The Assam government on Friday unveiled its ₹2,85,084 crore Budget for the financial year 2026-27, announcing a series of measures aimed at promoting economic growth, supporting small tea growers, reducing energy costs, and improving fiscal management. Presenting his first Budget as Assam’s Finance Minister, Jayanta Malla Baruah said the government would continue major welfare and development schemes introduced over the past five years while focusing on maintaining financial discipline. He set a target of reducing the state’s Budget deficit to ₹419 crore by the end of the fiscal year.

According to the Budget estimates, Assam’s consolidated fund is expected to receive ₹1,51,843.23 crore during 2026-27. Including projected receipts of ₹1,34,466.22 crore under the public account and ₹2,000 crore from the contingency fund, the state’s total estimated receipts stand at ₹2,88,309.45 crore. On the expenditure side, the government has estimated spending of ₹1,56,714.88 crore from the consolidated fund. After including public account expenditure of ₹1,26,369.57 crore and ₹2,000 crore under the contingency fund, the overall expenditure projection for the year is ₹2,85,084.45 crore.

The Finance Minister said the opening deficit of ₹3,644.26 crore, combined with the year’s financial projections, would result in a closing Budget deficit of ₹419.26 crore for 2026-27. The state has also targeted a fiscal deficit of 3 per cent of its projected Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). In a major relief measure for small tea growers, the government proposed increasing the agricultural income tax exemption limit from ₹2.5 lakh to ₹10 lakh. The move is expected to benefit thousands of small tea producers across Assam.

The Budget also announced a reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT) on piped natural gas (PNG) from 14.5 per cent to 5 per cent. Baruah said the decision was aimed at lowering household energy expenses, encouraging the use of cleaner fuel, and expanding city gas distribution networks.

Highlighting Assam’s economic progress, the Finance Minister noted that the state’s per capita income has grown significantly, rising from ₹60,817 in 2015-16 to ₹1,85,429 in 2025-26. He said the figures indicate that Assam’s economic development is becoming more inclusive and reaching a wider section of the population. The 2026-27 Budget places emphasis on continued welfare initiatives, infrastructure development, energy reforms, and measures to strengthen the state’s financial position while supporting long-term growth.

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