Dipanjol Deka, Secretary of the Tea Association of India Assam Branch, noted the proposal of model tea garden schools and football academies, alongside various scholarship opportunities for community students. The budget includes an extension of the tax holiday on agricultural income tax for three additional years, aimed at providing financial relief and promoting investment in the tea industry, a measure the industry has long sought.
Deka also emphasized the focus on enhancing infrastructure in tea garden labor lines, particularly through road development, to improve connectivity and living conditions for tea workers. The government plans to deliver 800 four-seater trailer-mounted toilets to all tea gardens. In a notable initiative, the government has announced a one-time waiver for all outstanding electricity dues for families of tea garden workers living in labour lines, with an allocation of Rs 150 crore dedicated to this program.
These actions underscore the government’s strategic commitment to sustaining the growth of Assam’s tea sector while ensuring the welfare of tea workers and highlighting the industry’s importance to the state’s socio-economic framework.
The budget proposes a collaboration with tea industry stakeholders to launch India’s first AI-driven, blockchain-based Tea Auction System, aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in tea trading. This digital platform is set to transform the tea market by ensuring secure transactions and equitable pricing, thereby solidifying Assam’s status as a global tea industry leader and facilitating fair price discovery.
The Tea Association of India noted the introduction of one-time financial assistance of Rs 5,000 for each of the 6.8 lakh current tea garden workers, both permanent and casual, with a budget allocation of Rs 342 crores for this initiative.The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has commended the Assam Budget 2025 for presenting an ambitious financial framework for the fiscal year 2025-26, amounting to Rs 2.63 lakh crore, accompanied by a projected deficit of Rs 620.27 crore. According to ICC, Assam’s Finance Minister, Ajanta Neog, unveiled the budget with a strong emphasis on social welfare, women empowerment, infrastructure enhancement, and economic growth.Sarat Kumar Jain, Chairman of the ICC Assam State Council, praised Neog for her understanding of the state’s distinct needs and potential as reflected in the budget. Jain believes the budget establishes a robust foundation for socio-economic transformation in Assam.
Jain applauded the government’s focus on women’s empowerment and welfare, which includes several initiatives designed to bolster financial independence, education, healthcare, and safety for women. For this financial year, the government has increased monthly assistance from Rs 1,250 to Rs 1,400, which is expected to benefit over 37.2 lakh women.
This increased support is aimed at helping families manage rising living expenses while improving access to food, healthcare, and education. To encourage women-led enterprises and entrepreneurship, the government has launched a Women Start-up Fund that provides interest-free loans and direct financial grants to women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). This initiative aims to empower women in starting and expanding their businesses, ultimately creating job opportunities in both urban and rural settings.
The government has also broadened the Swanirbhar Naari Scheme, which supports traditional handloom weavers, allowing them to receive enhanced financial incentives through direct bank transfers to help sustain and grow their enterprises. Additionally, the budget includes special financial assistance for women artisans, promoting Assam’s rich textile and handicraft heritage.
New policies to facilitate land ownership for women have also been introduced, ensuring improved property rights and financial security. A dedicated Women’s Economic Empowerment Cell is set to be established to ensure the effective execution of these initiatives.
To aid working mothers, the government plans to set up 200 new crèches across Assam, providing safe childcare options at workplaces and industrial sites. This initiative aims to promote women’s participation in the workforce, especially in formal employment sectors.
Furthermore, to bolster maternal and child healthcare, the government has expanded the Matri Suraksha Yojana, which offers financial support for institutional deliveries and postnatal care. Pregnant women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds will now receive Rs 10,000 for hospital deliveries, in addition to free maternal healthcare services, including complimentary C-sections and neonatal care.
The ICC stated that the Assam Budget 2025-26 prioritizes women’s empowerment, adopting a multi-faceted approach to financial independence, healthcare, education, and safety. With enhanced welfare schemes, economic opportunities, and robust legal protections, the government aims to foster an inclusive and supportive atmosphere for women throughout the state.
According to the ICC, the budget is growth-oriented, emphasizing a structured approach towards women’s welfare, entrepreneurship, and safety. The ICC expressed strong optimism regarding the new Assam Budget and congratulated the government on its progressive vision.
