Assam’s economy is based on agriculture. Assam’s biggest contribution to the world is Assam Tea, and it plays a vital role. While other states like Punjab, UP, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra etc. are gradually moving away from their conventional agricultural based economy towards a secondary or service-oriented economy, Assam is still laboriously reliant on the agricultural sector. The economy of Assam is contingent on the primary sector or agriculture, but it faces many difficulties for the upliftment of the economy.
Assam produces both food and cash crops, but Tea is the principal cash crop and well known globally for its idiosyncratic palate. Assam tea industry is gradually sinking due to various problems being faced by it. In fact, low wages, poor infrastructure, poor housing, health issues and lack of avenues for social mobility have been common problems since the inception of tea plantations in the area. There are many tea gardens which have closed down in recent years due to various problems affecting the industry.
Majors Problems
Decline in tea price: Due to various causes, the auction price of the tea has seen a steady decline over the years. According to World Bank, the tea prices declined by almost 44% in real terms. In India, all the profits from the tea gardens were siphoned off and there was no real or proper reinvestment in improving quality of tea.
Less production of tea: There are multiple problems being faced by the tea industry such as finance crisis, power problems, labour problems, poor labour schemes, inadequate communication system, increased revenue tax for tea gardens, increased pollution fee, less transport subsidy etc. All these have altogether put the tea industry in North East India in a hopeless situation, resulting in low production of tea leaves and tea.
Labour demand: Due to low wages and hardship of work, it is tough to find labours, beside the the natives and tea tribes who are solely dependent on the tea industry for their daily income and livelihood. The local labourers have also reduced due to less number of tea labourers for NREGA.
Sick industry: A considerable number of tea gardens have gone sick due to lack of infrastructure, modernization and efficient management.
No proper storage: The problem of storing premium quality tea has always been there. Due to delay in transportation and lack of storage facilities, the processed tea gains moisture from the atmosphere and deteriorates in quality.
Climatic factors: Unfavourable climatic conditions for tea plantations owing to scanty or very heavy rainfall have badly affected the tea industry.
Pest problem: Pest problem is another major issue. Along with the mosquito bug, a disease called the bacterial black spot has also affected many plantations in North East Tea Estates.
Gov’s apathy: There is no any proper strategy on Assam tea industry by the state & as well as central govt. This makes long term growth impossible.
Others factors like lack of proper communication infrastructure for export, limited use of scientific tool, insufficient capital to invest, decline the interest on the agricultural field etc. are also acting as obstacle to the growth of tea industry in Assam.
India is the second largest producer of tea in the world, only after China. Most of the tea produced in India comes from North East India, especially Assam and Tripura. The Assam tea industry accounts for more than 50% of India’s total tea production. There are 848 registered tea estates in Assam.
Assam is the only region other than China which can boast of its own variety of native tea plant, Camellia sinensis assamica. Most of the tea plantations in Assam are situated at a near sea level height. and the whole area is endowed with a plenty of rainfall. The unique tropical climate of Assam imparts a special distinctive malty flavor, with a very strong body and bright color.
Robert Bruce in 1823 discovered tea plants growing wild in upper Brahmaputra Valley. A tea garden was started by the Government in 1833 in the then Lakhimpur district. The commercial circle of London took a keen interest in tea plantations in Assam and a company named as Assam Company was formed in 1839 to take over the holdings of the East India Company’s Administration over the tea gardens in Assam. This was the first company in India to undertake the commercial production of tea. Nazira was headquarters of this company until it was shifted to Calcutta in 1965.
The second important tea company, the Jorhat Tea Company was formed in 1859. To encourage tea plantation, the Government also made liberal provisions for the settlement of the waste land for tea cultivation.
In 1911, world’s first institute dedicated to tea research, the Toklai Research Station was established near Jorhat to carrying on research on cultivation and manufacture of tea. This facility has been very useful in disseminating knowledge for the increase of yield for the industry. The industry faced an acute crisis in 1930s, which was successfully averted by enacting the Indian Tea Control Act,1933, and instituting an International Tea Committee and Indian Tea Licensing Committee.
Marketing of tea has always been a problem for the products of this region, as previously the Tea Auction Centre at Calcutta was the only centre of sale for Assam Tea. The imposition of West Bengal Entry Tax on Assam Tea, transport bottlenecks and many more difficulties involved in arranging the sale at Calcutta Auction centre, necessitated the opening of the Tea Auction Centre in Assam. The Tea Auction Centre at Guwahati was opened on 25th Sept.1970, which started a new era for the tea industry of Assam.
From the very beginning of tea plantation in Assam, the planters have faced great difficulties in securing the necessary labour force. The experiment with immigrant Chinese labour in the early days proved a complete failure due to the high cost of requirement and maintenance and to the difficulties in their management. Local labourers were not available in sufficient number. It thus became necessary to bring labourers from other parts of India in large number to meet the labour demand due to expansion of the tea plantations in Assam. As a result of continuous inflow of immigrant labourers, tea garden communities now forms substantial share of Assam’s population.
In present time, the Assam Tea has a global reputation and commands significant share in the world Tea Market. Assam’s total area under tea cultivation accounts for more than half of the country’s total area under tea. Assam produces about 630- 700 million kg of tea, which is more than half of India’s tea production.
India produced around 1,279 million kg in 2017 and it consumes 70% of the produce. As a result, it has very little amount of surplus tea left for export and thus India ranks fourth in the list of tea exporters. Some of the well-known regional brand varieties India produces are the Assam, Darjeeling, Nilgiri, Dooars, Kangra etc.
North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited (NEDFi) in association with Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (M-DoNER) has launched North East Venture Fund (NEVF), the first dedicated venture capital fund for the North Eastern Region.
