The Federation of Industry and Commerce of North Eastern Region (FINER) has hailed the tax-free interim Assam Budget 2021-22, presented by finance minister Ajanta Neog on Friday.
While welcoming the Assam Budget which has encompassed Rs 1.07 lakh crore proposal without levying of taxes FINER president Pabitra Buragohain said the Assam Budget 2021-22 is “pro-people”.
The FINER president said the Budget “counter-balances the current issues faced by the people of Assam and reflects the long-term development agenda for infrastructure development on priority sectors like connectivity, education, health, power sector reforms, etc. which will go a long way for sustainable development.”
“If ground level execution is done in true spirit, economy will get a boost,” Buragohain added.
Employment to 1 lakh aspirants, envisaging flood-free Assam, welfare of tea garden worker are some of the laudable steps taken by the Assam government, the FINER president said.
The chief minister’s vision of women empowerment is reflected on ‘Swanirbhar Naari’, where skill training for weavers and direct procurement of handloom items from weavers through ARTFED & AGMC would leverage household income, he said.
If purchase of school uniforms can be made compulsory from 100% cotton fabric made out of handloom sectors of Assam, it will be a big boost to the rural weavers to supply handloom fabric to the garmenting units, Buragohain said.
Also read: Assam Budget 2021-22: Key takeaways
The Budget has given a good push to the fishery sector in Assam, where 10,000 village community tanks of 1 hectare will be constructed in each village that would increase the fish production by 50,000 MT per year.
FINER has welcomed the Assam government’s decision to set up agriculture commission, which will benefit the farmers and help Assam to be self-sufficient in milk, egg & pork production, which will promote entrepreneurship and wealth creation, Buragohain said.
“If this Budget can address the dire need of creating and operating seed fund for supporting the startups and first generation entrepreneur who needs initial hand holding of equity support to kick start ideas into enterprises,” he said.
Primary assistance to small traders and artisians affected by COVID is to be given one-time grant of Rs. 10,000 through an institutional mechanism in convergence with PM Svanidhi Scheme of Government of India, also assistance of Rs.3500 per month to COVID orphans under 15years is “very welcoming,” he said.
This will help tide over the hardship faced due to COVID pandemic, Buragohain hoped.
“Overall the Budget is a welcome document and is expected to rejuvenate the economy and generate employment,” Buragohain further said.