Assam Passes 2.85 Lakh Crore Budget Targeting Growth and Welfare

Guwahati: The Assam Assembly passed a 2.85 lakh crore budget on July 23 for the 2026-27 financial year. Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass confirmed the adoption of The Assam Appropriation (No. II) Bill, 2026. Finance Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah presented the initial outlay of 2,85,084 crore on July 10. The state wants to drive industrial growth, infrastructure, and job creation.

Big changes are coming. The government will increase the tax exemption limit for small tea growers by four times. It also cut the VAT on piped natural gas by nearly 10 percentage points to push for cleaner fuel. Officials will also add a green cess on polluting industries. The state expects a fiscal deficit of 419.26 crore, keeping it within 3 percent of the Gross State Domestic Product.

The government plans to hire two lakh workers over the next five years. They will fill open roles and build new posts. Existing welfare programs will continue, but new rules apply. Baruah stated, "individuals practising polygamy would be ineligible for government welfare benefits, while government employees found guilty of the practice would face dismissal."