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Assam Finance Minister, Ms. Ajanta Neog presented the state’s ₹774.47 cr deficit annual Budget for the financial year 2024-25 on February 12, 2024. With no new taxes proposed, Neog mentioned that the total budget for the coming financial year will be ₹2.9 lakh crore.
Budget estimates for 2024-25 show receipt of ₹143,605.56 crore under consolidated fund of the state. With receipt of ₹144,550.08 crore under public account and ₹2,000 crore from contingency fund, the aggregate receipts amount to ₹290,155.65 crore. The minister mentioned that total expenditure from the consolidated fund in 2024-25 is estimated at ₹143,890.62 crore.
Important Policies/Yojana announced in Assam Budget 2024-25
Punya Tirtha Yojana: Among the budget’s key highlights was the announcement of Punya Tirtha Yojana scheme to send 25,000 pilgrims to visit the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya, with an earmarked budget of ₹25 crore.
Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina: The government will support 10 lakh girls with financial grants as admission incentives for their higher education. Each girl student who joins class 11 will receive One-time incentives of ₹10,000 and those joining first year of graduation will be given ₹12,500. One-time incentives of Rs 15,000 will be paid to 10 lakh girl students for joining post-graduation (first year). This will be available for students taking admission in government colleges and institutions. A total outlay of ₹240 crore has been allocated for this in the budget. Aimed at eliminating child marriages, the incentive is only for unmarried girls who study in any government-run educational institution.
Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan: A minimum amount of Rs 47,500 will be provided to each woman member of self-help groups in rural and urban areas. This will be provided by a combination of grant, subsidy, and loan.
Mukhya Mantri Awaas Yojana (Gramin): 13,000 houses each will be allocated to eligible beneficiaries from tea garden communities and poorest of poor beneficiaries who were not included under the socio-economic caste census.
Rooftop solar: All new private and public buildings constructed in Assam will have to mandatorily install rooftop solar facility.
Farm mechanisation: The state government will distribute power tillers, tractors, threshers, and other farm equipment to support agricultural activities.
Social Equity in Government Recruitment: To bring social equity in Govt recruitment for all grade III and grade IV posts without compromising the quality of selection, from the 2024-25 fiscal, the government will provide 5% weightage in total marks to job applicants from families without any member in government service.
Safeguard for iconic sites: Budget proposals included bringing in legislation to ensure that the land surrounding “iconic and heritage locations” in Barpeta, Batadrava, Majuli, and Narayanpur is transferred only to indigenous persons or institutions. The move is to “safeguard the cultural significance” of these places.
Mukhya Mantri Sangrahalaya: The government has also decided to set up ‘Mukhya Mantri Sangrahalaya’ in Guwahati to document the legacies of all former Chief Ministers of the State.
ASHTADASH MUKUTOR UNNOYONEE MAALA:
Flagship Schemes 2024-25
Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina (MMNM)
Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan
Orunodoi 2.0 – Expanding and More Inclusive
Assam Micro Finance Incentive and Relief Scheme – Category III
Chief Minister’s Atmanirbhar Assam Abhijan
One Lakh Plus Jobs
Projects for Amrit Kaal
Creating Growth Corridors
Mukhya Mantri Awaas Yojana (Gramin)
Innovative integration of wetlands with River Brahmaputra
Green Growth for Greener Assam
Welfare of Tea Tribe Community
Quest for Cultural Identity
Punya Tirth Yojana – Ayodhya Pilgrimage
Future for Children
Khel Maharan and Youth Clubs in 126 LACs
Global Investors’ Summit in November, 2024
Mukhya Mantri Sangrahalaya
Major Announcements for FY 2024-25
Reservation for Agniveers in Assam Police
Self-sufficiency in egg, milk and fish production
Promotion of small tea growers
Start-up Mission
Setting up of Training Centre at Padmashree Hemaprova Chutia’s residence
PM Vishwakarma Yojana
Farm Mechanization
Rooftop solarisation
Climate Action
Amrit-Guwahati Integrated Global City (Amrit-GiG City)
Ayushman Asom : A comprehensive healthcare initiative
Comprehensive School health Programme under Chief Minister’s Ayushman Asom
Village and Community Outreach Programme for MBBS Students in Assam under Chief Minister’s Ayushman Asom
Championing Digital Transformation & Artificial Intelligence
Gyan-Dhara – Integrating virtual reality technology with for experiential learning
Third Assam Bhawan in New Delhi
Standing with our employees – Apun Ghar, Apun Bahan
Supporting the Employees of Different Societies (Ex-Gratia)
Jeevika Sakhi Express
Monthly remuneration to honorary Gaon Pradhans in the Forest areas
Expenditures & Receipts of Govt of Assam
Expenditure (excluding debt repayment) in 2024-25 is estimated to be Rs 1,36,699 crore, a decrease of 9% from the revised estimates of 2023-24. In addition, debt of Rs 7,192 crore will be repaid by the state.
Receipts (excluding borrowings) for 2024-25 are estimated to be Rs 1,14,165 crore, a decrease of 5% as compared to the revised estimate of 2023-24.
Revenue surplus in 2024-25 is estimated to be 0.3% of GSDP (Rs 1,852 crore), as compared to a revenue deficit of 0.2% of GSDP (Rs 1,396 crore) at the revised estimate stage in 2023-24. Assam had budgeted a revenue surplus of 0.5% of GSDP in 2023-24.
Fiscal deficit for 2024-25 is targeted at 3.5% of GSDP (Rs 22,534 crore). In 2023-24, as per the revised estimates, fiscal deficit is expected to be 5.2% of GSDP.
Receipts in 2024-25
Total revenue receipts for 2024-25 are estimated to be Rs 1,11,944 crore. Of this, Rs 43,020 crore (38%) will be raised by the state through its own resources, and Rs 68,924 crore (62%) will come from the centre. Resources from the centre will be in the form of state’s share in central taxes (36% of revenue receipts) and grants (26% of revenue receipts).
Devolution: In 2024-25, state’s share in central taxes is estimated at Rs 40,000 crore.
Grants from the centre in 2024-25 are estimated at Rs 28,924 crore.
Assam’s own tax revenue
Assam’s total own tax revenue is estimated to be Rs 34,148 crore in 2024-25, an increase of 13% over the revised estimate of 2023-24. Own tax revenue as a percentage of GSDP is estimated at 5.3% in 2024-25, same as the revised estimates for 2023-24. As per the actual figures for 2022-23, own tax revenue as a percentage of GSDP was 5%.
In 2024-25, State GST is estimated to be the largest source of own tax revenue (50% share).
Assam’s expenditure on key sectors
Education: Assam has allocated 17% of its expenditure on education in 2024-25. This is higher than the average allocation for education by states in 2023-24 (14.7%).
Health: Assam has allocated 6.1% of its total expenditure towards health, which is broadly similar to the average allocation for health by states (6.2%).
Rural development: Assam has allocated 3.7% of its expenditure on rural development. This is lower than the average allocation for rural development by states (5%).
Roads and bridges: Assam has allocated 7% of its expenditure towards roads and bridges. This is higher than the average allocation towards roads and bridges by states (4.6%).
Agriculture: Assam has allocated 4.5% of its total expenditure towards agriculture. This is lower than the average expenditure on agriculture by states (5.9%).
Irrigation: Assam has allocated 2.8% of its total expenditure towards irrigation, which is lower than the average allocation by states (3.4%).
Deficits, Debt, and FRBM Targets for 2024-25
The Assam Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2005 provides annual targets to progressively reduce the outstanding debt, revenue deficit and fiscal deficit of the state government.
Revenue balance: It is the difference of revenue expenditure and revenue receipts. A revenue deficit implies that the government needs to borrow to finance those expenses which do not increase its assets or reduces its liabilities. The budget estimates a revenue surplus of Rs 1,852 crore (or 0.3% of the GSDP) in 2024-25.
Fiscal deficit: It is the excess of total expenditure over total receipts. This gap is filled by borrowings by the government and leads to an increase in total liabilities. In 2024-25, the fiscal deficit is estimated to be 3.5% of GSDP. For 2024-25, the central government has permitted fiscal deficit of up to 3.5% of GSDP to states, of which 0.5% of GSDP will be available upon carrying out certain power sector reforms. As per the revised estimates, in 2023-24, the fiscal deficit of the state is expected to be 5.2% of GSDP. This is higher than the budget estimate of 3.7% of GSDP. Fiscal deficit is projected to be lowered to 1.4% of GSDP by 2029-30.
Outstanding debt: Outstanding debt is the accumulation of total borrowings at the end of a financial year. At the end of 2024-25, the outstanding debt is estimated to be 25.2% of GSDP, higher than the budget estimate for 2023-24 (24.4% of GSDP).
Outstanding Government Guarantees: Outstanding debt of states do not include a few other liabilities that are contingent in nature, which states may have to honour in certain cases. State governments guarantee the borrowings of State Public Sector Enterprises (SPSEs) from financial institutions. As of March 31, 2023, the state’s outstanding guarantee is estimated to be Rs 1,167 crore, which is 0.2% of Assam’s GSDP in 2022-23.
GREEN BUDGETING
Green Budgeting is a Public Finance Management (PFM) tool to enable evidence and output based budgeting towards achieving climate and sustainability targets allowing for effi cient resource allocation towards Climate Change mitigation, adaptation, and environment sustainability.
A Green Budget contributes to achieving various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 7 (Aff ordable and Clean Energy), and other SDGs, fostering a more sustainable and resilient future in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement and other national and state commitments. Green Budget share is 10.02% of total budget of 18 key departments amounting to Rs. 4636 Crore in FY 2024-25.
Highlights of Assam Economy 2024
The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Assam for 2024-25 (at current prices) is projected to be Rs. 6,43,089 crore, amounting to growth of 13% over 2023-24.
