Guwahati: Assam Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah is set to present the first full-fledged Budget of the Himanta Biswa Sarma government’s second term in the Legislative Assembly on Friday, setting out the state’s fiscal and development priorities after the BJP returned to power for a third consecutive term.
Having presented only a vote-on-account ahead of the Assembly elections, the government is now expected to unveil its full Budget, outlining its approach to industrial growth, employment generation, infrastructure development, agriculture and welfare spending.
Industry is expected to feature prominently, with the Budget likely to build on recent investment commitments in sectors such as semiconductors, electronics, food processing, renewable energy, logistics and petrochemicals. Fresh incentives aimed at converting investment proposals into operational projects and further improving the ease of doing business are also anticipated.
Employment generation is expected to remain a key focus, with allocations likely for skill development, entrepreneurship and employment-linked initiatives to support the state’s expanding manufacturing and services sectors.
The Budget is also expected to provide support for traditional sectors, including handloom and handicrafts, through measures aimed at improving market access, technology adoption and financial assistance.
Agriculture is likely to remain a priority, with expected allocations for irrigation, mechanisation, value addition, crop diversification and market connectivity to strengthen rural livelihoods and improve farm incomes.
The government is also expected to continue its emphasis on welfare schemes delivered through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), particularly those targeting women, students, farmers and economically weaker sections, while balancing social spending with fiscal discipline.
Infrastructure is expected to receive substantial allocations, with spending likely to focus on roads, urban development, industrial parks, healthcare, education and connectivity projects.
The Budget will be closely watched by industry, investors, farmers, tea bodies and other stakeholders for indications of the government’s strategy to balance welfare commitments with capital expenditure and long-term economic growth.
Friday’s presentation will also mark Mallabaruah’s first full Budget since taking charge of the Finance Department.