Assam makes e-budget debut

Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma presented a Rs 2149 crore deficit budget in the state Assembly today. This is the first e-budget presented by the government, making it the

Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma presented a Rs 2149 crore deficit budget in the state Assembly today. This is the first e-budget presented by the government, making it the first state in the northeast to present a digital budget and second within the country after Andhra Pradesh.

While Rs 11,573 crores has been earmarked for development of education sector, Rs 5,082 crore has been earmarked for providing a boost to the health sector in the state. Meanwhile, Rs 1,890 crore project has been approved by the Centre for construction of a bridge over Brahmaputra connecting Pan Bazar with North Guwahati. The project will be funded by New Development Bank.

With focus on women’s higher education, as many as 9 new women’s law colleges have been proposed in Sonari, Senga, Batadrawa, Jaleswar, and Mangaldoi among others. Focus has also been on industry and commerce in a bid to transform Assam into a competitive destination for investments.

A scholarship scheme for girl children belonging to minority communities has also been proposed. Meanwhile, Rs 30 crore has been earmarked for girls aged between 12-20 years providing monthly stipend of Rs 600 for purchasing sanitary napkins in case the income of the family is less than Rs 5 lakh per annum.

An amount of Rs 1,515 crore has also been earmarked for the development of Guwahati. Rs 200 crore has also been earmarked for improvement of roads and drainage under the Big cities infrastructural fund in 8 cities other than Guwahati.

COMMENTS