Guwahati, Feb 1: The Union Budget 2025-26 has ushered in a wave of transformative initiatives for Assam and the North East, promising to enhance regional connectivity, bolster agriculture, and support socio-economic development.
In a major announcement, the government has approved the establishment of a urea plant in Namrup, Assam, with an annual capacity of 12.7 lakh metric tons. This project, addressing a long-standing demand of the people, will help fertilizer availability in the region. Coupled with better utilization of Assam’s natural gas resources, the plant aligns with India’s goal of becoming self-reliant in urea production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The Namrup urea plant follows the reopening of three dormant urea facilities in Eastern India and is expected to significantly boost agricultural productivity across the North East. Assam Chief Minister lauded the announcement, calling it a “game-changer” for the region.
The Union Budget also prioritized regional connectivity by announcing a modified UDAN scheme. The updated plan aims to connect 120 new destinations and carry 4 crore passengers over the next decade. For the hilly, aspirational, and North Eastern districts, the scheme will include helipads and smaller airports, ensuring better accessibility to remote areas.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma expressed gratitude for the announcement, emphasizing its potential to promote tourism and economic growth.
The Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 programme will see enhanced cost norms to improve nutritional support for vulnerable groups. This includes over 20 lakh adolescent girls in aspirational districts and the North East, ensuring better health outcomes for women and children in the region.
The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Assam and Meghalaya Committee, praised Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for addressing the region’s unique needs. Sarat Kumar Jain, Chairman of the ICC Assam and Meghalaya Committee, highlighted the Namrup urea plant and UDAN expansion as milestones in the North East’s socio-economic transformation. He also acknowledged the government’s commitment to empowering farmers and MSMEs, crucial drivers of regional growth.
He appreciated the tourism measures, including visa-free waivers for select tourists and the revitalization of 50 key tourist destinations.
There is nothing for the plantation sector in Assam, especially the tea industry which is going through a critical phase.
Read:Â Budget 2025: New urea plant in Assam to boost Northeast growth
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