In 2022-23, Assam’s GSDP (at constant prices) is estimated to grow by 10.2% over the previous year. In comparison, India’s GDP is estimated to grow by 7.2% in 2022-23.
Sectors contribution: In 2022-23, agriculture, manufacturing, and services sectors are estimated to contribute 35%, 19%, and 45% of Assam’s economy, respectively (at current prices).
Per capita GSDP: In 2022-23, Assam’s per capita GSDP (at current prices) is estimated to be Rs 1,36,819, an increase of 17% over 2021-22. In 2022-23, India’s per capita GDP is estimated to increase by 15% over 2021-22 to Rs 1,96,983.
Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog on 16 March, 2023 presented the state budget for the fiscal year 2023-24 at the Assam Legislative Assembly.
Assam Budget 2023-24 Highlights
Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Assam for 2023-24 (at current prices) is projected to be Rs 5.67 lakh crore, amounting to growth of 15% over 2022-23.
Expenditure (excluding debt repayment) in 2023-24 is estimated to be Rs 1,35,348 crore. In addition, debt of Rs 4,407 crore will be repaid by the state.
Receipts (excluding borrowings) for 2023-24 are estimated to be Rs 1,14,392 crore, an increase of 2.3% as compared to the revised estimate of 2022-23.
Revenue surplus in 2023-24 is estimated to be 0.5% of GSDP (Rs 2,748 crore), whereas a revenue deficit of 3% of GSDP is estimated for 2022-23 (revised estimate).
Fiscal deficit for 2023-24 is targeted at 3.7% of GSDP (Rs 20,957 crore).
Per capita income: In 2022-23, Assam’s per capita income (at current prices) is estimated to be Rs 1,18,504, an increase of 15% over 2021-22. In 2022-23, India’s per capita income is estimated to increase by 14% to Rs 1,70,620.
In 2021-22, Assam’s unemployment rate was 4.9%, lower than the national unemployment rate of 6.6%.
Assam Budget Estimates for 2023-24
Total expenditure (excluding debt repayment) in 2023-24 is targeted at Rs 1,35,348 crore. This expenditure is proposed to be met through receipts (excluding borrowings) of Rs 1,14,392 crore and net borrowings of Rs 20,645 crore. Total receipts for 2023-24 (other than borrowings) are expected to register an increase of 2.3% over the revised estimate of 2022-23.
Capital outlay for 2023-24 is proposed to be Rs 23,822 crore. Capital outlay indicates the expenditure towards creation of assets.
Assam Govt Receipts in 2023-24
Total revenue receipts for 2023-24 are estimated to be Rs 1,14,085 crore, an increase of 2% over the revised estimate of 2022-23. Of this, Rs 37,012 crore (32%) will be raised by the state through its own resources, and Rs 77,072 crore (68%) will come from the centre.
Devolution: In 2023-24, state’s share in central taxes is estimated at Rs 31,951 crore.
Grants from the centre in 2023-24 is estimated at Rs 45,121 crore.
State’s own tax revenue: Assam’s own tax revenue is estimated to be Rs 30,002 crore in 2023-24, an increase of 20% over the revised estimate of 2022-23.
In 2023-24, State GST is estimated to be the largest source of own tax revenue (52% share).
Sales tax/VAT constitutes 26% of Assam’s own tax revenue.
Revenue from state excise, taxes on vehicles, and stamps duty and registration fees is expected to increase by 29%, 16%, and 21% respectively in 2023-24 as compared to the revised estimate for 2022-23.
A scheme will be launched to promote micro-entrepreneurs for creating self-employment opportunities in trading, manufacturing, service, food processing, handloom, handicraft, agriculture, and allied activities.
₹1000 crore has been allocated in this budget to the Mukhya Mantri Sva-Niyojan Mission. The Mukhya Mantri Sva-Niyojan Mission scheme proposes to promote microentrepreneurship among families below the poverty line and low income-households. Under the scheme, seed capital of two lakh rupees each will be given to one lakh beneficiaries. The sectors covered under the scheme will include manufacturing, food processing, and handicraft. A further one lakh youth entrepreneurs will be provided project-based subsidies.
The Assam Government aims to complete the recruitment of another 40,000 candidates by May 10, 2023.
Governance Sector
The legislation will be introduced to ensure the mobility of government personnel from one department to another for optimum utilization of manpower. Though the employee will continue to be on payroll of his department, his services can be effectively utilized by others.
Sports Sector
The state government has proposed to allocate Rs 200 crore for the development of the sports sector in the state. The funds will be utilized for the construction of new sports facilities and the up-gradation of existing ones.
Road Infrastructure Development Sector
Under the Asom Mala project, the state government will construct and repair around 5,000 km of roads and bridges at an estimated cost of Rs 3,000 crore.
Tourism Sector
An additional sum of Rs 100.02 Crs has been allocated in this budget towards the development of the tourism sector of the state. The transformation and Development Department has been given Rs 645.37 Cr towards the holistic development of the villages of the state.
Handloom & Textiles Sector
The Assam government has proposed to allocate Rs 100 crore for the development of the handloom and textile sector in the state. The funds will be utilized for the up-gradation of existing handloom clusters and the establishment of new ones.
Development & welfare Sector
The Assam government has proposed to allocate Rs 1,000 crore for the Mukhya Mantri Samagra Gramya Unnayan Yojana (MMSGU) to ensure the holistic development of rural areas in the state.
Mission for Prevention of Child Marriage: All Gram Panchayat Secretaries will be designated as Child Marriage Prevention Officers. These officers will ensure prohibition of child marriages, protection of victims, and prosecution of offenders. The scheme aims to make Assam free of child marriage by 2026.
New ration cards will be issued to select 40 lakh new beneficiaries under NFSA, and ₹404.94 crores have been allocated for this.
Rs 200 Cr was earmarked towards the prevention of child marriages in the state.
More than 20 lakh houses have already been geo-tagged under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), out of which 15.5 lakh households are eligible. Assam Government received the sanction for 3.3 lakh houses as of now from the Government of India.
Mukhya Mantri Awaas Yojana: In the year 2023-24, 1 lakh beneficiaries will be covered under this scheme, and ₹800 crore allocated towards this.
Education Sector
In order to boost health care facilities along with medical education our government has decided to start functioning of three more new Medical Colleges at Kokrajhar, Nalbari and Nagaon from the next academic session 2023.
Another four new Medical Colleges are coming up at Tinsukia, Charaideo, Bishanath and one at Kamrup(M) district and construction of the same is going on at a rapid pace.
In addition to these, construction of another eight new Medical Colleges at Karimganj, Goalpara, Tamulpur, Bongaigaon, Dhemaji, Morigaon, Golaghat and Sibsagar have been taken up by the Government.
Apart from that, MBBS and PG (MD/MS) seats have been increased considerably (1500 seats for MBBS, 722 seats for PG course and 46 seats for DM/M.Ch in various super specialty disciplines).
Assam government has proposed to allocate Rs 500 crore for the development of the education sector in the state. The funds will be utilized for various initiatives such as the construction of new schools, the up-gradation of existing schools, and the introduction of new courses in higher education. ₹1 crore will be provided to 500 High Schools for furniture, smart classrooms, teaching learning 16 materials and sports infrastructure.
upgradation of 214 high schools to higher secondary level. Improvement of the infrastructure of the existing educational institutions including schools and colleges was also mentioned along with the creation of 6 engineering colleges and 8 polytechnics.
With a focus on improving the education infrastructure in our tea garden areas, another 100 new Tea garden High schools will be taken up this year. To fund this, Assam Government to pool resources from various schemes; such as PM-DeVINE, RIDF, NESIDS and State Budget.
Students securing 1st rank in class IX will be provided with tablets which will be connected with a central agency providing educational material and mentorship. – Assam Government to provide Free Bicycle to all the students studying in Class-IX in Government and Provincialized Secondary Schools.
Providing free text-books and textbook assistance to students upto graduation.
Hostel mess dues waiver of a maximum ₹2000 per month for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in degree and polytechnic colleges.
Scooty to all meritorious boys and girls who secure first division in the higher secondary examination
Mobility grant of ₹10,000 per year to post-graduate students- excluding medical students – Admission fee waiver to all BPL students.
Scholarship to students belonging to SC, ST, minority and tea-garden community – Abhinandan Scheme – Assam Government to continue to provide interest subvention on educational loans to our students.
Assam Government to upgrade Sibsagar college, Kokrajhar Government college, Bongaigaon college, Jagannath Barooah College in Jorhat, North Lakhimpur College, Handique Girl’s college, Nagaon College and Gurucharan college in Silchar into universities by introducing enabling legislations.
A new University by the name- of Shahid Kanaklata Barua State University will be established at Gohpur, as a tribute to the great freedom fighter of Assam and to further improve the standards of higher education in the North Bank.
A satellite campus of Bodoland University will be established in Udalguri.
Healthcare Sector
Assam aims to become the hub of healthcare in Northeast India by 2026 and is setting up infrastructure accordingly.
Mukhya Mantri Ayushman Asom Yojana: The Assam government is launching Mukhya Mantri Ayushman Asom Yojana to provide cashless treatment worth ₹5 lacks to 27 lakh additional families of the state. Health insurance coverage amounting to five lakh rupees would be extended to 27 lakh additional families, identified from the list of beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act, 2013. ₹135 crore was allocated for this scheme.
And 1000 new ambulances will be provided to medical facilities across the state to serve the people.
Assam Urban Health Mission (AUHM) to launch with an aim to provide affordable, accessible and quality healthcare for the urban population – The major components of the mission will include the identification of existing gaps, area-specific and need-based interventions, and extending primary healthcare services with a strong linkage to secondary and tertiary care services.
Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) or Newborn Stabilization Unit (NBSU) will be established in each such FRUs to take special care of sick newborns and low birth weight babies.
Focus will be also given to upgrading obstetric facilities at the secondary level. Immunization and free diagnostic facilities will be strengthened.
