Guwahati– The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has lauded the Assam Budget 2025, presented by Finance Minister Ajanta Neog, highlighting its comprehensive vision for economic growth, social welfare, and women empowerment. With a total outlay of ₹2.63 lakh crore and a projected deficit of ₹620.27 crore, the budget sets a progressive course for the state’s development.
Sarat Kumar Jain, Chairman of the ICC Assam State Council, praised the budget, stating that it recognizes Assam’s unique socio-economic landscape and lays a strong foundation for transformation. Jain particularly welcomed the government’s focus on women’s financial independence, infrastructure development, and social security, emphasizing that these measures would significantly boost Assam’s economic trajectory.
A key highlight of the budget is the increase in monthly financial assistance under state welfare schemes, with over 37.2 lakh women set to benefit from the raised allowance of ₹1,400 per month, addressing the rising cost of living. In a historic move, the government has launched a Women Start-up Fund, offering interest-free loans and financial grants to women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), fostering economic self-reliance.
The Swanirbhar Naari Scheme, which promotes Assam’s handloom industry, has also been expanded, with increased financial incentives directly transferred to women weavers. Additionally, new initiatives will support women artisans to revitalize Assam’s textile and handicraft sector. The government has also introduced land ownership reforms, enabling more women to gain secure property rights.
Another major initiative, the Lakhpati Baideo Scheme, aims to create one lakh rural women entrepreneurs through skill training, mentorship, and financial aid. Training programs in agriculture, digital marketing, and small-scale industries will equip women with tools for economic independence. To support working mothers, 200 new crèches will be set up, ensuring safe childcare facilities at workplaces and industrial hubs.
In the healthcare sector, the Matri Suraksha Yojana has been expanded to offer ₹10,000 in financial aid for institutional deliveries. Additional support under Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana will improve nutrition access for pregnant and lactating mothers. Recognizing mental health challenges, the government will also set up state-wide helplines and counseling centers to provide psychological assistance for women facing stress, domestic violence, or workplace issues.
For women’s safety, the government will establish Sakhi One-Stop Centres in every district, providing legal, medical, and psychological support to survivors of domestic violence and abuse. Additionally, the new Shakti Sadan Scheme will build short-term shelter homes for women in vulnerable situations, including victims of trafficking and abandonment. The budget also proposes:
• More women police personnel deployed in urban and rural areas.
• CCTV surveillance in public transport and crowded spaces.
• Fast-track courts for crimes against women, ensuring speedy justice.
Addressing housing concerns, the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Awas Yojana will construct one lakh houses for widows and single women from low-income backgrounds. Subsidized home loans will further encourage female homeownership, while a Pension Scheme for Widows and Single Women will provide financial security to those without a stable income.
With an all-encompassing approach to women’s welfare, the Assam Budget 2025-26 reinforces economic independence, safety, healthcare, and entrepreneurship for women. The ICC hailed the budget as a forward-looking financial blueprint, applauding the government’s commitment to social equity and economic empowerment.