Assam CM Calls Out Congress's Contradiction in Union Budget Critique

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticised the Congress for its contradictory stance on the Union Budget. He noted that while the Congress called the Budget a copy of its manifesto, it also criticised it. Sarma stated that contradiction and confusion are trademarks of the Congress.

Sarma expressed gratitude to the Centre for allocating Rs 1,000 crore for the welfare of the tea garden community under the Pradhan Mantri Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana. "My gratitude to the Government led by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji for this unique scheme that will greatly benefit our brothers and sisters, who form the backbone of Assam's tea industry," he said.

Budgetary Allocations and Development Initiatives

The Budget increased the allocation for the special package for the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) to Rs 174.66 crore from Rs 100 crore last year. It also proposed comprehensive flood assistance for Assam, an outlay of Rs 5,900 crore for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER), and 100 new India Post Payments Banks branches in the region.

Sarma praised Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting a Budget that he said laid a solid roadmap to maintain India's growth momentum. He highlighted that the Budget stood out for its unprecedented push towards employment generation and powering small businesses.

Employment and Skilling Initiatives

Schemes such as PM's Package for Employment and Skilling, 1 crore paid internship opportunities, and employment-linked incentives were described by Sarma as game changers. He emphasised that these initiatives would significantly boost employment opportunities in Assam.

The Chief Minister also appreciated the enhanced allocation under PM Awas Yojana and schemes like PM Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan, which aim to achieve saturation of schemes in all tribal majority villages. He noted that these measures would have a net positive impact on the state.

Infrastructure and Rural Development

Sarma highlighted the infrastructure push via Rs 1.5 lakh crore to states, focus on improving agricultural productivity, green energy initiatives, and generous allocation for rural development. He stated that these measures would have a multiplier effect on Assam's growth.

He also mentioned that excellent reforms announced for land registration would complement ongoing efforts like Mission Basundhara 3.0. The special assistance Assam will receive under this Budget to help meet flood challenges was also acknowledged by Sarma.

In his concluding remarks, Sarma pointed out several progressive measures in #UnionBudget2024 such as the review of the IT Act, withdrawal of Angel Tax, reducing fiscal deficit, sustaining capex, among others. He asserted that these measures would ensure India remains the fastest-growing economy in the years to come.