Guwahati: Guwahati witnessed the unveiling of Assam’s latest budget, a comprehensive fiscal plan spearheaded by Finance Minister Ajanta Neog, designed to bolster the state’s workforce and agricultural sectors.
A pivotal highlight of the budget is the extension of Old Pension Scheme benefits to approximately 2.8 lakh government employees currently under the New Pension Scheme, a move aimed at providing substantial retirement security.
In a move to alleviate household expenses, the state government announced a significant food relief program. Commencing this October, every ration card holder will receive 1 kg each of lentils, sugar, and salt, a state-funded initiative backed by a ₹370 crore allocation for fair price shop commissions. This measure is expected to provide substantial relief to families across the state.
Recognizing the vital role of Assam’s tea garden workers, the budget allocates ₹342 crore for a one-time financial assistance of ₹5,000 to each of the 6.8 lakh tea garden workers, both casual and permanent, acknowledging their contribution to the state’s economy.
To further ensure financial stability, the government will provide zero-cost accident and death insurance coverage to all contractual and public sector employees receiving salaries through commercial banks, offering a safety net for these essential workers.
Promoting a culture of reading and intellectual growth, the budget introduces several initiatives. A promising young writer in the field of creative science and education will receive a one-time grant of ₹25,000. Additionally, citizens are encouraged to gift books on birthdays and weddings, while government employees will receive ₹1,000 to purchase books, fostering a stronger reading habit.
Agricultural support remains a cornerstone of the budget, with direct financial assistance proposed for key crops. Farmers will receive ₹250 per quintal for paddy and maize, and ₹500 per quintal for mustard, aimed at boosting productivity and farmer income.
In a historic decision, Dibrugarh has been officially designated as Assam’s second capital. The government has allocated ₹200 crore for the construction of a new Assembly building and MLA hostel in Dibrugarh, marking a significant development in the state’s administrative landscape.
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