Guwahati: In the final budget before the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, Finance Minister Ajanta Neog announced on Thursday several financial relief measures aimed at benefiting middle-class families, job-seeking graduates, tea garden workers, and ration card holders.
A major highlight of the budget is the exemption of professional tax for individuals earning less than Rs 15,000 per month under the Assam Profession, Trades, Callings, and Employments Taxation Act, 1947. The finance minister said this move will benefit over 1.43 lakh taxpayers and increase their purchasing power.
To support fresh graduates, the government will launch the Chief Minister’s Jibon Prerona Scheme in October 2025. Under this initiative, graduates from government universities and colleges in Assam will receive Rs 2,500 per month to help them transition from education to employment. According to Neog, this initiative is not an unemployment allowance but a motivational support measure to assist graduates in preparing for competitive exams, job interviews, and entrepreneurial ventures. Additionally, research scholars in state and central universities will be provided a one-time grant of Rs 25,000.
Tax Exemption for Low Earners
For NFSA ration card holders, the government has announced additional subsidies on essential commodities starting in October 2025. Along with their existing rice allocation, beneficiaries will receive masur dal at Rs 25 per kg subsidy, sugar at Rs 20 per kg subsidy, and salt at Rs 10 per kg subsidy. Neog stated that the subsidy rates will be adjusted periodically based on market fluctuations, with Rs 370 crore allocated for this initiative.
In a significant move for Assam’s tea industry, the government will provide a one-time financial assistance of Rs 50,000 to each of the state’s 6.8 lakh casual and permanent tea garden workers. Neog emphasised that this is a gesture of gratitude for the community’s contribution to Assam’s economy.
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Other key announcements include a Rs 1 per unit reduction in electricity tariffs for domestic consumers using less than 120 units per month, benefiting 48 lakh out of Assam’s 68 lakh electricity consumers. The government has also stated that it will review the possibility of restoring the old pension scheme for government employees whose recruitment process began before February 1, 2005, and will consider increasing the remuneration of Anganwadi and ASHA workers.
With a strong emphasis on financial relief, employment support, and social welfare, the Assam Budget 2025 aims to provide economic stability while addressing the key concerns of various sections of society.
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