The capital commitment to the fund is Rs. 100 crore with an initial contribution of Rs.75 crore consisting of Rs. 45 crore from Ministry of DoNER and Rs. 30 crore from NEDFi. The balance fund of Rs. 25 crore has been committed by Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) in-principle.
The objective of the Fund is to contribute to the entrepreneurship development of the NER and achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns through long term capital appreciation by way of investments in privately negotiated equity/ equity related investments.
The primary objective of North East Venture Fund (NEVF) would be investment in enterprises focused on Food Processing, Healthcare, Tourism, Aggregation of Services and IT located in the NER and to provide resources for entrepreneurs from the region to expand throughout the country.
It would also invest in areas such as development of new products and services, technological up gradation, expansion or diversification, process improvement and quality improvement with the purpose of creating value for all stakeholders.
Investments will typically be in startups, early stage and growth stage companies with new products and technologies or innovative business models which have the potential to bring superior value proposition to the customers and clients and high growth in earnings and profitability.
Investment Manager will select businesses for investments which have high scalability and can reap dividend by quickly and cost effectively reaching to their target customers.
The Fund will also cover organizations which are in partnership / proprietorship form with the aim to convert them into company form of organization, so that the Fund is able to invest in them.
Each investment will be limited to a minimum of Rs.25 lakh and a maximum of Rs.10 crores.
The investments and implementation of the projects undertaken under NEVF are monitored on continuous basis, through submission of quarterly reports to Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), customized Management Information System (MIS) and Independent Investment Committee meant for the purpose.
North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi)
The I. K. Borthakur Committee Report in 1994 conceptualized the formation of a North-Eastern Development Bank to cater to the needs of NE region.
The North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi) is a Public Limited Company registered under the Companies Act 1956 on 9th August, 1995. The shareholders of the Corporation are IDBI, SBI, LICI, SIDBI, ICICI, IFCI, SUUTI, GIC and its subsidiaries.It initially had an authorized capital of Rs 500 crores and a paid up capital of Rs. 100 crores.
Initially it was placed under the Ministry of Finance, Banking Division for administrative purpose. In 2004, the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) was formed and the Corporation has been placed under this ministry.
NEDFi has a specific role of both development and financing on behalf of Govt of India in North East comprising of 8 states including Assam.
It fuel industrialisation and nurture entrepreneurial spirit in one of the most industrially backward pockets of the country’s NE region.
NEDFi provides financial assistance to micro, small, medium and large enterprises for setting up industrial, infrastructure and agri-allied projects in the North Eastern Region of India and also Microfinance through MFI/NGOs.
It also offers Consultancy & Advisory services to the state Governments, private sectors and other agencies.
It conduct sector specific and state specific studies under its Techno-Economic Development Fund (TEDF).
It is the designated nodal agency for disbursal of Govt. of India incentives to the industries in the North-East India under North–East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy 2007 (NEIIPP 2007).
It also does promotional activities like mentoring through Water Hyacinth Craft, NEDFi Convention Center, NEDFi Pavillion etc.
It aimed is for the economic development of the North Eastern Region of India by identifying, financing and nurturing commercially and financially viable projects in the region.
NEDFi has set up the North East Venture Fund (NEVF) for North East Region. The capital commitment to the fund is Rs. 100 crore with an initial contribution of Rs.75 crore consisting of Rs. 45 crore from Ministry of DoNER and Rs. 30 crore from NEDFi. The balance fund of Rs. 25 crore has been committed by Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) in-principle.
The overall objective of the NEVF is to contribute to the entrepreneurship development of the NER and achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns through long term capital appreciation by way of investments in privately negotiated equity/ equity related investments.
Assam finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma presented the state budget for the financial year 2019-20 on 6th February, 2019 at the state Legislative Assam assembly. This is the second digital budget of the state.
Assam Budget 2019 is dedicated to each of 3 crore & 30 lakhs population of our state, their happiness health & positivity. Each of the proposals of Assam Budget 2019 is in consonance with philosophy of Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, the greater well-being of people of this great State Assam.
Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma started Assam Budget 2019 speech by saying: ‘Itu Bitupon, Dharma Sanatan Aakexe Kirtan, Kore Sdhujon’ Magnificent and sublime is the eternal faith which inspires the noble man to sing to the holy tune!
Sector-Wise Analysis
Social Welfare
Vistarita Atal Amrit Abhiyan, a cashless healthcare scheme for families whose income is Rs.5 lakhs or less. Propose to expand the coverage of AAA.
In 2017, announced Kanaklata Mahila Sabalikaran Yojana with vision of promoting self-help groups. Provided financial support to tune of Rs 184.89 crore to 1.32 Lakh SHGs.
15 Lakh beneficiaries have been paid stipend under Deen Dayal Divyangyan Sahayjya Asoni amounting to Rs138 crore. An outlay sum of Rs200 crore for these initiatives under Assam Budget 2019 is allocated.
Indira Miri Universal Widow Pension Scheme is dedicated to Smt Indira Miri. Allocated Rs136 crore in Assam Budget 2019 to cover 40,000 families under ‘Immediate Family Assistance Scheme’ & an estimated 2.4 Lakh widows under this scheme.
Rs 25,000 immediate assistance to widows below 45 years. – A new scheme under which any woman, upto age of 45 years, who loses her husband, will receive a lump sum amount of Rs 25,000 as Immediate Family Assistance which will support the family tide over the financial vacuum created by the loss of the bread earner
Central Govt is providing Old Age Pension for 7 lakh persons & almost equal number of beneficiaries are being covered by state government. I am allocating 250 crore for the scheme with commitment to provide more funds when new beneficiaries are identified.
Govt also passed the PRANAM Act, 2017 that strongly advised government employees to assure the security of senior citizens and the elderly people do not face abuse and are never deprived of their dignity in their old age.
