Assam Budget 2026-27: A Bold Leap Towards a ₹10 Lakh Crore Economy

GUWAHATI — Finance Minister Smt. Ajanta Neog presented a ₹62,294.78 crore interim budget (Vote on Account) for the 2026-27 financial year today, outlining a roadmap that positions Assam as India’s fastest-growing state. Highlighting a transformative five-year journey, Neog declared that Assam is now on track to become a ₹10 lakh crore economy by 2028, two years ahead of its original 2030 target.

Economic Resilience: "From Guns to Chips"

The budget speech painted a picture of a state that has moved from a era of "fragility" to "sovereign strength".

• Rapid Growth: Assam’s GSDP at constant prices expanded by 45% between FY 2019-20 and FY 2024-25, significantly outperforming the national average of 29%.

• Income Surge: Per-capita income has more than doubled in five years, rising from ₹86,947 in FY 2020-21 to ₹1,85,429 in FY 2025-26.

• Fiscal Strength: The 16th Finance Commission increased Assam’s inter-se share to 3.258%, leading to an unprecedented devolution of over ₹50,000 crore in the coming year.

Social Welfare: Strengthening the Safety Net

The Finance Minister emphasized that flagship schemes providing direct cash benefits would continue uninterrupted.

• Orunodoi & Nijut Moina: The Orunodoi scheme now covers nearly 40 lakh families. The Nijut Moina scheme for girl students has already contributed to an 8.2% reduction in dropouts.

• New Support for Boys: A new scheme, Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Babu, will provide monthly financial assistance of ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 to over 47,000 boys from economically weaker families.

• Lakhpati Baideu: Under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan, 8.80 lakh women have emerged as "Lakhpati Baideu," driving the rural economy.

• Land Rights for Tea Workers: In a historic move, the government intends to grant permanent land rights to over 3.5 lakh tea garden families starting in March 2026.

Infrastructure: Engineering Marvels & Connectivity

Assam is undergoing a massive physical transformation with several high-profile projects underway:

• Underwater Tunnel: The ₹18,600 crore Gohpur-Numaligarh Underwater Tunnel, India’s first sub-aquatic road-cum-rail corridor, is a key highlight.

• Bridges over Brahmaputra: From just three bridges in 2015, the state now has eight functional bridges with four more under construction.

• New Airports: The government has requested feasibility studies for five new airports in Nagaon, Diphu, Umrangso, Majuli, and Manas.

• Semiconductor Hub: The Tata Semiconductor Plant in Jagiroad (₹27,000 crore investment) is nearing commissioning this year, signaling Assam's entry into high-tech manufacturing.

Healthcare & Education: Scaling Up

• Medical Infrastructure: Medical colleges have doubled from 7 to 14 in just four years, with 10 more currently under construction.

• Cancer Care: In partnership with Tata Trusts, the state has established South Asia's first three-tier cancer care network.

• Teacher Welfare: A new 'Gurudakshina' scheme will provide one-time relief to teachers whose services could not be provincialized, while a new portal will open to facilitate the provincialization of eligible tutors.

The Road Ahead

As Assam heads into an election year, this "Vote on Account" ensures that the state’s momentum in infrastructure, peace accords (including the historic ULFA settlement), and social inclusion remains steady. Finance Minister Neog concluded by stating that the government has "shattered the culture of delay," moving budget utilization from 58% in 2015 to a record 85% today.