Guwahati: The latest Union Budget, announced on Tuesday by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has allocated funds for Assam and the Northeast in some key sectors.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana (PMCSPY), Rs. 1000 crores have been allocated for the welfare of tea workers, especially women. The special package for the Bodoland Territorial Council has increased significantly, with Rs 174.66 crore allocated, up from Rs. 100 crore last year.
The development of the Tea Board is also planned, with the budget outlay increased more than five times, from Rs. 135 crores to Rs. 721.50 crores. Notably, Assam is the largest tea producing state in India, accounting for over 50% of the country's total tea production. In 2023, Assam produced 654.63 million kilograms of tea, while in 2022, tea production
was 668 million kilograms.
Meanwhile, the Tea Association of India (TAI) has expressed gratitude for the “Pradhan Mantri Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana” (PMCSPY) scheme designed for the welfare of tea workers, particularly women and children in Assam and West Bengal.
Commenting on the Union Budget, the TAI secretary general, PK Bhattacharjee, said, “A budget of Rs 1,000 crore has been allocated for this scheme to improve education and healthcare services in tea gardens. This scheme will be implemented during the fiscal years 2024-25 and 2025-26.”
For the development of the Northeast region, a budget outlay of Rs. 5900 crores is planned.
Assam's share of devolution stands at Rs. 38,154 crores. The state's infrastructure will be bolstered through the Pradhan Mantri Sadak Yojana Phase IV and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Additionally, the tribal areas of the state will receive a boost under the Pradhan Mantri Janajatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan.
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