Union Budget Historic and Futuristic, says Shivraj Chouhan

• Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan calls Budget 2026-27 historic and futuristic
• Rs 6,812 crore allocated to MDoNER, Rs 897 crore more than previous budget
• Assam to receive Rs 49,725 crore through tax devolution in FY 2026-27
• MSP procurement approved for 60,500 MT rapeseed/mustard in Assam

GG News Bureau
Guwahati, 12th Feb: Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Wednesday described the Union Budget 2026-27 as historic and futuristic, asserting it will bring positive change to the nation as well as to the Northeastern region.

Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, the Union Minister said the Budget reflects the vision of a Viksit Bharat and lays a strong foundation for a self-reliant, empowered and prosperous India by 2047. He emphasized that the budget focuses on inclusive growth and social prosperity, ensuring benefits reach every section of society.

Highlighting the Centre’s commitment to the Northeast, the Union Minister informed that Rs 6,812 crore has been allocated to the Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (MDoNER), which is Rs 897 crore more than the previous budget. This enhanced allocation, he said, clearly demonstrates the Union Government’s priority towards accelerating development in the region.

Speaking about Assam, he said that for FY 2026-27, Rs 49,725 crore has been budgeted towards tax devolution. Since 2014, Assam has received approximately Rs 3.12 lakh crore through tax devolution. Among the healthcare initiatives announced in the Budget is Biopharma SHAKTI (Strategy for Healthcare Advancement through Knowledge, Technology and Innovation), with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore over five years, aimed at strengthening domestic capabilities in biologics and biosimilars to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. As part of this initiative, existing institutions such as NIPER Guwahati will be upgraded, contributing to research, innovation and skilled manpower development in the region.

The Union Minister further informed that the agriculture budget has been increased to Rs 1,32,561 crore this year, reinforcing the government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare. A provision of Rs 9,967 crore has been made for agricultural education and research to strengthen innovation and scientific advancement. To ensure the availability of affordable fertilisers and reduce production costs for farmers, a fertiliser subsidy of Rs 1,70,944 crore has been provided.

Speaking about the Ministry of Rural Development, the Union Minister informed that the budget has been increased by 21 per cent this year. Within this, a provision of over Rs 1.51 lakh crore has been made for the ‘VB – G RAM G’ Act as compared to Rs 86,000 crore only under the previous MGNREG Act.
On the occasion, the Minister also announced that the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare has approved the proposal of Government of Assam for the procurement of 60,500 MT Rapeseed/Mustard for Rabi 2026 season at Minimum Support Price under Price Support Scheme in the state. This will ensure remunerative prices to the farmers and prevent them from resorting to distress sale. He further informed that Rs 104.17 crore have been allocated to Assam for the FY 2026-27 under the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses.

Atul Bora, Agriculture Minister of Assam and Krishnendu Paul, Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary of Assam were also present on the occasion.