Guwahati, Feb 18: The North East India Regional Council of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has welcomed the Assam Interim Budget 2026–27, describing it as fiscally prudent and growth-oriented, while ensuring continuity in governance ahead of the Assembly elections.
The Interim Budget (Vote on Account), presented by Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog in the Assam Legislative Assembly, outlines a total outlay of Rs 62,294.78 crore. ICC stated that the financial framework enables essential expenditure during the initial months of the new financial year until a full budget is introduced by the newly elected government. The Chamber observed that the document maintains fiscal discipline while protecting ongoing welfare schemes and infrastructure commitments, thereby ensuring administrative stability during the transition period.
Mahesh Saharia, Chairman of the ICC North East India Regional Council, said the Interim Budget for 2026–27 establishes a responsible financial structure that prioritises governance continuity, infrastructure expansion and inclusive socio-economic development. He noted that the sustained emphasis on capital expenditure, welfare delivery and economic expansion reflects a balanced strategy to maintain growth momentum while adhering to fiscal prudence.
Saharia particularly appreciated the continuation of key welfare initiatives such as the Nijut Moina Scheme, Nijut Babu Scheme, Chief Minister’s Jibon Prerana Scheme and Pragyan Bharti Scheme. He stated that consistent investment in education, youth empowerment and financial support strengthens human capital formation and promotes inclusive development across the state.
He also highlighted the government’s ongoing focus on infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, connectivity enhancement and urban development. According to him, improved physical infrastructure is crucial for boosting logistics efficiency, attracting investment and deepening Assam’s integration with regional and national markets.
Addressing sectoral concerns, Saharia noted that Assam’s tea industry is currently facing structural and market-related challenges. Given the sector’s importance as the state’s largest employer, with a significant proportion of women workers, he emphasised the need for a long-term policy roadmap to enhance competitiveness, productivity and financial stability. He pointed out that certain support measures and subsidies approved under existing schemes remain pending for several planters, and timely disbursal would provide immediate liquidity support and restore confidence within the industry. He expressed hope that the forthcoming full budget would address these concerns.
Saharia further remarked that steady growth in Assam’s Gross State Domestic Product and rising per capita income reflect strengthening economic fundamentals. He said the government’s vision of transforming Assam into a ₹10 lakh crore economy by 2028 signals confidence in the state’s industrial expansion and growth potential.
Sarat Kumar Jain, Chairman of the ICC Assam and Meghalaya State Committee, described the Interim Budget as a responsible transitional document that ensures uninterrupted public service delivery and development activities. He observed that maintaining fiscal discipline during an election year underscores the government’s commitment to sound economic management.
ICC reiterated its commitment to collaborate with the Government of Assam and industry stakeholders to support effective implementation of development initiatives, expressing optimism that the full budget to be presented after the Assembly elections will further accelerate industrial growth, investment promotion and economic diversification in the state.
