Union Budget 2026–27 Historic, Futuristic; Strong Boost for Northeast: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Union Budget 2026–27 Historic, Futuristic; Strong Boost for Northeast: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed a Press Conference on Union Budget 2026-27 at Guwahati today. Addressing the media, the Union Minister said that the budget is historic and futuristic and will bring positive change to the nation as well as to the Northeastern region.
The Union Minister asserted that 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, ₹49,725 crore has been budgeted towards tax devolution. Since 2014, Assam has received approximately ₹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 ₹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 ₹1,32,561 crore this year, reinforcing the government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare. A provision of ₹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 ₹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 ₹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 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.
Shri Atul Bora, Agriculture Minister of Assam and Shri Krishnendu Paul, Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary of Assam also present on this occasion.
