Union Budget 2026 to Boost Assam, Northeast: Himanta Biswa Sarma

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday described the Union Budget 2026–27 as a reform-driven exercise that balances India’s global ambitions with region-specific development, asserting that several key measures will have a direct and positive impact on Assam and the wider Northeast.

Reacting to the Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Sarma said the proposals create meaningful opportunities for the eastern region by strengthening fiscal support, accelerating infrastructure development and expanding employment-oriented initiatives. He noted that the Budget’s emphasis on both long-term growth and grassroots outcomes would allow Assam and neighbouring states to benefit more equitably from national economic progress.

Compliments to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji and Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt @nsitharaman Ji for presenting the #ViksitBharatBudget2026, which strikes a fine balance between India’s global aspirations and grassroots development.

Assam and the Eastern region stand…

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) February 1, 2026

A major takeaway for Assam, the Chief Minister said, was the Centre’s formal acceptance of the 16th Finance Commission recommendations. This, he pointed out, is expected to raise Assam’s share in tax devolution from 3.128 per cent to 3.258 per cent, enhancing the State’s fiscal capacity to undertake development projects. The decision will also result in a substantial increase in overall transfers to States, providing them greater financial flexibility.

Welcoming the Budget’s focus on future-ready industries, Sarma said targeted investments in sectors such as semiconductors, electronics manufacturing, data centres, chemical parks and rare earths would generate new employment avenues, particularly for young people. He added that such sectors align with Assam’s aspirations to integrate more deeply with emerging national and global value chains.

The Chief Minister also praised the proposal to establish Self-Help Entrepreneur (SHE) Marts across the country, describing it as a boost to women-led economic initiatives. He said the move complements Assam’s ongoing efforts under the Mukhyamantrir Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan to build a strong network of Lakhpati Didis, with SHE-Marts serving as dedicated marketing platforms for products made by women’s self-help groups.

On skilling and employment, Sarma said the Budget’s renewed focus on industry-linked training, especially in healthcare, artificial intelligence and allied sectors, aligns closely with Assam’s vision of emerging as a reliable hub for skilled professionals. He welcomed the Centre’s push for demand-driven skilling programmes that connect education more directly with employment opportunities.

The Chief Minister further lauded targeted interventions for fisheries, commercial farming and the rejuvenation of Amrit Sarovars, stating that these initiatives would benefit farmers, cooperatives and rural communities across Assam. He said such measures would strengthen the rural economy while enhancing agricultural productivity.

Tourism and urban development also featured prominently in Sarma’s response. He said the announcement of new tourism circuits in the Northeast, combined with investments in infrastructure and public transport in Tier-II and Tier-III towns, would significantly improve connectivity and support Assam’s urbanisation drive. He also welcomed the Budget’s emphasis on the Orange Economy, noting that policy and institutional backing for cultural, creative and digital content industries would open new opportunities for artists, creators and young entrepreneurs in the region.

Highlighting healthcare initiatives, Sarma welcomed the decision to upgrade the National Mental Health Institute at Tezpur, calling it a crucial step towards strengthening specialised and tertiary healthcare services in Assam. The upgrade forms part of the Centre’s broader plan to enhance advanced healthcare infrastructure across the country.

The Chief Minister also underscored the importance of the ₹2 lakh crore allocation under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme, saying it would accelerate infrastructure projects across Assam. He further welcomed the allocation of ₹6,812 crore for the development of the Northeast, describing it as a reaffirmation of the Centre’s sustained focus on the region.

Sarma concluded by commending the Budget’s continued emphasis on fiscal discipline and price stability, stating that responsible macroeconomic management alongside targeted regional development makes the Union Budget 2026–27 particularly significant for Assam and the Northeast.

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