Agriculture Sector
The state government has proposed to allocate Rs 50 crore for the development of the sericulture sector in the state. The funds will be utilized for the up-gradation of existing sericulture farms and the establishment of new ones.
exemption of electrical duty on renewable energy generation and a three-year tax holiday on agricultural income.
Heritage & Culture Sector
In this financial year, under Assam Darshan scheme, Assam Government proposed to cover 8000 new Namghars. The government also proposed to cover within it, religious institutions having higher tourist footfalls and where common festivals are celebrated. ₹2.5 lakh of fund per institution will be provided.
Further, under the revamped Assam Darshan scheme an amount of ₹15 lakh each will be provided for ancient religious institutions- Namghar, Mandir, Mosque, Church, Gurudwara which are more than 100 years old. ₹180 crore has been allocated for this scheme.
Drawing inspiration from Kashi-Vishwanath Corridor, Assam Government seeks to develop Kamakhya Corridor to ease the movement of devotees and enhance the ambience by connecting it with the Brahmaputra river.
Financial Assistance
The Assam government will launch the ‘Bhumiheen Rin Kosh’ scheme to provide financial assistance to landless people to purchase land for residential purposes. The scheme will cover 1 lakh beneficiaries and will have an allocation of Rs 500 crore.
The Assam Microfinance Incentive and Relief Scheme (AFMIRS) has provided assistance worth ₹1,789 crores to around 10 lakh borrowers.
₹500 crores has been earmarked to support stressed and destitute women borrowers, whose accounts have become Non-Performing Assets, as of March 31, 2021.
– Assam Government to further enhance Orunodoi entitlement by ₹150, making it ₹1400 per beneficiary per month by the end of this financial year. ₹3420 crore was earmarked for this scheme.
Assam Government subsuming ‘Indira Miri Universal Widow Pension Scheme’ and ‘Deen Dayal Dibyangjan Pension Achoni’ into Orunodoi, following the principle of ‘one family – one scheme’ to benefit the Antyodaya of the state. – With this, beneficiaries of these two schemes, presently receiving 300 Rs and 1000 Rs respectively, will get ₹1250 From 2023-24 onwards.
Fisheries Sectors
The state government has proposed to allocate Rs 100 crore for the development of the fishery sector in the state. The funds will be utilized for the construction of new fish markets and the up-gradation of existing ones.
Tea Sectors
The Assam government has proposed to allocate Rs 50 crore for the development of the tea sector in the state. The funds will be utilized for the up-gradation of existing tea gardens and the establishment of new ones.
Roadshows in major cities across the country as well as abroad to promote Assam Tea as a brand and showcase the rich socio-cultural heritage of tea garden communities to celebrate 200 years of Assam tea. Assam Tea Industries Special Incentives Scheme (ATISIS), 2020 will be further strengthened to incentivize the production of orthodox tea and speciality tea in Assam. Increase in the production subsidy for orthodox and speciality 19 tea from ₹7 to ₹10 per kg is already under process.
Under the “Wage Compensation Scheme for Pregnant Women of Tea Garden Areas of Assam”, the compensation amount will be enhanced to ₹15,000 from the existing ₹12,000.
For the construction of 500 Mahaprabhu Jagannath Community Hall cum Skill Centres in the prominent localities of tea gardens, our government has already made a provision for ₹200 crore in this year’s budget.
The Finance Minister of Assam, Ms. Ajanta Neog, who is also Assam’s first woman Finance Minister, presented a deficit budget of Rs 566 crore for the state for the Fiscal Year 2022-23 on March 16, 2022.
Four new schemes for road construction announced – Pakipath Nirman Achani, Unnoti Pakipath Nirman Achani, Mothauri Pokikaran Achani and Path Nobikaran Achani for construction, upgradation and maintenance of all-weather roads, including those on embankments.
Two major bridges to come up over Subansiri at Dhunaguri and Luit with help from government of India and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
A bridge linking Majuli with Bihpuria and Nemati is also in progress.
Trumpet Junction to be built at Gauripur, North Guwahati to enhance utility of the bridge over Brahmaputra.
Four roads under Asom Mala to be upgraded in 2022-23, with 19 new road over bridges being taken up.
A new flyover project to be taken up in Mancota Road in Dibrugarh and a new elevated road at GNB Road in Guwahati.
Aviation Sector Development
Reduction of 1 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) for aircraft. Proposal to start new scheme to facilitate cheaper air connectivity from Guwahati to Lakhimpur, Dibrugarh, Silchar and Tezpur.
Proposal for new airports in Karbi Anglong and Silchar, along with three new heliports at Nagaon, Geleki and Haflong.
Active engagement with government of India for a Greenfield Airport at Diphu.
Joint survey for de-notification of 180 acres of forest land for development of Rupsi Airport.
Allotment of ₹156 crore for acquisition of 50 acres of land for Jorhat Airport, ₹50 crore for acquisition of 870 acres of land for Greenfield Airport at Silchar and ₹3.56 crore for acquisition of 84 acres of land for Lilabari Airport at North Lakhimpur.
Water Transport Development
Assam Inland Water Transport Development Society to develop 13 small terminals on National Waterway 2 on Brahmaputra at Umananda, Uzan Bazar, Kurua, Guijan, Ghaghor, Kachari, Goalpara, North Guwahati, Aphalamukh, Neemati Ghat, Matmora and Disangmukh.
Development of Art & Culture
Projects to preserve Eksarana Dharma undertaken at Bordowa Than in Narayanpur and Gangmou Satra
New project to come up at Patbaushi Satra. ₹2.5 lakh to each of 1,260 namghars under Assam Darshan Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra to have a 4th auditorium for ₹5 crores.
Preservation and beautification of Lachit Borphukan Samadhi at Hollongapar, along with a digital documentary film and organising lectures in Delhi and Mumbai.
Allocation of ₹7 crore for Alaboi War Memorial to honour 10,000 Ahom martyrs.
Jorhat Jail to be developed as North East Freedom Fighter’s Memorial Park, and Maniram Dewan Samadhi and Gomdhar Konwar Samadhi at Jorhat to be renovated. Light and sound show to come up at Rang Ghar, Sivasagar to attract international tourists.
An estimated cost of Rupees 15 crore is earmarked for land possession for Pratima Pandey Barua Museum at Gauripur of Dhubri for the preservation of memories of the iconic folk singer and for the promotion of Goalparia folk song as well.
Plan to organize North-East festival of Indigenous and Tribal Culture and games to showcase the indigenous culture to the international audience and 10 colleges in Bodoland Territorial Region will be provincialized.
₹28.80 crores earmarked for Bhasha Gourab Scheme which provides corpus funds to 21 indigenous Sahitya Sabhas and one-time assistance to authors under Lekhak Sambardhana.
Welfare
For the holistic development of Tai Ahom, Moran, Matak, Chutia and Koch-Rajbongshi Rupees 25 crore is earmarked in the present budget.
OBC communities to have their own authorized organizations to recommend the issuance of caste certificates to the community members.
Proposed plan to allow up to 50 bigha per tribal family by removing the upper ceiling of 8 bigha under Assam Land Policy, 2019.
Mission Basundhara 2.0 has been introduced to offer next-generation land-related services. This will enable the realization of land revenue from the rightful owner and allow them to use the land as collateral to unlock the value of the land.
All post-retirement benefits will be ensured for state government employees including payment of GPF, Gratuity, Leave Encashment and GIS through a single-window interface.
₹129.89 crores is earmarked towards interest subvention for state government employees under Apun Ghar and Bidyalakshmi scheme at a subsidized rate of interest.
3 percent increase in Dearness Allowance in addition to the 11 percent already provided to state government employees and pensioners.
Employment
APSC to fill 13,572 Class III and 13,787 Class IV posts and finalize 3,587 Grade-I and 1,568 Grade-II vacancies. Compassionate Appointment for 930 posts in Education Department and Sixth Schedule Areas to be completed soon to meet target of 1 lakh jobs.
Mahaprabhu Jagannath Community and Skill Centre in 800 tea gardens will be formed to provide training to the tea tribe youth and to organise community-based events.
Youth Commission to be set up under Mukhya Mantri Vikas aru Niyog Asoni. Candidates will be enrolled in intensive coaching for employment in all India/State/ Civil services /SSC/ Banking/ Insurance sectors/ PSUs/ Central Armed Police Forces.
Financial Assistance
Incentives under Category-1 of Assam Micro Finance Incentive and Relief Scheme (AMFIRS) to be disbursed before Bohag Bihu in the remaining 7 districts of Assam. Government to pay overdue amounts of Category-2 and clear outstanding debt of Category-3 borrowers whose accounts have turned NPA and for the purpose a total budget of Rupees 2,500 crores allotted.
Orunodoi assistance enhanced to Rupees 1,250 per month from the upcoming financial year with Rupees 250 additional subsidy for 50 units of electricity.
Education
436 schools in tea garden areas to be brought under the ambit of state government and 117 Model High Schools in gardens to run from 10 May of this year.
Mission Zero Drop-Out will be launched for the identification and mapping of vulnerable girl children and customized plans to provide child-specific interventions such as conditional cash transfer.
Continuation of Pragyan Bharati scheme with free textbooks, hostel mess dues waiver, and admission fee waiver for Below Poverty Line (BPL) students, scooters to meritorious students.
Rupees 10,000 mobility grant to girls, education loan under Abhinandan and Anundoram Barooah Award.
Aarohan relaunched where girls and boys secured the first position in Class IX to be given exposure to premier academic institutions such as IIT Guwahati.
₹2000 to be given to every student as a book grant & mobility grant, with the allotment of ₹1 lakh per district.
Sibsagar College, Kokrajhar Government College, Bongaigaon College, Jagannath Barooah College, North Lakhimpur College, Handique Girls’ College and Nagaon college to be elevated into universities. ₹10 crore to each college as grants-in-aid for capital expenditure.
