GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that the state's budget utilisation for the current financial year will reach 85%, surpassing the 63% utilisation recorded during the Congress-led government in 2015-16.
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Addressing the state assembly session during his speech on Tuesday, March 11, Sarma highlighted the government’s efforts in increasing capital expenditure and expanding beneficiary schemes. He stated that increased funding for developmental projects and welfare schemes would boost economic activity, and has defended the state's decision to take loans for capital expenditure.
The chief minister also emphasised the expansion of the Orunodoi scheme to cover 37.2 lakh beneficiaries in the 2025-26 financial year, asserting that such initiatives have empowered 40 lakh citizens and set an example for other states.
Responding to opposition concerns over direct benefit transfer (DBT) schemes, Sarma reiterated that direct monetary transfers ensure funds reach grassroots levels, stimulating local economies. He compared Assam’s budget growth, stating that in 2015-16, the revised estimate stood at ₹74,818 crore, with the Congress government spending ₹41,931 crore. By 2024-25, Assam’s budget had increased to ₹1,68,673 crore, with expenditure exceeding ₹1.41 lakh crore.
As for capital expenditure growth, Sarma noted that it had increased from ₹2,951 crore in 2015-16 to ₹24,964 crore in 2024-25. He set a target of ₹32,000 crore for 2025-26, primarily for infrastructure development and accelerating projects.