Govt will give one tola gold (costs around Rs 38,000 as on today) to brides belonging to all such communities of Assam where it is customary to provide gold at the time of wedding. While other parts of India is plagued with the curse of dowry, in Assamese society, this is a voluntary act of assurance from the parents that no matter where she is, their support is always with her. This constitutes a part of the Stree-dhana.”
Earmarking Rs 300 crorefor Arundhati. Benefit under Arundhati can be availed upon formal registration of marriages under Special Marriage (Assam) Rules, 1954 & will reach beneficiaries right in time for the social marriage. It will be limited to only economically weaker sections, whose ann income is below Rs 5 lakh.
New scheme will be launched where rice will be sold at Rs 1/kg; 53 lakh families to benefit.
10 lakh aid will be given to each 108 religious places of all faith that are 100 years old in the state.
Launch of Bhasha Gaurav Achoni scheme for the protection and promotion of tribal languages of the state
Proposal to mitigate 380 arsenic affected habitations and 7 fluoride affected habitations
Near 1100 families have benefited under Compassionate Family Pension Scheme.
Education
Free textbooks to students up-to degree level from present level of Class XII, for children of families having annual income below Rs 2 lakh.
E-bike for students passing class XII state board in first division. The government will also provide free uniform to students of class IX and X.
All college students from tea garden community to get Rs 10,000 monthly stipends.
Rs 200 crores earmarked for Minority Girls Scholarship Scheme in Assam Budget 2019. Minority Girls Scholarship Scheme– A step towards education of girls belonging to minority. The scheme will encourage the girls to continue higher education. This scheme will be launched from Financial Year 2019-20.
A University for Divyangjan to be set up in Boko, Kamrup district under Deen Dayal Divyang Sahayjya Asoni scheme. It is one of the biggest initiatives to aid Divyang persons.
Gyan Deepika – The government will enhance parental income level of Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 2 lakh for free admission.
CULTURE & TOURISM
Three giant statues of Assam Monarchs- Kumar Bhaskaravarman, Chaolung Siu-ka-Pha and Maharaj Nara-Narayana to be built at the state secretariat as icons of good governance.
Rs 155 crore given for the renovation of Batadrava Than, the sacred birth place of Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva, at Bordowa, Nagaon.
Rs 25 crore sanctioned for development of tombs of Ahom Kings as tourist attraction.
Rise of domestic tourist footfalls from 57,13,156 to 59,34,791 and from 28,419 to 31,739 in respect of foreign tourists
GOVERNANCE
Village headmen to get smartphones to stay connected with the district administration
SPORTS
One time cash incentive worth Rs 50,000 for a total of 2000 sports and arts personalities for their contribution.
ECONOMY
Construction of a new crude oil pipeline from Paradip Port to Numaligarh Refinery at a cost of Rs. 22,594 crore.
Rs 2200 crore sanctioned for the construction of 6-lane bridge over Brahmaputra river in Guwahati
Proposal to enhance threshold limit for registration under GST for supplier of goods to Rs 40 lakhs.
For MSME sector, annual turnover limit for availing Composition Scheme enhanced to Rs 1.5 crore
Scheme to rehabilitate boatmen who have lost jobs after the India’s two longest bridges were completed over Brahmaputra.
Rs 100 crore earmarked for developmental and employment related activities for indigenous Muslims of the state.
MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS
I. Aami Axomiya Initiative
Propose to appoint a Welfare Officer in each of the Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities which has a sizeable Assamese diaspora.
These Welfare Officers will support the distressed during times of medical emergency, provide assistance to young students to adjust to a new city and provide a temporary monetary assistance of immediate nature to those who have lost their jobs.
Further, depending on the availability of land, will also strive to construct Namghars in cities with sizeable Assamese diaspora.
Will also provide immediate logistical and financial assistance in cases of death of Assamese people living outside the State to provide the families of the deceased some succor during this time of grief.
II. Bhasha Gaurav Asoni
Protection and preservation of the rights, language and cultural traditions of the indigenous people of our state.
To ensuring that vernacular languages and dialects are preserved and promoted.
Will promote research of individual tribal languages helping them to develop grammar, publish books in their languages, and also develop dictionaries and encyclopedias in their languages. Various learning centres for the young students can
Earmarked Rs.50 crores in financial year 2019-20 out of the total budgetary commitment of Rs. 100 crore.
III. City Infrastructure Development Fund
In the Budget of 2017-18 a new scheme of City Infra Development Fund (CIDF) was
This scheme is aimed at increasing the Urban Infrastructure by carrying out infrastructure projects in 6 large cities (except Guwahati). Subsequently, the Budget of 2018-19 announced CIDF schemes of middle tier towns, having population of above 40,000.
Expanding CIDF to the 6th Scheduled areas which are the priority areas of this Government and create long felt need for amenities in the three beautiful towns namely Kokrajhar, Diphu and Haflong.
Each town under this scheme will be Rs. 100 crores.
Allocating Rs. 300 crore in the Budget for the year 2019-20 for CIDF.
IV. Incentive to the Technicians and Artists of Mobile Theatres of Assam
Provide a one-time grant of Rs. 50,000 for theatre artists and technicians, who have spent at least 5 years with the industry as a recognition of their efforts and outstanding contribution to this art form.
Earmarked a sum of 5 crore for the same Budget 2019-20.
V. One-Time Financial Assistance to 2000 leading Sports & Cultural Personalities
Hima Das and Ms. Rima Das have not just become household names across the country but have also taken the Assamese pride a notch higher with their outstanding achievements in the field of Sports and Cinema respectively.
To express appreciation to these icons and to encourage others, will give a one-time cash incentive of Rs. 50,000 each to total 2000 Sporting and Art Personalities for their contributions.