NIDA Fund of ₹50 crore each to Majuli University, Rabindranath Tagore University, Bhattadev University, Madhabdev University, Birangana Sati Sadhini State University and Aniruddhadev Sports University.
₹25 crores to Gauhati University for start-up ecosystem.
₹15 crores each to Assam University, Tezpur University and Silchar University. ₹25 crores to Assam Agriculture University.
TISS Guwahati to get ₹15 crores and ₹10 crores for IIIT Guwahati.
₹10 crores earmarked for Science block in Haflong College.
Grant-in aids for payment of 75% salary for Srimanta Sankardeva Vishwa Vidyalaya. Faculty members can withdraw salary in 12 equal installments without a ceiling.
Corporate & Industry
Disinvestment strategy for Assam Tea Corporation Limited and payment of outstanding provident fund liabilities by 2023-24 for Rupees 142.5 crores.
New Industrial and Investment Policy, 2022 to boost industrial growth.
Hospitals, hotels and cruise services, shipbuilding and vehicle scrap processing facility will be included in the industrial sector for various incentives under the new policy.
Environment & Conservation
Seuj Axom Abhijan to increase green cover in Assam from 36 percent and to 38 percent in five years using the Miyawaki model.
Establishment of Assam Agro-Forestry Development Board.
Introduction of 200 electric vehicles and 100 CNG buses for ₹250crore under Smart City project in Guwahati.
Renovation of 241 anti-poaching camps in Golaghat, Nagaon, Biswanath and Sonitpur districts. 35 km elevated corridor for safe passage of animals from Kaziranga to Karbi Anglong for ₹4,865 crore.
Nine elephant corridors to be notified.
832 hectare land acquisition for Kaziranga National Park. ₹48.08 crore for land compensation to 1,085 displaced families.
Finalization of Eco-Sensitive Zone of integrated Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.
Healthcare
Construction of seven more cancer hospitals in Dibrugarh, Barpeta, Kokrajhar, Tezpur, Jorhat, Lakhimpur and Darrang to commence within 2022-23.
Robotic Surgery unit earmarked for State Cancer Institute, GMCH for ₹15 crore.
Proposal to set up three new medical colleges at Sivasagar, Karimganj and Goalpara, along with a super-specialty hospital at IIT Guwahati.
Construction of medical colleges at Dhemaji, Bongaigaon, Morigaon, Golaghat and Tamulpur to start this year.
Expansion of primary healthcare with the establishment of 1,000 Buniyadi Swasthya Kendras and upgrading 200 sub-centers.
New Ayurvedic Colleges to be set up at Dudhnoi and Palashbari. One BSc Nursing College and GNM Nursing School for each medical college.
District hospitals in Barpeta, Silchar, Diphu, Jorhat, Tezpur and Lakhimpur to be upgraded to super-specialty hospitals for ₹3,798 crores.
Sneha Sparsh Plus scheme to cover rehabilitation costs for children suffering from cerebral palsy.
Dedicated IT portal to be launched for a simplified medical reimbursement process for state government employees.
Empanelled hospitals to be withdrawn so that employees can avail treatment at the hospital of their choice.
Agriculture
Extensive training and demonstration for promotion of natural farming. International Year of Millets to be celebrated in 2023.
Fodder Mission proposed to be set up. 40 seed farms under Assam Seed Corporation Limited and Directorate of Agriculture with the allocation of ₹10 crores.
Decentralized Procurement Scheme for Kharif Marketing Season 2022-23.
150 Paddy procurement centres and at least 30 rice receiving depots to be set up.
Power Sector
₹4000 crores earmarked for Mukhya Mantri Souro Shakti Prokolpo to increase the generation of clean energy by installing solar power generation plants with an aggregated installed capacity of 1,000 Mega Watts.
₹2,127 crores for 120 MW Lower Kopili Hydro Electric Project.
Two projects of 46.5 MW on the Borpani river are in progress.
₹2500 crores earmarked for 10MW Namrup Replacement Power Project Phase-II and 100MW Namrup Gas Engine Project.
Urban Development
Amrit Guwahati Integrated Global City (Amrit GiG City) to be developed as a new-age, world-class integrated business city. Spread across 1,000 acres, it will have a world-class infrastructure for next-generation industries.
Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma presented the state budget for the financial year 2020-21 on 6th March, 2020 at the state Legislative Assam assembly. The budget aims to reduce regional imbalance among the various regions of the state and thus, it has proposed various programs and provisions for all the areas of the state. In this article we detailed about the Assam Budget 2020-21 provisions related to BaraK Valley region of Assam, which comprises of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi Districts.
Assam Budget 2020-21 : Provisions for Barak Valley (Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi Districts)
MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Government of Assam has initiated the “Establishment of Mini Secretariat at Barak Valley, Silchar, Assam”.
A budget of Rs. 10 Crore earmarked to engage quality private health institutions in Barak Valley having the specialty branches like Cardiology, Neorology etc, under Public Private Partnership mode, to cater the medical necessities of these patients. This is done considering the medical needs of the patients from the three districts of Barak Valley, viz Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi, as Barak Valley has limited number of specialist facilities and insufficient beds in the Government institutions, including Silchar Medical College.
Govt announced the “Asom Darshan” scheme in Budget 2019-20 – a comprehensive scheme to develop tourist spots and religious places of all faiths of our sacred land of Assam, glorified by Kamrup- Kamakhya, Brahmaputra and Majuli and holy places like Bhubon Teertho in Barak Valley. Govt launch this auspicious scheme on 24th February 2020 in the presence of 915 spiritual heads of various institutions from across the State – from Majuli to Madhupur, Dhubri to Sadiya, Kamrup to Cachar & Karimganj and Dima Hasao to Bodo Territorial Region. As announced in Budget 2019-20, govt will continue to provide an additional Rs.2 Lakh Annuity grant to each of the Devalayas in Financial Year 2020-21 as well.
Within the Financial Year 2020-21, seven new Government Colleges, Borkhola in Cachar, Deaithor in Karbi Anglong, Kakopathar in Tinsukia, Katlicherra in Hailakandi, Lahorighat in Morigaon, Samaguri in Nagaon and Majer Alga in South Salmara, will be made functional as necessary posts for running these colleges have already been created.
Government is going to start five new polytechnics in the State at Morigaon, Udalguri, Tinsukia, Hailakandiand Chirang during the financial year 2020-21.
Govt is putting effort to select a suitable site for Karimganj Medical College.
Acting on this vision, the Department will organize ‘Border Festivals’ at Guwahati, Tezpur, Jorhat, Hailakandi and Dhubri during Financial Year 2020-21.
Public Health Engineering Department is implementing the World Bank Funded Neer Nirmal Pariyojana, as part of this scheme water supply is being provided in a total of 63 Gram Panchayats covering 1.16 lakh households in the Districts of Kamrup (M), Jorhat and Hailakandi.
A one-time benefit extended to the students whose parents are employed with the Hindustan Paper Corporation (Nagaon & Cachar), and we will be releasing another tranche to about 3000 students within March 2020.
Assam Govt is going to bring in a legislation to make the teaching of Assamese as a compulsory subject in all English and other medium schools up to Class X. Education Department will bring the necessary bill during the current budget session to this effect. However, the proposed law will not apply for Barak Valley, Bodo inhabited areas and two hill districts administered by the sixth scheduled councils. Bring a law so that studying Assamese/ any regional languages in school a mandatory condition for securing a government job.
1. Increasing stake of Assam Government in Numaligarh Refinery Ltd
Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) is one of the most important Public Sector Undertakings (PSU) in the country today. Currently, Assam Government holds 12.35% shares.
Government of Assam to acquire an additional shareholding in NRL to take its total stake to 26%.
NRL Plan to expand to 9 Million Metric Tonne Per Annum (MMTPA) from the present 3 MMTPA capacity. Rs 1,500 crore has been earmarked for the same.
2. Anna Yojana
Free rice for 57 lakh beneficiaries under National Food Security Act which will cost the state Rs 472 crore.
3. Jyotisman Asom
Free electricity to all households whose monthly electricity consumption is up to 30 units.
Currently, 14 Lakh families consume electricity up to 30 units monthly and this initiative will immediately benefit families belonging to the bottom of the pyramid including tea garden workers, families living below poverty line and our SC-ST population.
Government will provide Rs. 300 Crore to APDCL for providing tariff relief to the general public. Besides, the State Government is also continuing the existing subsidy to around 38 Lakh Domestic-A consumers at prevailing rate of Rs. 1.01 per unit for 120 units per month.
Creation of entrepreneurial support groups of youth on the lines of NRLM SHGs.
The scheme will cover 2,00,000 youth of the state and provide them with seed capital at the rate of 50,000 per member for initiating entrepreneurial activities.
5. Chah Bagicha Dhan Puraskar Mela
7,21,485 Tea Garden workers from 752 gardens received a benefit of Rs. 5000 each during Financial Year 2018-19. To receive another Rs. 3000 each in FY 20-21.
This will drive financial inclusion of Tea Garden workers and inculcate banking habits.
6. Welfare Schemes for the Tea Tribes and Adivasi
Wage compensation for pregnant women
Wage compensation expanded from existing 6 months to 9 months.
Compensation increased to Rs. 18,000 to be paid in 6 installments.
These scheme will support pre-natal and post-natal health checkups and provide nutritional security.
Educational Benefits
10,000 as a onetime support to the Tea Tribes and Adivasi students who pass HSLC and HSC exams in 2020-21.
Students will continue to receive same benefit if they are still pursuing their academic course.
102 new high schools to ensure continuous education to children in tea gardens.
Other Schemes
34,000 youths to get Rs. 25,000 each for starting entrepreneurial activities.
Smartphones for approx. 4000 Tea Garden Sardars.
Government to facilitate gratuity payment of approx. Rs. 50,000 to Tea Workers.
