Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on February 2 welcomed the Union Budget, saying it would meaningfully benefit Assam and the eastern region through its focus on reforms, infrastructure, MSMEs, skilling and fiscal discipline. He highlighted special assistance for states’ capital investment, higher allocations for the Northeast, tourism initiatives, e-buses, Buddhist circuit development and the upgradation of the Tezpur mental health institute.
Opposition parties criticised the Budget as complacent and lacking concrete benefits for Assam ahead of Assembly elections. Leaders from Congress, Assam Jatiya Parishad, CPI(M), Raijor Dal and AIUDF said it failed to address key issues such as unemployment, floods, farmer distress, workers’ welfare, education, health and rising debt.
Industry bodies in the Northeast, however, praised the Budget as balanced and forward-looking, saying its emphasis on MSMEs, tourism and infrastructure would boost growth and employment across the region.
