Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI: Today's Union Budget brings with it a new energy that will fuel Assam's growth trajectory, provide a new thrust for entrepreneurs, strengthen the Kisan and plantation economy, and fulfil the aspirations of the middle class, said Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma in his reaction to the Union Budget.
The Chief Minister said, "The announcement of a 12 lakh MT urea factory in Namrup will be the next big game changer for the state, after the Jagiroad Semiconductor facility. The approximately Rs 10,000-crore investment will allow Assam to channel its natural gas resources into fertiliser manufacturing and help reduce India's dependency on the import of this key agricultural input. Needless to say, this factory also brings with it a significant number of jobs and export potential to the state. The proposed urea unit is a new one. It is not an extension of the existing BVFCL. The state government will have a 40 percent stake in the new urea plant, and BVFCL will have 11 percent."
The Chief Minister said, "The budget has an allocation of Rs 1.5 lakh crore in the form of 50-year interest-free loans towards infrastructure development in states. This facility, along with the enhanced devolution totalling Rs 44,494 crore, will help accelerate and augment the ongoing welfare works."
He said, "The Union Budget has sent a clear message that establishes our microenterprises and entrepreneurs as the
growth engine of the nation's economy. This policy direction is in line with Assam's flagship focus on boosting entrepreneurship through schemes such as CM Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan and Mahila Udyamita Asoni. The revision in the classification of turnover and investment of MSMEs will provide a huge fillip to the backbone of Assam's economy by opening up more job opportunities and
avenues to raise capital."
"The Rs 5 lakh to Rs 2 crore support to first-time women, SC and ST entrepreneurs, the enhanced credit guarantee coverage, and dedicated credit card for micro-enterprises are some of the exceptional policies announced today. The Gramin Credit Score framework will also help serve the credit needs of Assam's vast SHG network comprising over 30 lakh women," he said.
The Chief Minister said, "The income tax exemption up to Rs 12 lakh is excellent news for middle-class homes in Assam and across the country. This brings more money into the hands of our people, boosts their savings, and helps grow the economy."
"The Union Budget envisages adding 75,000 MBBS seats in the next 5 years. This again complements Assam's own target of building 24 medical colleges by 2030," he added.
The Chief Minister further said, "The increased allocation under the National Disaster Relief Fund to Rs 12,048 crore and the National Disaster Mitigation Fund to Rs 3,102 crore from Rs 2,300 crore will significantly help in boosting Assam's efforts while dealing with disasters like floods. The enhanced allocation for NEEPCO from Rs 1387 crore to Rs 2300 crore will also aid in boosting energy availability in the state, which will power up our plans for a Viksit Bharat."
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