300 km of roads in 300 tea garden divisions to be constructed.
Renovation of 100 football grounds in tea garden areas.
Establishment of District & Block Programme Management Units for effective implementation of schemes.
Assam finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma presented the state budget for the financial year 2019-20 on 6th February, 2019 at the state Legislative Assam assembly. This is the second digital budget of the state.
Assam Budget 2019 is dedicated to each of 3 crore & 30 lakhs population of our state, their happiness health & positivity. Each of the proposals of Assam Budget 2019 is in consonance with philosophy of Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, the greater well-being of people of this great State Assam.
Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma started Assam Budget 2019 speech by saying: ‘Itu Bitupon, Dharma Sanatan Aakexe Kirtan, Kore Sdhujon’ Magnificent and sublime is the eternal faith which inspires the noble man to sing to the holy tune!
Sector-Wise Analysis
Social Welfare
Vistarita Atal Amrit Abhiyan, a cashless healthcare scheme for families whose income is Rs.5 lakhs or less. Propose to expand the coverage of AAA.
In 2017, announced Kanaklata Mahila Sabalikaran Yojana with vision of promoting self-help groups. Provided financial support to tune of Rs 184.89 crore to 1.32 Lakh SHGs.
15 Lakh beneficiaries have been paid stipend under Deen Dayal Divyangyan Sahayjya Asoni amounting to Rs138 crore. An outlay sum of Rs200 crore for these initiatives under Assam Budget 2019 is allocated.
Indira Miri Universal Widow Pension Scheme is dedicated to Smt Indira Miri. Allocated Rs136 crore in Assam Budget 2019 to cover 40,000 families under ‘Immediate Family Assistance Scheme’ & an estimated 2.4 Lakh widows under this scheme.
Rs 25,000 immediate assistance to widows below 45 years. – A new scheme under which any woman, upto age of 45 years, who loses her husband, will receive a lump sum amount of Rs 25,000 as Immediate Family Assistance which will support the family tide over the financial vacuum created by the loss of the bread earner
Central Govt is providing Old Age Pension for 7 lakh persons & almost equal number of beneficiaries are being covered by state government. I am allocating 250 crore for the scheme with commitment to provide more funds when new beneficiaries are identified.
Govt also passed the PRANAM Act, 2017 that strongly advised government employees to assure the security of senior citizens and the elderly people do not face abuse and are never deprived of their dignity in their old age.
Govt will give one tola gold (costs around Rs 38,000 as on today) to brides belonging to all such communities of Assam where it is customary to provide gold at the time of wedding. While other parts of India is plagued with the curse of dowry, in Assamese society, this is a voluntary act of assurance from the parents that no matter where she is, their support is always with her. This constitutes a part of the Stree-dhana.”
Earmarking Rs 300 crorefor Arundhati. Benefit under Arundhati can be availed upon formal registration of marriages under Special Marriage (Assam) Rules, 1954 & will reach beneficiaries right in time for the social marriage. It will be limited to only economically weaker sections, whose ann income is below Rs 5 lakh.
New scheme will be launched where rice will be sold at Rs 1/kg; 53 lakh families to benefit.
10 lakh aid will be given to each 108 religious places of all faith that are 100 years old in the state.
Launch of Bhasha Gaurav Achoni scheme for the protection and promotion of tribal languages of the state
Proposal to mitigate 380 arsenic affected habitations and 7 fluoride affected habitations
Near 1100 families have benefited under Compassionate Family Pension Scheme.
Education
Free textbooks to students up-to degree level from present level of Class XII, for children of families having annual income below Rs 2 lakh.
E-bike for students passing class XII state board in first division. The government will also provide free uniform to students of class IX and X.
All college students from tea garden community to get Rs 10,000 monthly stipends.
Rs 200 crores earmarked for Minority Girls Scholarship Scheme in Assam Budget 2019. Minority Girls Scholarship Scheme– A step towards education of girls belonging to minority. The scheme will encourage the girls to continue higher education. This scheme will be launched from Financial Year 2019-20.
A University for Divyangjan to be set up in Boko, Kamrup district under Deen Dayal Divyang Sahayjya Asoni scheme. It is one of the biggest initiatives to aid Divyang persons.
Gyan Deepika – The government will enhance parental income level of Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 2 lakh for free admission.
CULTURE & TOURISM
Three giant statues of Assam Monarchs- Kumar Bhaskaravarman, Chaolung Siu-ka-Pha and Maharaj Nara-Narayana to be built at the state secretariat as icons of good governance.
Rs 155 crore given for the renovation of Batadrava Than, the sacred birth place of Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva, at Bordowa, Nagaon.
Rs 25 crore sanctioned for development of tombs of Ahom Kings as tourist attraction.
Rise of domestic tourist footfalls from 57,13,156 to 59,34,791 and from 28,419 to 31,739 in respect of foreign tourists
GOVERNANCE
Village headmen to get smartphones to stay connected with the district administration
SPORTS
One time cash incentive worth Rs 50,000 for a total of 2000 sports and arts personalities for their contribution.
ECONOMY
Construction of a new crude oil pipeline from Paradip Port to Numaligarh Refinery at a cost of Rs. 22,594 crore.
Rs 2200 crore sanctioned for the construction of 6-lane bridge over Brahmaputra river in Guwahati
Proposal to enhance threshold limit for registration under GST for supplier of goods to Rs 40 lakhs.
For MSME sector, annual turnover limit for availing Composition Scheme enhanced to Rs 1.5 crore
Scheme to rehabilitate boatmen who have lost jobs after the India’s two longest bridges were completed over Brahmaputra.
Rs 100 crore earmarked for developmental and employment related activities for indigenous Muslims of the state.
MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS
I. Aami Axomiya Initiative
Propose to appoint a Welfare Officer in each of the Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities which has a sizeable Assamese diaspora.
These Welfare Officers will support the distressed during times of medical emergency, provide assistance to young students to adjust to a new city and provide a temporary monetary assistance of immediate nature to those who have lost their jobs.
Further, depending on the availability of land, will also strive to construct Namghars in cities with sizeable Assamese diaspora.
Will also provide immediate logistical and financial assistance in cases of death of Assamese people living outside the State to provide the families of the deceased some succor during this time of grief.
II. Bhasha Gaurav Asoni
Protection and preservation of the rights, language and cultural traditions of the indigenous people of our state.
To ensuring that vernacular languages and dialects are preserved and promoted.
Will promote research of individual tribal languages helping them to develop grammar, publish books in their languages, and also develop dictionaries and encyclopedias in their languages. Various learning centres for the young students can
Earmarked Rs.50 crores in financial year 2019-20 out of the total budgetary commitment of Rs. 100 crore.
III. City Infrastructure Development Fund
In the Budget of 2017-18 a new scheme of City Infra Development Fund (CIDF) was
This scheme is aimed at increasing the Urban Infrastructure by carrying out infrastructure projects in 6 large cities (except Guwahati). Subsequently, the Budget of 2018-19 announced CIDF schemes of middle tier towns, having population of above 40,000.
Expanding CIDF to the 6th Scheduled areas which are the priority areas of this Government and create long felt need for amenities in the three beautiful towns namely Kokrajhar, Diphu and Haflong.
Each town under this scheme will be Rs. 100 crores.
Allocating Rs. 300 crore in the Budget for the year 2019-20 for CIDF.
IV. Incentive to the Technicians and Artists of Mobile Theatres of Assam
Provide a one-time grant of Rs. 50,000 for theatre artists and technicians, who have spent at least 5 years with the industry as a recognition of their efforts and outstanding contribution to this art form.
Earmarked a sum of 5 crore for the same Budget 2019-20.
V. One-Time Financial Assistance to 2000 leading Sports & Cultural Personalities
Hima Das and Ms. Rima Das have not just become household names across the country but have also taken the Assamese pride a notch higher with their outstanding achievements in the field of Sports and Cinema respectively.
To express appreciation to these icons and to encourage others, will give a one-time cash incentive of Rs. 50,000 each to total 2000 Sporting and Art Personalities for their contributions.
VI. Property Tax Amnesty for property owners in Guwahati
Residential and commercial buildings in Guwahati were constructed without complying with the building byelaws of Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA)
Government has decided to introduce a one-time amnesty scheme for property tax payers in Guwahati.
On voluntary declaration of their building violations, a one-time settlement and regularisation of the construction will be done against the payment of the building violation penalties.
VII. Restoration of Batadrava Than
In 1468, Srimanta Sankardev established the very first Kirtanghar of Assam at Batadrava for propagation of the Ek Saran Nam Dharma founded by him to bring together our people, breaking the barriers of caste, race or ethnicity.
He built the ‘Monikut’ together with Kirtanghar or Namghar and the Chari-Hati for accommodation of his disciples. This institution complex, now called as Sri Sri Batadrava Than, was completed in 1509.
The condition of Sri Sri Batadrava Than currently has deteriorated due to lack of proper maintenance.
Even the land belonging to this sacred Than was under encroachment which our Government has freed. It is overdue that this place is renovated and brought back to its original glory!
Propose an amount of Rs. 155 crore over the next 3 years.
VIII. Mobile Phones for Gaon Burahs
Gaon Burahs play a major role in maintaining the peace and brotherhood in rural Assam.
Propose to provide each of the 8000+ Gaon Burahs with smart phones.
Allocated Rs. 4 crore for this initiative in this year’s budget.
IX. Charaideo Maidams
Charaideo Maidams are an intrinsic part of the Assamese culture and an important archaeological asset of the State.
There have been calls for the sight to be listed as UNESCO World Heritage site. Steps will also be taken to promote this site as a major tourist attraction of the State and will initiate the efforts towards listing the site as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For the development of this important of this historical site, earmarked Rs.25 crores in this Budget and the Cultural Affairs Department will implement this scheme in consultation with the stakeholders.