VI. Property Tax Amnesty for property owners in Guwahati
Residential and commercial buildings in Guwahati were constructed without complying with the building byelaws of Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA)
Government has decided to introduce a one-time amnesty scheme for property tax payers in Guwahati.
On voluntary declaration of their building violations, a one-time settlement and regularisation of the construction will be done against the payment of the building violation penalties.
VII. Restoration of Batadrava Than
In 1468, Srimanta Sankardev established the very first Kirtanghar of Assam at Batadrava for propagation of the Ek Saran Nam Dharma founded by him to bring together our people, breaking the barriers of caste, race or ethnicity.
He built the ‘Monikut’ together with Kirtanghar or Namghar and the Chari-Hati for accommodation of his disciples. This institution complex, now called as Sri Sri Batadrava Than, was completed in 1509.
The condition of Sri Sri Batadrava Than currently has deteriorated due to lack of proper maintenance.
Even the land belonging to this sacred Than was under encroachment which our Government has freed. It is overdue that this place is renovated and brought back to its original glory!
Propose an amount of Rs. 155 crore over the next 3 years.
VIII. Mobile Phones for Gaon Burahs
Gaon Burahs play a major role in maintaining the peace and brotherhood in rural Assam.
Propose to provide each of the 8000+ Gaon Burahs with smart phones.
Allocated Rs. 4 crore for this initiative in this year’s budget.
IX. Charaideo Maidams
Charaideo Maidams are an intrinsic part of the Assamese culture and an important archaeological asset of the State.
There have been calls for the sight to be listed as UNESCO World Heritage site. Steps will also be taken to promote this site as a major tourist attraction of the State and will initiate the efforts towards listing the site as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For the development of this important of this historical site, earmarked Rs.25 crores in this Budget and the Cultural Affairs Department will implement this scheme in consultation with the stakeholders.
X. Package for Integrated Development of Majuli Island (PIDMI)
Majuli is indeed at the heart of the Assam’s cultural heritage.
However, due to the perennial floods in the mighty Brahmaputra, this river island is gradually eroding.
Will provide a funding of Rs. 150 crore over medium term. Earmarking a sum of Rs. 50 crore for the integrated development of Majuli in this year’s budget.
XI. State Level Mega Skill Development Scheme
The Government plans to provide comprehensive skill training to the youth of the State so that they can obtain gainful employment in different priority sectors.
Earmark Rs. 77 crore for this scheme for the year 2019-20.
XII. Dharmajyoti Scheme
Government of Assam has been providing 50% subsidy to pilgrims who visit various holy places related to Assamese culture and heritage.
To ensure that more people are able to visit these temples government has decided to increase the subsidy for this scheme to 75% from 2019-20 and I am earmarking sufficient budget for this.
XIII. Statues of Kumar Bhaskaravarman, Chaolung Siu-Ka-Pha and Maharaj Nara-Narayana
Assam has seen some legendary rulers during the last millennium, the most prominent and well-known among them are Kumar Bhaskarvarman, most illustrious of the monarchs of the ancient kingdom of Kamarupa, the founder of the Ahom Kingdom – Chaolung Siu-Ka-Pha, and the last ruler of the undivided Koch Kingdom – Maharaj Nara Narayana
it is essential to remember the great rulers of our State and to this effect, govt. have decided to install giant statues of Kumar Bhaskaravarman, Chaolung Siu-Ka-Pha, and Maharaj Nara-Narayana in the Assam Secretariat Complex.
XIV. Initiatives for Preserving Cultural Heritage
Govt announce the following initiatives:
(a) Swargadeo Smriti Khetra at Charaideo in memory of the 42 great swargadeos of the Ahom Dynasty
(b) Siu-ka-pha Chair in Dibrugarh University in the memory of Siu-Ka-Pha, the first Ahom king and founder of the Ahom kingdom
(c) Museum in the name of Motok King Sarbananda Singha who is one of our royal icons.
(d) Will create Samannay Khetra in the name of Sati Radhika in Majuli, Sati Sadhini in Sadia and Bhimbor Deori samannay khetra in Bihpuria
(e) Viswa Mahabir Chilarai Sanskritik Kala Ketra in North Guwahati
(f) Govt will also develop the second capital of Ahom Kingdom – Habung, established by Chaolung Siu-Ka-Pha, as international research destination for Tai-Ahom culture.
XV. Relief package for boatmen, restaurant, etc. affected by the opening of Dhola-Sadia and Bogibeel Bridges
The inauguration of the Dhola-Sadia and Bogibeel Bridges has been a moment of pride and a boon for most of us in the State has also brought misfortune for the boatmen, restaurant owners and others who have lost their income sources.
In order to ensure that they are not left with a source of income our Government has decided to rehabilitate such individuals with an alternate source of income through the enterprise of the Inland Water Transport Department and govt earmarked Rs. 5 crore initially, for this scheme in this year’s budget.
XVI. Incentives for organizing Assamese traditional sports
During the last two years, government has made sincere efforts for the upgradation of sports infrastructure in Assam with our vision of making Guwahati as the ‘Sports Capital of India’.
will devote equal attention towards encouraging our traditional Assamese sports such as Nau Khel, Kaar Khel, Kori Khel, Ghila Khel Maal juj, Haatur, etc. which are extremely popular among our people.
Government has decided to organize a Traditional Sports Festival in Assam in 2019-20, along with taking other initiatives to showcase the richness of our traditional sports.
XVII. Training facility for UPSC/APSC exams for young students
Government focuses in providing training facilities for UPSC & APSC exams for the students of these communities.
Last year, introduced an initiative for providing UPSC/APSC training facilities for the students from the tea tribes and this year, will set up similar facility for the students from the Moran and Motok communities.
XVIII. Formation of new district
Govt have decided to create a separate new district from the existing Dima Hasao district considering its large geography and hilly terrain which makes the access of government services difficult for the citizens.
