The Assam government on February 17 presented an interim budget of ₹62,294.78 crore for the initial months of the 2026–27 financial year during proceedings in Guwahati. Finance Minister Ajanta Neog sought spending approval to ensure continuity of government operations from April 1 until a full budget is introduced later in the year.
The interim budget comes ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections and focuses on maintaining administrative functions, welfare schemes and infrastructure commitments across the state.
On February 17, the Assam government presented a ₹62,294.78 crore interim budget in Guwahati for 2026–27. Finance Minister Ajanta Neog sought approval to maintain government operations until a full budget is introduced later, while reaffirming welfare schemes and projecting a ₹10 lakh crore economy by 2028.
Purpose of the Interim Budget
The interim budget primarily seeks expenditure approval for:
- Salaries of government employees
- Pensions
- Ongoing welfare schemes
- Infrastructure and administrative costs
As the Assembly elections approach, the government indicated that a comprehensive full budget will be presented later in the financial year.
Guwahati, being the administrative capital, hosted the budget presentation, which sets the fiscal direction for the coming months.
Focus on Welfare Schemes
The government stated that flagship direct benefit schemes will continue without interruption.
According to Finance Minister Ajanta Neog:
- Under Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina Asoni, over 5.5 lakh girl students receive monthly assistance between ₹1,000 and ₹2,500.
- The Nijut Babu Scheme supports more than 47,000 boys from economically weaker families with monthly assistance ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 in their first year of undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
These schemes are implemented across Assam, including government institutions in Guwahati.
Women-Centric Economic Initiatives
The budget presentation also highlighted progress under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan.
The government reported that:
- More than 30 lakh women have received seed capital support of ₹10,000 per Self-Help Group member.
- Around 8.80 lakh women have crossed the “Lakhpati” income threshold.
These figures were presented as part of the state’s broader economic growth narrative.
Economic Projection
The interim budget reiterates the government’s projection of building a ₹10 lakh crore economy by 2028.
While detailed fiscal allocations are expected in the full budget later this year, the interim budget signals continuity in welfare expansion and infrastructure spending.
For Guwahati, the economic push is expected to impact urban infrastructure, employment generation and public services.
What Happens Next?
The interim budget will remain operational until a full budget is tabled after the Assembly elections.
Government departments will continue functioning under the approved expenditure framework from April 1.
Further details regarding new allocations and policy changes are expected in the full budget presentation later in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total amount of the interim budget?
The interim budget presented is ₹62,294.78 crore for the initial months of the 2026–27 financial year.
Why was an interim budget presented?
An interim budget ensures continuity of government spending until a full budget is introduced later in the year.
What major schemes were highlighted?
Schemes such as Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina Asoni, Nijut Babu Scheme and Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan were highlighted.