X. Package for Integrated Development of Majuli Island (PIDMI)
Majuli is indeed at the heart of the Assam’s cultural heritage.
However, due to the perennial floods in the mighty Brahmaputra, this river island is gradually eroding.
Will provide a funding of Rs. 150 crore over medium term. Earmarking a sum of Rs. 50 crore for the integrated development of Majuli in this year’s budget.
XI. State Level Mega Skill Development Scheme
The Government plans to provide comprehensive skill training to the youth of the State so that they can obtain gainful employment in different priority sectors.
Earmark Rs. 77 crore for this scheme for the year 2019-20.
XII. Dharmajyoti Scheme
Government of Assam has been providing 50% subsidy to pilgrims who visit various holy places related to Assamese culture and heritage.
To ensure that more people are able to visit these temples government has decided to increase the subsidy for this scheme to 75% from 2019-20 and I am earmarking sufficient budget for this.
XIII. Statues of Kumar Bhaskaravarman, Chaolung Siu-Ka-Pha and Maharaj Nara-Narayana
Assam has seen some legendary rulers during the last millennium, the most prominent and well-known among them are Kumar Bhaskarvarman, most illustrious of the monarchs of the ancient kingdom of Kamarupa, the founder of the Ahom Kingdom – Chaolung Siu-Ka-Pha, and the last ruler of the undivided Koch Kingdom – Maharaj Nara Narayana
it is essential to remember the great rulers of our State and to this effect, govt. have decided to install giant statues of Kumar Bhaskaravarman, Chaolung Siu-Ka-Pha, and Maharaj Nara-Narayana in the Assam Secretariat Complex.
XIV. Initiatives for Preserving Cultural Heritage
Govt announce the following initiatives:
(a) Swargadeo Smriti Khetra at Charaideo in memory of the 42 great swargadeos of the Ahom Dynasty
(b) Siu-ka-pha Chair in Dibrugarh University in the memory of Siu-Ka-Pha, the first Ahom king and founder of the Ahom kingdom
(c) Museum in the name of Motok King Sarbananda Singha who is one of our royal icons.
(d) Will create Samannay Khetra in the name of Sati Radhika in Majuli, Sati Sadhini in Sadia and Bhimbor Deori samannay khetra in Bihpuria
(e) Viswa Mahabir Chilarai Sanskritik Kala Ketra in North Guwahati
(f) Govt will also develop the second capital of Ahom Kingdom – Habung, established by Chaolung Siu-Ka-Pha, as international research destination for Tai-Ahom culture.
XV. Relief package for boatmen, restaurant, etc. affected by the opening of Dhola-Sadia and Bogibeel Bridges
The inauguration of the Dhola-Sadia and Bogibeel Bridges has been a moment of pride and a boon for most of us in the State has also brought misfortune for the boatmen, restaurant owners and others who have lost their income sources.
In order to ensure that they are not left with a source of income our Government has decided to rehabilitate such individuals with an alternate source of income through the enterprise of the Inland Water Transport Department and govt earmarked Rs. 5 crore initially, for this scheme in this year’s budget.
XVI. Incentives for organizing Assamese traditional sports
During the last two years, government has made sincere efforts for the upgradation of sports infrastructure in Assam with our vision of making Guwahati as the ‘Sports Capital of India’.
will devote equal attention towards encouraging our traditional Assamese sports such as Nau Khel, Kaar Khel, Kori Khel, Ghila Khel Maal juj, Haatur, etc. which are extremely popular among our people.
Government has decided to organize a Traditional Sports Festival in Assam in 2019-20, along with taking other initiatives to showcase the richness of our traditional sports.
XVII. Training facility for UPSC/APSC exams for young students
Government focuses in providing training facilities for UPSC & APSC exams for the students of these communities.
Last year, introduced an initiative for providing UPSC/APSC training facilities for the students from the tea tribes and this year, will set up similar facility for the students from the Moran and Motok communities.
XVIII. Formation of new district
Govt have decided to create a separate new district from the existing Dima Hasao district considering its large geography and hilly terrain which makes the access of government services difficult for the citizens.
XIX. Beneficiaries Data Hub for the State of Assam
Announced the setting up of a Beneficiaries Data Hub in the state. This system would be housed within the Finance Department, and would be given better shape with the help of other departments like IT, P&RD, Social Welfare, Health, Education, etc.
XX. Provision of Additional Classrooms, Partition Walls, and Electricity in Elementary Schools
NABARD has approved Rs.438 crores for Financial Year 18-19 for the improvement of the schools and the work will start very soon.
In 2018, Govt conducted the 2nd round of Gunotsav in 33 districts covering nearly 36 Lakh children from Class-II to Class-IX, to assess the qualitative achievement level of learners in terms of scholastic and co-scholastic aspect and infrastructural assessment of the school and remedial measures on the gaps identified and to provide remedial Support thereof.
In continuance of endeavour to bridge the infrastructural gaps in our schools, earmarking a sum of Rs.219 crore for this scheme in budget 2019-20.
XXI. Incentives for ANM and GNM in Rural Areas
The rate of Infant Mortality (IMR) and Maternal Mortality (MMR) has seen a steady decline over the past decade.
From an IMR of 67 of 1000 in 2006, this has come down to 44 (out of every 1000 births) in 2016, while the MMR has come down from 480 deaths (out of every 100000 births) in 2006 to 237 in 2016.
Announcing an allowance of Rs. 1500 per month for every GNM and Rs. 750 per month for every ANM as rural allowance on the lines of a similar allowance already being given to the doctors posted in far flung areas.
XXII. Creation of Development Corporation for Indigenous Muslims
The Indigenous Muslims of Assam – Goria, Moria, Ujani, Deshi, Jola, Poimal, Syed, etc.- have always played an extremely important role in the social and economic progress of the State.
Will establish a Development Corporation for the Indigenous Muslims which will take up various programs aimed at the holistic development of this section of the society, including self-employment activities, provisioning banking linkages etc.
Allocated a sum of Rs. 100 crore for taking up various developmental and employment related activities.
XXIII. Solidarity Fund to Meghalaya for National Games, 2022
Assam hosted the National Games in the year 2007 and extend our support to Meghalaya and wish them the very best for organizing the ‘Best-ever’ National Games.
To this effect, as a goodwill gesture, Assam would like to give a solidarity fund of Rs. 10 crore to the Government of Meghalaya.
XXIV. Developmental Initiatives for Positive Engagement of Society
To actively create various opportunities for positive engagement of youth residing in the Tinsukia – Charaideo – Dibrugarh area.
These districts are mostly inhabited by our indigenous communities such as Moran, Motok, etc. The funds allocated for these schemes will be utilized for initiatives in the fields of sports, skill development, livelihoods and entrepreneurship, and importantly, emotional connect with special outreach programmes such as development of monuments, construction of statues, preservation of historical sites, etc.
Earmarked a sum of Rs. 500 crore for this important scheme and providing a sum of Rs.100 crore in the current budget.
XXV. Special Grants to VIth Schedule Areas
As an indication of commitment to the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), promised a sum of Rs. 1000 crore as special grant over a period of three years, Govt have already released funds worth Rs. 600 crores so far.
Started the construction of Kokrajhar Medical College with an outlay of Rs. 382.70 crore.
During this financial year, will take two other important initiatives viz. setting up of a Sports College in Kokrajhar and a Forest School in Chirang.
Will provide funds of Rs. 300 crore to BTC and will provide an additional infrastructure support of Rs.50 crore in BTC area.
In Karbi Anglong, promised a special grant of Rs. 10 crore for each of the 26 constituencies of Autonomous Councils. Shall release the remaining sum of Rs. 160 crore in year 2019-20 thereby fulfilling our commitment.
Almost completed the construction of Diphu Medical College and hope to start the Medical College Hospital in 2019-20.
Announced several projects for developing Dima Hasao into a model district and also taken up preparatory works for setting up a Civil Services Academy for the officers of Assam Civil Services cadres in Umrangso. Would also like to allocate an additional Rs. 10 crore for various development projects under each of the 26 constituencies of Autonomous Councils over a period of three years. Allocated an initial sum of Rs. 87 crore in the current budget for these schemes.
XXVI. Employee Welfare Measures
Some of the employee benefit related initiatives launched and the outcomes of those:
(a) In Budget 2017-18, implemented the 7th Pay commission awards for all the
government employees. All arrears on account of this have also been paid in the last financial year.
(b) Bidyalakshmi Scheme which was announced in 2017-18, banks have so far disbursed educational loans of over Rs. 30 crores benefitting hundreds of young students.
(c) Under the Apun Ghar scheme which was announced in the Budget 2016-17, loans for 19,261 new homes of the employees amounting to Rs. 2288 crores have been sanctioned.
(d) Under the Compassionate Family Pension scheme announced in the budget 2017-18, ensured sustained income to the family of the deceased employee by providing full pay of the deceased employee to the family.
Announce some additional schemes for the welfare of government employees:
(a) Extending Apun Ghar interest subvention on all the home loans taken prior to the launch of Apun Ghar scheme.
(b) A Cashless Health Assurance scheme for government employees will be rolled out from this year which will also enable them treatment across leading hospitals in India.
(c) Under the National Pension System (NPS), the mandatory contribution by the Government for its employees covered under NPS Tier-I account will be increased from 10% to 14% in line with the decision of Government of India.
(d) The Gyan Deepika scheme announced in this budget, students who have taken higher education loans from the banks will receive a one-time grant of Rs. 50,000.
(e) Under the Aapunar Apun Ghar scheme announced in this budget, providing home loan subsidy to all the citizens of Assam who opt for loans under this scheme. Thus, any Government employee who does not wish to avail loan under Apun Ghar scheme can opt for the benefits under the Aapunar Apun Ghar scheme.
XXVII. Assamese as a subject in schools
Presently, there is no compulsion on the part of a student to study Assamese language while pursuing education in Assam.
