The Assam Budget 2025-2026 just after the Advantage Assam 2.0 has developed immense curiosity and mixed thinking among people of Assam.
In an exclusive interview with Business North East (BNE), economist Mrinal Kanti Dutta shared insights on Assam’s economic landscape, per capita income, and the state budget.
Professor Dutta has Regional Development, Agricultural Economics, Environmental Economics, as his research interest and teaching Economics in IIT Guwahati.
He is also a member of 7th Assam State Finance Commission.
He said that while Assam has shown positive growth in Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and per capita income, both being above the national average in recent years, the overall economic health remains concerning.
“Assam’s per capita income stands at Rs. 1,39,783 for 2023–24, one of the lowest in the Northeast,” he said, adding that only Manipur lags behind. Compared to high-performing states like Tamil Nadu and Goa, Assam still has a long way to go.
ALSO READ: Tripura To Get New Integrated Bamboo Park Worth Rs 162 Crore
On Budget and Welfare Focus
He emphasised that a budget is more than a financial statement—it reflects the government's development priorities. The current Assam budget includes several welfare edges targeting women, including the expansion of the Orunodoi scheme and the launch of Nijut Moina. A new scheme for women entrepreneurs was also introduced. Dutta recognised that schemes in education, agriculture, and health are steps in the right direction, but their influence must be assessed over time.
Need for Awareness and Simpler Communication
Professor Dutta suggested for better publicity of schemes through digital platforms and social media, pointing out that many remain unaware of available benefits. Moreover, he advocated joining economics and budgeting into school curricula to improve public understanding.
ALSO READ: Assam’s Rs 99 Crore Tea Incentive: A Game Changer Or Stopgap Measure?
Industrial Development and Skill Gap
Observing on Advantage Assam 2.0, Dutta stressed the need for aligning investments with skill development. He underlined initiatives like Dibrugarh University’s Japanese language training to tap into international caregiving opportunities. He highlighted that tourism, hospitality, and indigenous industries like handloom and handicrafts can be linked to economic development.
Entrepreneurship and Employment
The government has created many formal jobs, but can’t employ everyone. Entrepreneurship is key to generating employment, he said, urging for better access to credit, training, and market linkages. He valued the provision for seed money to entrepreneurs in the budget.
Finance Commission Insights
Lastly, as a member of the 7th State Finance Commission, he noted that recommendations are in progress and will be made public once confirmed.
FIRST Business Portal addressing the potential of business capability of North East Region.
