Assam's Budget 2025-26: Empowerment and Relief Amidst Elections

The Assam government has presented a Rs 2.63 lakh crore budget for 2025-26, focusing on relief for tea garden workers, tax exemptions for salaried classes, and schemes like 'Chief Minister's Jibon Prerana' to support jobless graduates. The budget proposes no new tax, with assembly elections approaching.

The Assam government on Monday unveiled a Rs 2.63 lakh crore budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, with significant incentives for jobless graduates and tea garden workers. The budget features tax exemptions for parts of the salaried class as the state gears up for assembly elections next year.

Finance Minister Ajanta Neog presented the budget, laying emphasis on comprehensive financial relief without introducing new taxes. A key highlight of the budget is the 'Chief Minister's Jibon Prerana' scheme, offering financial assistance to fresh graduates. Additionally, the budget provides tax holidays and a one-time cash benefit to tea garden workers.

The budget aims to boost purchasing capacity and reduce the electricity tariff for consumers, while also proposing new schemes like the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan to support entrepreneurship among SHG members. The budget takes a proactive stance in poverty alleviation and aims to initiate a survey of Char areas.

(With inputs from agencies.)