Propose that in Class IX and X, a student has to take Assamese subject as Modern Indian Language (MIL) or as Elective subject except in Sixth Schedule areas and Barak Valley.
FISCAL SCENARIO
Fiscal deficit rises to 2 per cent in 2017-18 from 2.4 per cent in 2016-17, primarily due to the implementation of the recommendation of the 7th Pay Commission.
Budget of estimated Rs. 99418.91 crore, but no additional tax.
Revenue account Rs 79742.26 crore
Capital account Rs 19676.65 crore
Assam will cross Rs 70,000 crore in expenditure, a new mark in the state. The revenue earning has increased by 20 per cent.
Breakup of Revenue Receipt for the year 2019-20 –
During the financial year 2019-20, the revenue of the State is estimated at Rs.294981.13 Crore, out of which Rs.98339.05 Crore is from the Consolidated Fund, Rs.100.00 Crore is from the Contingency Fund and Rs. 194855.42 Crore from the Public Account.
Breakup of Expenditure for the year 2019-20 –
Out of the total estimated expenditure of Rs.294374.33 Crore during 2019-20, out of which Rs.99418.91 Crore is from the Consolidated Fund, Rs.100.00 Crore is from the Contingency Fund and Rs.194855.42 Crore from the Public Account.
Glossary of Terms
Consolidated Fund
All revenues received by the Government including tax and non-tax revenues, loans raised and repayment of loans given (including the interest thereon) form the Consolidated Fund. All expenditure and disbursements of the Government, including release of loans and repayments of loans taken (and the interest thereon), are met from this fund.
Contingency Fund
A reserve fund set aside for possible unforeseen expenditure and established under Article 267(2) of the Constitution. It is an imprest placed at the disposal of the Governor.
Public Account
All public moneys received, other than those credited to the Consolidated Fund, are accounted for under the Public Account. In respect of such receipts, Government acts as a banker or trustee. The Public Account comprises of repayable like Small Savings and Provident Funds, Reserve Fund, Deposits and Advances, Suspense and Miscellaneous transaction (adjusting entries pending booking to fi nal heads of account), Remitances between accounting entitiees, and Cash Balance.
Deficit
Refers to the gap between Revenue and Expenditure. The kind of defi cit, how the defi cit is fi nanced, and applica on of funds are important indicators of prudence in Financial Management.
Revenue Deficit/ Surplus
Refers to the gap between Revenue Receipts and Revenue Expenditure. Revenue Expenditure is required to maintain the existing establishment of Government and ideally, should be fully met from Revenue Receipts.
Types of Receipts
Tax Revenue
Comprises taxes collected and retained by the State and State’s share of Union taxes under Article 280(3) of the Constitution.
Non-Tax Revenue
Includes interest receipts, dividends, profits etc.
Grants-in-Aid
Essentially, a form of Central Assistance to the State Government from the Union Government. Includes ‘External Grant Assistance’ and ‘Aid Material and Equipment’ received from foreign governments and channelized through the Union Government. In turn, the State Governments also give Grants-in-aid to institutions like 6th Schedule Councils, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Autonomous Bodies etc.
Capital Receipts
These are loans raised by the Government from the public (these are termed as market loans), borrowings by the Government from the Reserve Bank of India and other parties through the sale of Treasury Bills, the loans received from foreign Governments and bodies, disinvestment receipts and recoveries of loans from State and Union Territory Governments and other parties.
Expenditure is classified as Revenue Expenditure and Capital Expenditure.
Revenue Expenditure
Revenue Expenditure is an amount to meet the day-to-day running of the Government departments and for rendering of various services, making interest payments on debt, meeting subsidies, etc.
Capital Expenditure
Capital Expenditure is an amount to create permanent assets, or to enhance the utility of such assets, or to reduce permanent liabilities. Examples of capital expenditure are acquisition of assets like land, buildings, machinery, equipment, investments in shares, etc.
Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on March 12, 2018 presented Assam Budget 2018-19, the state’s first e-Budget at the legislative Assembly. The state Budget presented in the electronic format and each legislator will be provided with a tablet (computer) with details of the Budget during discussions and cut motion on the Budget inside the House. This unique digital budget will also be the first one in the country to be drafted with citizens’ participation and streamed on social media and is made available on Google app. The proceedings of the Assam budget presentation will also go live on Twitter and Facebook.
Receipts
Rs 90,673.42 crore under the Consolidated Fund, of which Rs 74,118.50 crore is on Revenue Account and the remaining Rs 16,554.92 crore is under Capital Account. Contingency Fund of 100.00 crore and Public Account of 290914.84crore. Total receipt of 381688.26 crore.
Expenditure
Consolidated Fund 90269.92 crore , Contingency Fund of 100.00 crore and Public Account of 290318.35 crore. Total Expenditure estimated at 380688.27 crore.
Handloom, Textile and Sericulture Department – 5082 Crore
Industries and Commerce Department– 839 Crore
Irrigation Department– 1700 Crore
Panchayat and Rural Development – 5808 Crore
Border Areas Department – Rs 161 Crore
Co Operation Department – Rs 156.99 Crore
Cultural Affairs Department – Rs 155.83 Crore
Environment and Forest Department – Rs 505 Crore
Food and Civil Supplies Department – Rs 877 Crore
General Administration Department – Rs 727 Crore
Hill Areas Department – Rs 161.39 crore
Home and Political Department – Rs 5584 crore
Judicial Department – Rs 582 Crore
Legislative Department – Rs 45 Crore
Public Health Engineering Department – Rs 2661 Crore
Revenue and Disaster Management Department – Rs 1565 Crore
Social Welfare Department – Rs 2098 Crore
Sports and Youth Welfare Department – Rs 163 Crore
Tourism Department – Rs 81 Crore
Industry-wise analysis of Assam Budget 2018-19
Tea Industry
Cess on green tea leaves completely exempted. In the previous two budgets, the cess had been reduced from 25 paise to 10 paise per kg green tea leaf in two phases.
Rs 7 crore earmarked for digitizing mode of payment in Tea Gardens. Each Sardar, around 20,000 in total, to be provided with a smartphone of around Rs 3000-5000.
Rs 99 Crore for payment of outstanding PF dues, gratuity, arrear wages, salary, bonus, etc. of a retired worker & staff of Assam Tea Corporation
Token provision of Rs 20 crore to construct paver block roads along labour lines in all Tea Gardens in Assam
Rs 120 crore earmarked for Phase 2 of Chah Bagicha Dhan Puraskar aru Jeevan Suraksha Yojana. Rs 2500 has already been transferred to tea garden employees across 752 Tea Gardens during Chah Bagicha Dhan Purashkar Mela, launched in January 2018.
Agriculture Sector & Food
Exemption limits under the Agriculture Income Tax Act raised up to 2.5 lakh from the exemption limit of Rs 1 lakh and the other tax slabs have already been rationalized.
Rs 50 crore earmarked for Price Stabilization Fund which will provide cushion for consumers from price fluctuations in essential commodities
To activate inactive Kisan Credit Card accounts, a one-time cash incentive of Rs 3000 per inactive KCC holding farmer, if he renews the card.
For the agriculture sector, zero interest on crop loans, debt relief for farmers and financial assistance for farm implements.
Education
Govt to set Media Fellowship for pursuing higher studies in journalism so that 20 journalists can be selected for this fellowship at rate of Rs 50,000 each. One-time grant of Rs 10 lakh.
100 meritorious girl students studying in Polytechnics and Engineering colleges will be given a scholarship of Rs. 30,000 per year.
New Colleges at Baksa, Udalguri and Chirang Women Colleges at Mangaldoi, Hailakandi and Karimganj.
Polytechnic Colleges at Majuli, Tingkhong and Hajo
10 New B.Ed Colleges to be established (Karbi Anglong, Bongaigaon, Baksa, Nalbari, Kamrup, Morigaon, Dima-Hasao, Sivasagar, Biswanath, Lakhimpur)
9 New Women’s Law Colleges in Assam (Sonari, Senga, Batadrawa, Jaleswar, Golokganj, Bilasipara, Mangaldoi, Hailakandi and Karimganj ).
Rs 980 crore for Schools
Rs 256 crore under the ‘Tejasvi Nav-adhitam-astu Edu-Infra Funds (TNEIF)’ for infrastructure development of leading colleges.
Rs 250 crore allotted to scholarship scheme for girl students Rs 2000, Rs 4000, Rs 6000 and Rs 10,000 for girl students between class 10 to Post Graduation.
Rs 250 crore allotted for the Kanaklata Mahila Sabalikaran Yojana.
Scooties for 5000 girls securing the top 5000 position in HS Exam Results, 2018. Earlier the scheme had covered 1000 girls.
Reservation of two seats in our medical colleges for students from other North-Eastern states that do not have a State medical college.
Higher Education Department has also identified two clusters of leading colleges to be upgraded and developed into two New cluster universities one each in Jorhat and Guwahati. Jorhat cluster University will consist of JB college, Bahona College, DCB Girls college & CKB Commerce College and Guwahati cluster University will consist of Arya Vidyapeeth College, B Barooah College, Handique Girls College, Gauhati Commerce College & Pragjyotish College.
Legislation to be proposed for Regulation of Private Educational Institutions and Appropriate payment structure to be worked out for Teachers and allied functionaries in such institutions.
Rs 25 crore earmarked for Pratyahban scheme to be launched for selected Private Schools on the lines on Gunotsav.
Skill Development & Employment Generation
13,000 urban youths to be trained under Deendayal Antyodoya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM)
Rs 5 crore for providing Self Employment grants to Educated Youths under Atal Atma Sansthapon Yojana
Rs 10 crore allocated for Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) set up by the NITI Aayog, at the Secondary School Level. The Laboratories are dedicated work spaces where young minds are exposed to the latest technological advancements. ATLs to be set up in 50 government schools on a pilot basis.