XIX. Beneficiaries Data Hub for the State of Assam
Announced the setting up of a Beneficiaries Data Hub in the state. This system would be housed within the Finance Department, and would be given better shape with the help of other departments like IT, P&RD, Social Welfare, Health, Education, etc.
XX. Provision of Additional Classrooms, Partition Walls, and Electricity in Elementary Schools
NABARD has approved Rs.438 crores for Financial Year 18-19 for the improvement of the schools and the work will start very soon.
In 2018, Govt conducted the 2nd round of Gunotsav in 33 districts covering nearly 36 Lakh children from Class-II to Class-IX, to assess the qualitative achievement level of learners in terms of scholastic and co-scholastic aspect and infrastructural assessment of the school and remedial measures on the gaps identified and to provide remedial Support thereof.
In continuance of endeavour to bridge the infrastructural gaps in our schools, earmarking a sum of Rs.219 crore for this scheme in budget 2019-20.
XXI. Incentives for ANM and GNM in Rural Areas
The rate of Infant Mortality (IMR) and Maternal Mortality (MMR) has seen a steady decline over the past decade.
From an IMR of 67 of 1000 in 2006, this has come down to 44 (out of every 1000 births) in 2016, while the MMR has come down from 480 deaths (out of every 100000 births) in 2006 to 237 in 2016.
Announcing an allowance of Rs. 1500 per month for every GNM and Rs. 750 per month for every ANM as rural allowance on the lines of a similar allowance already being given to the doctors posted in far flung areas.
XXII. Creation of Development Corporation for Indigenous Muslims
The Indigenous Muslims of Assam – Goria, Moria, Ujani, Deshi, Jola, Poimal, Syed, etc.- have always played an extremely important role in the social and economic progress of the State.
Will establish a Development Corporation for the Indigenous Muslims which will take up various programs aimed at the holistic development of this section of the society, including self-employment activities, provisioning banking linkages etc.
Allocated a sum of Rs. 100 crore for taking up various developmental and employment related activities.
XXIII. Solidarity Fund to Meghalaya for National Games, 2022
Assam hosted the National Games in the year 2007 and extend our support to Meghalaya and wish them the very best for organizing the ‘Best-ever’ National Games.
To this effect, as a goodwill gesture, Assam would like to give a solidarity fund of Rs. 10 crore to the Government of Meghalaya.
XXIV. Developmental Initiatives for Positive Engagement of Society
To actively create various opportunities for positive engagement of youth residing in the Tinsukia – Charaideo – Dibrugarh area.
These districts are mostly inhabited by our indigenous communities such as Moran, Motok, etc. The funds allocated for these schemes will be utilized for initiatives in the fields of sports, skill development, livelihoods and entrepreneurship, and importantly, emotional connect with special outreach programmes such as development of monuments, construction of statues, preservation of historical sites, etc.
Earmarked a sum of Rs. 500 crore for this important scheme and providing a sum of Rs.100 crore in the current budget.
XXV. Special Grants to VIth Schedule Areas
As an indication of commitment to the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), promised a sum of Rs. 1000 crore as special grant over a period of three years, Govt have already released funds worth Rs. 600 crores so far.
Started the construction of Kokrajhar Medical College with an outlay of Rs. 382.70 crore.
During this financial year, will take two other important initiatives viz. setting up of a Sports College in Kokrajhar and a Forest School in Chirang.
Will provide funds of Rs. 300 crore to BTC and will provide an additional infrastructure support of Rs.50 crore in BTC area.
In Karbi Anglong, promised a special grant of Rs. 10 crore for each of the 26 constituencies of Autonomous Councils. Shall release the remaining sum of Rs. 160 crore in year 2019-20 thereby fulfilling our commitment.
Almost completed the construction of Diphu Medical College and hope to start the Medical College Hospital in 2019-20.
Announced several projects for developing Dima Hasao into a model district and also taken up preparatory works for setting up a Civil Services Academy for the officers of Assam Civil Services cadres in Umrangso. Would also like to allocate an additional Rs. 10 crore for various development projects under each of the 26 constituencies of Autonomous Councils over a period of three years. Allocated an initial sum of Rs. 87 crore in the current budget for these schemes.
XXVI. Employee Welfare Measures
Some of the employee benefit related initiatives launched and the outcomes of those:
(a) In Budget 2017-18, implemented the 7th Pay commission awards for all the
government employees. All arrears on account of this have also been paid in the last financial year.
(b) Bidyalakshmi Scheme which was announced in 2017-18, banks have so far disbursed educational loans of over Rs. 30 crores benefitting hundreds of young students.
(c) Under the Apun Ghar scheme which was announced in the Budget 2016-17, loans for 19,261 new homes of the employees amounting to Rs. 2288 crores have been sanctioned.
(d) Under the Compassionate Family Pension scheme announced in the budget 2017-18, ensured sustained income to the family of the deceased employee by providing full pay of the deceased employee to the family.
Announce some additional schemes for the welfare of government employees:
(a) Extending Apun Ghar interest subvention on all the home loans taken prior to the launch of Apun Ghar scheme.
(b) A Cashless Health Assurance scheme for government employees will be rolled out from this year which will also enable them treatment across leading hospitals in India.
(c) Under the National Pension System (NPS), the mandatory contribution by the Government for its employees covered under NPS Tier-I account will be increased from 10% to 14% in line with the decision of Government of India.
(d) The Gyan Deepika scheme announced in this budget, students who have taken higher education loans from the banks will receive a one-time grant of Rs. 50,000.
(e) Under the Aapunar Apun Ghar scheme announced in this budget, providing home loan subsidy to all the citizens of Assam who opt for loans under this scheme. Thus, any Government employee who does not wish to avail loan under Apun Ghar scheme can opt for the benefits under the Aapunar Apun Ghar scheme.
