Guwahati, Feb 2: The Union Budget 2026–27 has reinforced the Centre’s development partnership with Assam by stepping up capital investment support and ensuring a steady flow of resources through tax devolution, grants-in-aid and flagship welfare schemes—moves aimed at building long-term assets,accelerating economic growth and improving quality of life across the State.
A key pillar of this support remains the Scheme of Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure (SASCI), under which Assam is receiving 50-year interest-free loans from the Centre for creation of durable infrastructure, over and above Finance Commission recommendations. Between FY 2020–26 (up to January 12, 2026), Assam has received ₹17,104 crore under SASCI, enabling large-scale infrastructure and asset creation.
Central fiscal transfers to Assam have also seen a sustained rise. For FY 2026–27, ₹49,725 crore has been earmarked for tax devolution, while ₹29,548 crore has been provided as grants-in-aid for FY 2025–26. Since 2014, the State has received about ₹3.12 lakh crore through tax devolution and ₹2.49 lakh crore as grants-in-aid, underscoring continued fiscal backing from the Centre.
Alongside capital investment, flagship schemes are driving broad-based socio-economic gains.
As of January 2026, Assam has over 2.55 crore Jan Dhan accounts, significantly expanding financial inclusion. Social security coverage has grown with 58 lakh enrolments under PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, 1.45 crore under PM Suraksha Bima Yojana, and about 2 lakh subscribers under the Atal Pension Yojana. Under PM Mudra Yojana, loans worth ₹74,884 crore have been disbursed to boost entrepreneurship and small businesses.
Major welfare and infrastructure schemes have also recorded substantial progress. Over 40 lakh rural households have received toilets under Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), while 57 lakh households now have tap water connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission. More than 50 lakh LPG connections have been released under PM Ujjwala Yojana, and 1.76 crore Ayushman cards issued to enhance health security.
Food security initiatives now cover over 2.4 crore beneficiaries under PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, and 19.3 lakh farmers have benefited under PM-KISAN.
Taken together, the enhanced capital support, rising fiscal transfers and expanded welfare coverage in the Union Budget 2026–27 underline the Centre’s focus on Assam’s inclusive, long-term development—aligning the State’s growth path with the national vision of a Viksit Bharat.