Govt will invest Rs 14,800 per individual under skills training program
Rs 300 crore allotted for Swami Vivekananda Assam Youth Empowerment Yojana (SVAYEM) which envisages to provide financial assistance to young entrepreneurs.
Surrendered Cadres of insurgent outfits to be provided loans up to Rs 2 Lakhs and skill training under the SVAYEM Scheme.
Rs 77 crore has been allotted for State Level Mega Skill Development Scheme wherein Rs 14, 800 will be invested per individual. The state has set a target of empowering 1.5 lakh youth over a period of 3 years through this scheme.
Kanaklata Mahila Sabalikaran Yojana – A scheme to promote at least one lakh self-sustainable, self-help groups (SHGs) in the State through loan and capital subsidy will be launched in the upcoming financial year.
Treasury Challan system for third and fourth grade jobs has been terminated. Upper Age Limit extended from 38 to 44 for third and fourth grade employees, this however won’t be applicable in Police, Home Guards, Defence and Fire Dept.
Rs 10 crore allocated for readying Engineering and Commerce graduates for employment. ERP majors like SAP to establish 10 Centres of Excellence with intake capacity of about 5000 Engineering and Commerce graduates over a period of 3 years.
Health Sector
Rs 16 crore allocated under Sanjeevani- Village Health Outreach Program in 7680 villages of Assam
Salary allowances of Anganwadi workers and ASHA workers to be increase by Rs 1000 and of Anganwadi Helpers by Rs 500
Rs 250 Crore earmarked for Deen Dayal Divyang Xahajya Achoni which provides assistance for medical treatment of persons with disabilities. Around 1.4 Lakh differently abled persons received assistance of Rs 5000 per person in 2017-18.
Rs 400 crore allocated for Atal Amrit Abhiyan, which will cover about 92% of Assam’s total population one of the largest universal health assurance schemes in the world. With 1.6 crore beneficiaries already enrolled under this scheme, almost all major hospitals across India from Medanta Medicity to Apollo Bengaluru have been empaneled.
Rs 4 crore earmarked for Swastha Sewa Utsav and Gram Utsav to carry out an assessment of the Public Heakth Institutions of the State.
Inclusive Cancer Control Programme: A Partnership with Tata Trusts – An entire sum of Rs 980 crore has been allocated in one go, during the Financial Year 2018-19
Six Government Medical Colleges and 11 District Hospitals will be strengthened by 2019 to provide varying degrees of cancer care.
Sports
Each panchayat will be given Re 25,000 to organize Gaon Panchayat level Football tournament
Rs 5 crore each for installing flood lights in stadium in Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Karimganj, Diphu, Mangaldai, Tezpur & Tinsukia thereby strengthening rural sports infrastructure.
Wages, Salaried Class & Pension Schemes
Daily Wage of Home Guards to increase from Rs 250 per day to Rs 300 per day. The enhanced wages will start from FY 2018-19.
Rs 400 crore allocated for Universalization of Old Age Pension Scheme under PRANAM Act. A pension scheme that covers each and every senior citizen of the State, irrespective of whether they are above poverty line or below poverty line. Each elderly citizen will be entitled to a monthly pension of Rs.250 per month.
Financial assistance in form of a onetime grant of Rs 5 Lakh to families of the staff members who die in harness. Rs 45 crore against various societies.
Pension Scheme for Journalists- ‘Journalist Family Benefit Fund (JFBF)’ for providing financial assistance to the bereaved family members of journalists who may have lost their lives while on duty. Rs.100 lakh sanctioned for this purpose and also adequate Budget Provision for this are being made in the budget 2018-19.
UGC pay scales to Teachers across Degree Colleges, Universities and Technical & Medical Institutions.
Salary Hike for Contractual Teachers, to hike from 15500 to 20000.
Law and Order
6 tourist PS, 1 each at KazirangaNationalPark, ManasNationalPark (Barpeta), DibruSaikhowaNational Park (Tinsukia), NameriNationalPark (Sonitpur), OrangNationalPark (Rowta), and one at Guwahati.
Rs 100 crore in the financial year 2018-19 for Mission for Overall Improvement of Thana for Responsive Image (MOITRI).
Girls (Gender Budgeting)
Girls in Assam (age 12-20) with family income below Rs 5 lakh can avail of an annual stipend of Re 600 which will be directly transferred to her bank a/c linked to their DOB. Payments will automatically stop once they reach 20 years
Govt proposes to cover 5 lakh girls during the financial year 2018-19 under the monthly stipend for purchase of sanitary napkins. A sum of Rs 30 crore has been earmarked for this scheme.
New scholarship scheme for girl children belonging to the Minority Communities. Annual scholarship of Rs. 2,000, Rs. 4,000, Rs. 6,000, Rs. 10,000 for girl students belonging to minority community studying in class 10th, 11th-12th, graduation & post-graduation, respectively.
Business & Industry
Rs 100 crore allotted to MSME Credit Guarantee Scheme wherein the amount will be parked in a credit guarantee fund and will cover upto 50% of the loan amount taken from scheduled banks and RRBs for loans upto Rs 50 lakh.
The guarantee will cover up to 50 percent of loan amount taken from scheduled commercial banks & RRBs for loans up to Re 50 Lakh.
Rs 17.5 crore to be allocated for revival of Sarthebari Bell Metal and other such industrial clusters. Rs 50 lakh subsidy for reopening a closed Cinema Hall and Rs 25 lakh as subsidy for renovating existing halls to be provided.
A subsidy of 25% of the capital cost for the establishment of New Cinema Halls will also be given
The budget proposed a levy of electricity duty at 5 per cent on ad valorem basis and 1 per cent increase on stamp duty registration fee for transactions in immoveable properties.
The budget also proposed to increase the tender fee from Rs 8.25 to Rs 100 for tenders up to Rs 20 lakh and Rs 500 for tenders beyond Rs 20 Lakh.
Infrastructure & Development Work
Rs 150 crore allocated for conversion of 1000 Timber Bridges across rural Assam into RCC Bridges
City Infrastructure Development Fund (CIDF): Rs 200 crore to be earmarked for improvement of roads and drainage in 8 cities (other than Guwahati), with the population above 40000 (Census 2011).
Uttoron State Government Signature Projects for Legislative Constituencies: Over next 3 years, Gov will select 2 villages in each of the 126 assembly constituencies which would then be supported as model villages with holistic, inclusive social & economic development as fundamental objectives. Under the Axom Adarxo Gram Yojana, Rs 50 lakh, therefore, to be allocated to each of the two model villages.
Construction of a 6 lane bridge with an estimated cost of Rs 1950 cr, which will connect Panbazar with North Guwahati.
Rs 15 crore earmarked for State Innovation Fund which will enable Deputy Commissioners to finance innovative grassroots solutions to local governance issues.
Rs 200 crore allocated for reconstruction and maintenance of Roads and RCC Bridges under the Axom Mala Program for State Highway and Major District Road Improvement and Reconstruction in line with ‘Bharat Mala’. The fund will also include continuous field data collection and sustenance of Road Asset Management System.
18 Crore announced for Mega Skill City.
Rs 10 crore earmarked for infrastructure development of 100 Foreigner’s Tribunal offices spread across the state. Each FT Office will be receiving Rs 10 lakh each.
Rs 20 crore allocated as token provision to development of road infrastructure along labour lines in tea gardens.
42 New Fire Dept Offices to be set up in Assam.
Token Amount of Rs 20 crore earmarked for Road Improvement Projects in villages under Sansad Adarsha Gram Yojana (SAGY).
Rs 68.54 crore allocated for equity infusion for expansion of Capital Projects Assam Petro-Chemicals Limited.
Environment & Sustainable Development
An amount of Rs 5 crore has been earmarked as seed money to create an Assam Climate Change Management Society to monitor Climate Change related matters and to co ordinate mitigating efforts.
Rs 8 crore allocated for a botanical garden at Kaziranga to put the state on the Orchid Map of the Country.
CM Adarsh Dweep Yojna – Special Scheme for Power Conservationm, 52 lakh families will get 4 bulbs each of 9W LED Bulbs.
Miscellaneous
Rs 91 Crore allocated for carrying out of NRC works for 2018-19
ssam Government has constituted a commitee to examine the anomalies in 7th APPPC report. The report is under examination and the grievances of the employees will be resolved shortly.
North East Foundation, which will act as a think tank for the region to be set up. Assam Government will take lead in establishment of this foundation and will provide seed funding as a goodwill gesture.
Rs 3 crore allocated for Social Media Presence for the Government Departments. Social Media Cell to be established in every department.
The famous flag lowering ceremony at the Wagah border in Punjab will be replicated at the international border points in Assam. Government has decided to develop border infrastructure on similar lines with an allocation of Rs 5 crore in four districts – Cachar, Karimganj, Dhubri and South Salmara.
Paying homage to the 140 martyrs of Patharughat peasants’ uprising on the rebellion’s 125th anniversary this year, the Assam government proposed a slew of incentives and schemes to help the farming community in the state. The last year’s budget also had focused on the agriculture sector, including the Chief Minister’s Samagra Gramya Unnayan Yojana (CMSGUY) which aims to double the farm income, and other measures such as Zero-Interest crop loans to farmers, financial incentives for farmers using Kisan Credit Cards. To activate inactive Kisan Credit Card accounts, a one-time cash incentive of Rs 3000 per inactive KCC holding farmer, if he renews the card.
Rs 5 crore allocated for development of Assam Bamboo Experience Centres (ABECs) at Assam Bhawans/ Houses in various cities alongwith Guwahati and district headquarters of the state.
NOTE – Andhra Pradesh is the first state to introduce e-budget. The e-budget documents could only be accessed by the legislators and were not available in the public domain. But Assam Budget 2018-19 is the first one in India to be drafted with citizens’ participation and streamed on social media and is made available on Google app. The proceedings of the Assam budget presentation will also go live on Twitter and Facebook.