XXVII. Assamese as a subject in schools
Presently, there is no compulsion on the part of a student to study Assamese language while pursuing education in Assam.
Propose that in Class IX and X, a student has to take Assamese subject as Modern Indian Language (MIL) or as Elective subject except in Sixth Schedule areas and Barak Valley.
FISCAL SCENARIO
Fiscal deficit rises to 2 per cent in 2017-18 from 2.4 per cent in 2016-17, primarily due to the implementation of the recommendation of the 7th Pay Commission.
Budget of estimated Rs. 99418.91 crore, but no additional tax.
Revenue account Rs 79742.26 crore
Capital account Rs 19676.65 crore
Assam will cross Rs 70,000 crore in expenditure, a new mark in the state. The revenue earning has increased by 20 per cent.
Breakup of Revenue Receipt for the year 2019-20 –
During the financial year 2019-20, the revenue of the State is estimated at Rs.294981.13 Crore, out of which Rs.98339.05 Crore is from the Consolidated Fund, Rs.100.00 Crore is from the Contingency Fund and Rs. 194855.42 Crore from the Public Account.
Breakup of Expenditure for the year 2019-20 –
Out of the total estimated expenditure of Rs.294374.33 Crore during 2019-20, out of which Rs.99418.91 Crore is from the Consolidated Fund, Rs.100.00 Crore is from the Contingency Fund and Rs.194855.42 Crore from the Public Account.
Glossary of Terms
Consolidated Fund
All revenues received by the Government including tax and non-tax revenues, loans raised and repayment of loans given (including the interest thereon) form the Consolidated Fund. All expenditure and disbursements of the Government, including release of loans and repayments of loans taken (and the interest thereon), are met from this fund.
Contingency Fund
A reserve fund set aside for possible unforeseen expenditure and established under Article 267(2) of the Constitution. It is an imprest placed at the disposal of the Governor.
Public Account
All public moneys received, other than those credited to the Consolidated Fund, are accounted for under the Public Account. In respect of such receipts, Government acts as a banker or trustee. The Public Account comprises of repayable like Small Savings and Provident Funds, Reserve Fund, Deposits and Advances, Suspense and Miscellaneous transaction (adjusting entries pending booking to fi nal heads of account), Remitances between accounting entitiees, and Cash Balance.
Deficit
Refers to the gap between Revenue and Expenditure. The kind of defi cit, how the defi cit is fi nanced, and applica on of funds are important indicators of prudence in Financial Management.
Revenue Deficit/ Surplus
Refers to the gap between Revenue Receipts and Revenue Expenditure. Revenue Expenditure is required to maintain the existing establishment of Government and ideally, should be fully met from Revenue Receipts.
Types of Receipts
Tax Revenue
Comprises taxes collected and retained by the State and State’s share of Union taxes under Article 280(3) of the Constitution.
Non-Tax Revenue
Includes interest receipts, dividends, profits etc.
Grants-in-Aid
Essentially, a form of Central Assistance to the State Government from the Union Government. Includes ‘External Grant Assistance’ and ‘Aid Material and Equipment’ received from foreign governments and channelized through the Union Government. In turn, the State Governments also give Grants-in-aid to institutions like 6th Schedule Councils, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Autonomous Bodies etc.
Capital Receipts
These are loans raised by the Government from the public (these are termed as market loans), borrowings by the Government from the Reserve Bank of India and other parties through the sale of Treasury Bills, the loans received from foreign Governments and bodies, disinvestment receipts and recoveries of loans from State and Union Territory Governments and other parties.
Expenditure is classified as Revenue Expenditure and Capital Expenditure.
Revenue Expenditure
Revenue Expenditure is an amount to meet the day-to-day running of the Government departments and for rendering of various services, making interest payments on debt, meeting subsidies, etc.
Capital Expenditure
Capital Expenditure is an amount to create permanent assets, or to enhance the utility of such assets, or to reduce permanent liabilities. Examples of capital expenditure are acquisition of assets like land, buildings, machinery, equipment, investments in shares, etc.
Q4. Who presented the first Assam Budget in 1948, in the independent India?
R K Shanmugham Chetty
Gopinath Bordoloi
Muhammad Saadulla
Bishnu Ram Medhi
d. Bishnu Ram Medhi
Q5. Which of the following product from Assam has recently got Geographical Indication (GI) in September 2021?
Judima
Manohari gold tea
Joha Rice
Boka saul or ‘mud rice’
a. Judima
Judima wine brewed by the Dimasa community in Assam, has been awarded the geographical indication (GI) tag. This wine made from rice and a certain herb is the first beverage from the north-east to earn this label.
Q6. When was the North Eastern Council (NEC) constituted as the nodal agency for the economic and social development of the North Eastern Region, under the NEC Act 1971?
1971
1972
1975
1988
a. 1971
North Eastern Council (NEC) is a statutory advisory body constituted under the North Eastern Council Act 1971 and came into being on 7 November 1972 at Shillong. functions under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER) of Govt of India.
Eight States of Northeast India are members of the council, with their respective Chief Ministers and Governors representing them.
Sikkim was added to the council in the year 2002.
Q7. Which of the following was the first state in India to present a e-budget and was also live-streamed on social media?
Andhra Pradesh
Kerala
Assam
Delhi
c. Assam
Assam presents its first digital budget in 2018 which was also live streamed on social media.
Andhra Pradesh to present its budget in the digital format in 2016. However, Assam is the first to live stream digital budget session on social media.
Q8. As per the Assam Human Development Report (HRD) 2014, Assam’s Human Development Index (HDI) is at
0.607
0.557
0.507
0.525
b. 0.557
Q9. Which place is famously known as Manchestar of Assam?
