Assam Budget 2026-27 ''revenue neutral''; focus on jobs, women empowerment: CM
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the 2026-27 state Budget as "revenue neutral", saying it balances revenue receipts with expenditure while prioritising employment generation, women empowerment, infrastructure and agriculture.
Addressing a press conference after Finance Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah presented his maiden Budget in the Assembly, Sarma said the fiscal plan reflects the BJP's election promises and is designed to maintain fiscal discipline while boosting development.
"It is a revenue-neutral budget. Salary, pension, interest payments and other committed liabilities are balanced with revenue earnings. Capital expenditure and revenue expenditure are also moving in tandem," the Chief Minister said.
Sarma highlighted the state's sharp rise in capital expenditure, noting that it has increased from Rs 2,951 crore in 2015-16 to Rs 29,000 crore in the current Budget.
On taxation, he said the Budget remains largely tax-neutral, with the exception of a proposed green cess, which aims to discourage polluting industrial activities and promote environmentally sustainable practices.
The Chief Minister said Rs 6,000 crore has been allocated for flagship welfare schemes, including Orunodoi and Nijut Moina, aimed at supporting women and improving social welfare.
He also announced that the state government is collaborating with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to develop a Rs 1,200-crore semiconductor ecosystem, enabling local MSMEs to manufacture components required by the semiconductor industry.
In a push towards digital governance, Sarma said Artificial Intelligence (AI) modules will be introduced in state government departments in a phased manner, with four to five departments expected to adopt the technology initially.
Reiterating the government's stance on law and order, the Chief Minister warned that government employees found practising polygamy would face disciplinary action, including dismissal, and persons with criminal antecedents would be barred from availing benefits under government welfare schemes.
Finance Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah presented a Rs 2.85 lakh crore Budget for 2026-27, proposing a four-fold increase in the tax exemption limit for small tea growers and a reduction in VAT on piped natural gas. He also announced the continuation of all major welfare schemes launched over the past five years while targeting a Budget deficit of Rs 419 crore.
