Assam Budget Hits Rs 2 Lakh Crore as Economic Growth Surges

Guwahati: Assam's state budget ballooned to Rs 2,00,782 crore for 2025-26. Finance Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah presented the figures this week. State coffers show immense growth. Budget utilization rates hit a record 85 percent, up from 58 percent a decade ago.

Tax collection numbers highlight the shift. Assam pulled in Rs 39,294 crore in own tax revenue for 2025-26, compared to just Rs 12,848 crore ten years earlier. The government wants half of all revenue to come from internal sources by 2031. Officials credit this surge to better tech and tighter compliance.

The state remains lean despite the spending hike. The Debt-to-GSDP ratio sits at 24.81 percent, well under the 32 percent limit. The Finance Minister noted, "Assam's growth story has become more broad-based and inclusive."

Capital spending also climbed. The government now pushes Rs 26,531 crore into assets and infrastructure. The 16th Finance Commission hiked the state share, promising an extra Rs 50,000 crore. Meanwhile, external project funding jumped from Rs 7,500 crore to Rs 53,000 crore. More money flows locally too. The Credit-Deposit ratio climbed to 73.52 percent, ensuring banks keep cash within state borders. Residents are feeling the change as per capita income tripled to Rs 1,85,429.