Karimganj
Majuli
Sualkuchi
Jorhat
c. Sualkuchi
This is the textile center of Assam and has large number of cottage industry engaged in handloom
Muga silk and Pat silk along with Eri silk and Endi cloth from this region is famous for its quality.
Its registered trademark is SUALKUCHI’STM.
Q10. The Eri, Muga and Pat different types of a which specialty of Assam?
Assam has unique natural beauty with very rich bio-diversity, historical monuments, tea gardens and its colourful cultural festivals. All these are perfect ingredient to make Assam one of the best destination of the tourists but it is still far below the potential level, mainly due to various reasons ranging from natural and geographical to negligence of government.
Of the tourism sector in Assam, natural parks and sanctuaries, rivers, lakes, warm water springs, forests, wild life, are the principal components of attraction in the state. State Govt. of Assam have been undertaking various tourism projects for infrastructure building as well as schemes for marketing and promotion of Assam Tourism. Assam Govt has formulated the Tourism Policy of Assam 2017 to boost the tourism sector of the state.
The policy will be eff ective from 1/1/2018 and will be valid for a period of 5 years, i.e. up to 31/12/2022. All eligible new tourism units, which commence commercial operation within the period of validity will be eligible for the incentives from the Date of commencement of commercial operation for the period applicable for each incentive as specified.
Vision Assam becomes a Nationally and Internationally acclaimed all-season Tourist destination for its unique wildlife, bio-diversity and experience of an unexploited wonderland. Tourism is to be one of the main sources of income-generation for the people. It will also be a vibrant and significant contributor to the sustainable development of the State of Assam.
Mission
To bring in maximum footfalls to Assam.
To promote Assam Tourism with a new approach of vigorous massive campaigning.
To build a global brand ‘Awesome Assam’ to attract National and International Tourist.
In keeping with “Act East Policy” of Central Government, we will have close collaboration with other neighboring countries like Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, China & other South East Asian Countries harping on the similarities of these communities with the people of Assam.
Identify most popular and attractive tourist destinations and develop tourist Infrastructure in an around them.
To encourage Responsible Tourism (RT) in the state with a view to preserving environment eco-systems in keeping with Sustainable Development Goals.
To facilitate extensive involvement of private sector and active participation of local community in all aspects of Tourism promotion.
To create an investment friendly atmosphere for promotion of Tourism by making full use of Ease of Doing Business.
To ensure safety and security of the tourists.
To promote Spiritual Tourism centering on Kamakhya Temple as India’s most powerful Shakti- Peeth highlighting Ambubachi Mela.
To promote Wildlife Tourism centering on one-horned Rhinoceros.
To promote Tea Tourism of Assam.
Promote Film Tourism by developing single Window clearances and providing incentive to film makers.
Objectives:
To make Assam a tourist Hub for North East India.
To market Assam as a hot destination for the tourists from East & South East Asian Countries.
To leverage innovative forms of Tourism such as Cruises, Ethnic Tourism, Tea & Golf, leisure Tourism, Transit Tourism, Adventure Tourism and Monsoon Tourism.
To develop positive, Tourist friendly and reciprocative culture among local tour operators, guides and hospitality providers.
To upgrade skill, quality and professionalism of all service providers connected with tourism.
Developing Assam into an all season tourist destination.
To focus on benefits for the Community from tourism. To create enabling environment for investment.
Strategies:
Assam Tourism website – An interactive and fully comprehensive website of Assam Tourism will be launched wherein all required information for any prospective domestic or international tourist will be readily available at the click of the mouse.
A vigorous campaigning through social media such as Facebook, You-Tube, Twitter, Blogging sites will be launched to attract the younger up-coming generation of Tourists.
Regular Meet with the National and International Tour Operators Association & Hoteliers & Restaurateurs Association will be organized. Fam tours will also be organized regularly.
Building Brand – A comprehensive marketing strategy will be chalked out in consultation with professional agencies. A brand image of Assam as “Awesome Assam” will be created portraying the states uniqueness and exotic beauty.
A renowned celebrity will be roped in as brand Ambassador of Awesome Assam. A blitz-Krieg National & International Promotional Campaign shall be launched to build “Awesome Assam brand through newspapers life style magazines, in-flight magazines, TV advertisements, Talk shows, Road shows, Travel marts and Tourism stalls and kiosks etc.
A total NE perspective in tourism planning, where the strength of each state complement each other is beneficial to all and is a constructive way forward for tourism promotion. Assam will play a proactive role to develop such a wide view of tourism promotion through coordination among the states in creating zonal and regional circuits.
Wildlife Tourism – An attractive feature of the Assam’s forests is its colorful wildlife. Some of the species are exclusive to the state. Assam is famous as the home of one-horned rhinoceros which is its unique selling point apart from the fauna.
Though most of the domestic and international tourists are drawn towards Kaziranga and this heritage site has got best tourist facilities with private participation, yet the Government will develop infrastructure around individual Wildlife sanctuaries such as Manas, Pabitora, Orang, Pani Dihing, Barail and Nameri at Dibru-Saikhowa across Assam to accommodate tourists and resort to aggressive marketing to position Assam as Wildlife destination of the world. The Quality of Tourist facilities will be improved and proper tourist information centers will be established in each place.
Spiritual Tourism
After wildlife, it is the spiritual tourism which attracts pilgrim tourists to Assam. Centered around the famous Shakti-peeth, Kamakhya Temple atop Nilachal hill top, the religious/spiritual tourism can catapult Assam into a major spiritual tourism destination in the country.
A brand Nilachal will be developed in the next five years in an integrated manner utilizing Government of India funds under PRASAD scheme. The Government will endeavour to help put in place best practices for the Management of the Temple.
