Guwahati: The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) North East Regional Council feels that the Assam Budget 2023-24 focuses on the MSME sector, self-employment generation and also initiation for the development and promotion of first generation entrepreneurs.

The first ‘Amrit Kaal’ Budget tabled by Assam government is planning to take the GDP to Rs 5.5 lakh crore in 2023-24 from Rs 3.93 lakh crore in 2021-22. After adding the receipt of Rs 1,80,298.83 crore under the public account and Rs 2,000 crore under contingency fund, the aggregate receipts amount to Rs 3,21,742.71 crore.

The council, chaired by Mahesh Kumar Saharia, lauded the due recognition of the contribution of the tea industry by the Government of Assam in the economy and social structure of the state and the various promotional initiatives announced by the finance minister which will definitely give a boost in such challenging times.

Saharia further expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for deciding to celebrate the 200 years of Assam tea in a befitting manner and urged him to take it with Govt. of India to declare ‘Tea’ as National Drink.

Saharia, ICC Chairman for North East, while appreciating the focus of Union and State Government for massive investment in Infrastructure in North East, mentioned that special Industrial Policy for North East has since expired and there is urgent need for its introduction with positive changes to promote large investment in the region in the lines of policy for J&K to mitigate the additional cost being incurred in North East and to bring a level playing field.

By 2026, Assam will emerge as the hub of healthcare in Northeast India, and infrastructure is being set up accordingly and with the announcement of the launch of the Assam Urban Health Mission which will provide affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare for the urban population.

Sarat Kumar Jain, Chairman, Assam State Council of Indian Chamber of Commerce feels that Rs 15,102 crore which has been provided under various heads for the development of infrastructure in form of roads and buildings under PWD; under Pragyan Bharati scheme Rs 2,500 crore which has been assigned to building infrastructure, renovation, upgradation of schools, setting up of tea garden high schools, etc will surely help to accelerate the growth of Assam.
Indian Chamber of Commerce states that the Assam budget is one of the most inclusive budgets in recent times taking care of Common people by continuing the social security schemes, MSME, Tea Industry, Healthcare sector, Infrastructure, Education etc. had made an attempt for overall growth of the state. ICC strongly believes that this budget will help to take Assam’s GDP to 5.5 lakh crore in 2023-2024, a significant milestone in our country’s march towards a $5-trillion dollar economy.

ALSO READ: Assam approves seven green power projects, low-cost air tickets