Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog has set an ambitious target of utilizing 90% of the state’s budget estimates for the financial year 2025-26, emphasizing the government’s commitment to balanced fiscal management and holistic development. During a discussion in the Assam Assembly on Wednesday, Neog assured that the state is adhering to all Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulations, including the prescribed debt-to-GDP ratio, to maintain financial stability. “We are targeting 90% budget utilization in the next fiscal year. Our aim is to ensure that every section of society benefits from this allocation,” she said. According to the budget presented on Monday, Assam’s consolidated fund is expected to receive ₹1,55,428.75 crore in the upcoming fiscal year. Neog informed the House that the current financial year’s budget utilization is projected to reach approximately 85% of the total estimates of ₹1,43,891 crore.
Responding to concerns raised by Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi regarding state debt, the Finance Minister clarified that borrowings have remained within RBI limits. “There is no cause for concern as we are maintaining a responsible approach towards debt management,” she asserted. The budget also revealed that Assam’s debt-to-GSDP ratio stood at 24.3% in the 2023-24 financial year, aligning with regulatory norms. Presenting the final full budget of the BJP-led government’s second term, Neog announced a range of fiscal incentives aimed at benefiting the general public, particularly youth and tea garden workers. The ₹2.63 lakh crore budget, which carries a fiscal deficit of ₹620.27 crore, proposed no new taxes while extending financial relief to nearly 1.5 lakh salaried individuals. To support Assam’s tea industry, the government has extended the tax holiday on green tea leaves for an additional two years. Furthermore, a one-time cash assistance of ₹5,000 will be provided to 6.8 lakh tea garden workers, a move expected to bolster the livelihood of workers in the sector.
With Assam set to go to the polls in March-April 2026, this budget is seen as the last full-fledged financial roadmap under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s leadership before the elections. The government’s focus on fiscal discipline, social welfare, and economic stimulus is likely to play a crucial role in shaping public opinion ahead of the polls. As Assam moves into the next financial year, the emphasis on high budget utilization, sustainable borrowing, and targeted welfare measures signals the government’s intent to drive inclusive growth while maintaining economic stability.