Assam Unveils Progressive Budget with Focus on Innovation and Sustainability

Assam's latest budget emphasizes empowering the poor, enhancing medical tourism, launching a state satellite, and promoting tech innovation. The government plans to set up AI-powered agri-hubs and an innovation hub, develop a Bamboo Smart City, and foster bioplastic startups, aspiring to make Assam a global startup gateway.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reaffirmed the state's commitment to empowering the poor and middle class while working towards placing Assam among India's leading states. Addressing a press conference on Monday, the CM highlighted budgetary plans, including advances in medical tourism through proton beam therapy.

The Assam government has proposed its own satellite, ASSAMSAT, to tackle the region's flood-prone nature, in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation. The fiscal year 2024-25 capital expenditure will rise to Rs 24,964 crore. Further, the state plans to launch its own OTT platform and regulate inter-religious land transfers for community harmony.

The ambitious Rs 2.63 lakh crore 2025-26 budget introduces technology-driven policies to revitalize Assam's growth. Plans include AI-powered agri-hubs, the Assam Tech Valley - AI and Green Innovation Hub, and sustainable urban innovations like a Bamboo Smart City, aiming to position Assam as a leader in technology and sustainability.

(With inputs from agencies.)