GUWAHATI: The Assam Assembly has approved a ₹2.63 lakh crore state budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 on Monday, March 24, following the passage of the Assam Appropriation Bill, 2025. The budget, presented by Finance Minister Ajanta Neog on March 10, is projected to have a deficit of ₹620.27 crore. Speaker Biswajit Daimary confirmed the approval.
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The budget does not introduce new taxes but focuses on providing relief to several sectors. Key provisions include the extension of the tax holiday on green tea leaves for two more years to support the struggling tea industry. Additionally, a one-time cash benefit of ₹5,000 will be provided to 6.8 lakh tea garden workers.
The budget also includes a proposal to reduce electricity rates by ₹1 per unit for Jeevan Dhara and domestic consumers using up to 120 units per month, benefiting around 48 lakh consumers. The Finance Minister introduced the Chief Minister’s Jibon Prerana scheme to financially support graduates for up to one year during their job search.
This budget is the last full-fledged financial plan under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s leadership before the upcoming state elections, expected to be held in late March or early April 2026.