Union Budget 2026–27 ‘Historic, Futuristic’; Strengthens Northeast Growth: Chouhan

New Delhi, Feb 12 (KNN) Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan has described the Union Budget 2026–27 as “historic and futuristic,” stating that it would bring positive change to the nation and provide a strong development impetus to the Northeastern region.

Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, he said the Budget reflects the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” and lays the foundation for a self-reliant and prosperous India by 2047, with a focus on inclusive growth and social welfare.

Highlighting allocations for the Northeast, the Minister said Rs 6,812 crore has been earmarked for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), an increase of Rs 897 crore over the previous Budget. He said the enhanced allocation underscores the Centre’s continued emphasis on accelerating development in the region.
 
Referring to Assam, Chouhan stated that Rs 49,725 crore has been budgeted towards tax devolution for the state in FY 2026–27. Since 2014, Assam has received approximately Rs 3.12 lakh crore through tax devolution, he added.

He also outlined healthcare initiatives announced in the Budget, including the Rs 10,000 crore Biopharma SHAKTI programme over five years, aimed at strengthening domestic capabilities in biologics and biosimilars. As part of the initiative, institutions such as NIPER Guwahati are to be upgraded to support research, innovation and skilled manpower development.

On agriculture, the Minister said the sector’s allocation has been increased to Rs 1,32,561 crore, with Rs 9,967 crore provided for agricultural education and research.

The Minister said that fertiliser subsidy of Rs 1,70,944 crore has also been allocated to ensure availability of affordable inputs and reduce production costs for farmers.
 
He further noted that the Ministry of Rural Development’s allocation has risen by 21 per cent this year. A provision of over Rs 1.51 lakh crore has been made under the ‘VB–G RAM G’ Act, compared to Rs 86,000 crore under the previous MGNREG Act, he said.

On the occasion, the Minister announced that the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has approved the Government of Assam’s proposal for procurement of 60,500 metric tonnes of rapeseed/mustard for the Rabi 2026 season at Minimum Support Price under the Price Support Scheme.

The move is aimed at ensuring remunerative prices for farmers and preventing distress sales. Additionally, Rs 104.17 crore has been allocated to Assam for FY 2026–27 under the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses.

(KNN Bureau)