the establishment of a new urea plant in Namrup, which he said would reduce India’s dependence on urea imports.
The minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for significantly increasing financial allocations. He also praised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and State BJP President Dilip Saikia for their efforts in driving the state’s development.
Following the press conference, Meghwal attended a citizens’ meet (Nagarik Sabha) at the PWD Convention Centre, where he elaborated on budget provisions for Assam and the Northeast. The event was attended by economists, industrialists, business leaders, and other stakeholders.
Among those present were Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia, Finance Minister Ajanta Neog, Environment and Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, Lok Sabha MP Bijuli Kalita Medhi, Guwahati Mayor Mrigen Sarania, BJP state vice president Ashok Bhattarai, and chief spokesperson Manoj Baruah.