Annual four day Ambubasi Mela at Kamakhya temple during the month of June has come to be known as Mahakumbh of the East where lakhs of people and sadhus congregate. This shall be highlighted in publicity campaigns in domestic tourist circuits with an appropriate tagline giving forceful punch to spiritual tourism.
Hajo is another centre where people from three religions- Hindu, Muslim and Buddhists converge for pilgrimage. It has always been symbol of communal harmony for the country and will continue to be projected as such. Hajo will also be linked with Guwahati city tour.
“Sankardev Trail” or “Vaishnav- Trail”– projecting Vaishnavite cultural proliferation in Assam will be developed in Barpeta-Bordua-Majuli. A number of Museums depicting the life of the great saint & reformer and development of neo-vaishnavism will be set up with the help of the Government. A number of local souvenirs, local handicrafts and cuisines will be developed and managed by the Local entrepreneurs.
Efforts shall be directed for preparing Buddhist circuit in the State to woo large number of Buddhist pilgrims.
Ethnic Tourism
Assam is a home land of various ethnic tribes and groups, each having its own cultural heritage.
Ethnic Tourist circuits will be developed to attract the tourists from all over the world. The ethnic socio-cultural and religious festivals will be organized where Songs and dances, display of colourful dresses, tasting of innumerable varieties of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes is the main feature.
Tea & Golf Tourism
Since discovery of tea in 1823, tea-gardens have become an integral part of Assam’s landscape. Each of these thousands of lush green tea gardens in Assam is a treasure house of exotic beauty of nature with colourful people and their enchanting songs and dances, sprawling bungalows, and residential facilities. Many of these tea gardens have polo fields and golf courses.
Therefore, coordination with the management of the tea gardens can effectively n promote tea tourism in the state. Tourism Department will engage and persuade some of the willing tea gardens to be a partner in tea tourism packages.
There are about 20 key golf courses located mostly within the compact arear of tea gardens. These off er a unique opportunity to develop golf tourism in the state. Most of the courses are located near the airstrips and helipads maintained by the tea garden management.
River Tourism
The State of Assam has an extensive river network. Brahmaputra is intrinsic to the socio-cultural life in Assam. Colorful canal barges, boating, luxury cruisers, motor boats, dolphin shows, under water-world, water sports and lighters, para sailing, river rafting, water amusements and more.
International standard of luxury cruises can be a great driver to draw more domestic and international tourist traffic to Assam.
Ethnic tourism on both banks of river with infrastructure and on-shore linkages for night halts from Guwahati to Majuli will be put in place by promoting ethnic tourism.
Government will promote river taxi services between the North and South banks at Brahmaputra at places of touristic interest.
Transit Tourism
Guwahati is not only a tourist destination but also is perceived as a halt or the entry-point to the north eastern states. It is a city from where one could connect to other parts of Assam or get in and out of the northeast. On an average, a tourist spends about 2 days in transit which could be turned as a great opportunity to promote Guwahati City based Tourism titled as ‘One day in Guwahati’ or ‘Two days in Guwahati’.
Government will also promote Night Life in and around Guwahati city like nightclubs, malls, pubs, bars, sports bar and indoor gaming etc through the Private Sector.
Adventure Tourism
The enchanting blue hills and speedy rivers of Assam provide and enormous scope for the development of water based adventure tourism. Adventure sports activities like rock-climbing, trekking, para-sailing, water sports, river rafting and angling are promoted by the Department of Tourism. Tourism Department will join hands with Adventure Institute of Sports Department to design various adventure activities at tourist sites catering to tourists in particular. This will generate a lot of employment opportunities for local youths.
Monsoon & Leisure Tourism
Assam has early onset of Monsoon, generally beginning from 15th of May, the comparatively cooler climate and fulsome rains coupled with summer vacations in other parts of the country is a major advantage for Assam to attract domestic travellers. ‘The Monsoon Country’ tag and proximity to Cherrapunjee, the wettest place on earth and discounts in luxury hotels, cottages, homestays and huts-on-stilts will obliterate seasonality in Assam Tourism and generate revenue throughout the year.
Leisure tourism activities during on or off season will be developed in the state through private sector participation which includes Gaming Centers, Nightclubs, Discotheques, Five Star Resorts, Malls, Pubs, Sports bars, Adventure Parks, Amusement parks, Yoga and Ayurvedic Spas, Bird watching, Angling, Fairs & Festivals etc.
Eco Tourism
Eco-tourism is also a new concept, developed around the idea of travelling to places of natural beauty, moving around and staying with the places of nature for a couple of days.
It has the twin objectives of conserving environment and improving the welfare of the local people.
Assam has immense scope for eco-tourism. The state is virtually free from industrial pollution. Its green forests, blue hills, enchanting rivers are the basis on which eco-friendly tourism can be developed. For that a host of matters to be properly addressed.
Medical Tourism
The rapidly growing healthcare sector in state capital Guwahati has gradually started to attract international patients not only from neighboring countries such as Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh but also from far-off countries, especially African nations.
From a place of primary healthcare centers, dispensaries and clinics, the city has now expanded itself into a hub of critical care, multi-specialty and super-specialty centers. Health sector experts attribute this emerging trend to low-cost treatment, quality healthcare infrastructure and availability of skilled doctors.
State can inject a dose of conventional transit tourism to a patient’s itinerary by taking the patients and escorts in and around Guwahati for a day or two.
Mining Tourism
The history of coal mining in the region of Assam dates back to the later part of the 19th century by the erstwhile Assam Railway and Trading Company (AR&T). Assam will also develop Mine Tourism in the eastern Coal fields and oil fields of the State.
Promotion of Film Tourism
Single Window Clearance System to film makers, serial producers, documentary makers etc.
Assam shall motivate reputed filmmakers of Hindi / English / other foreign languages for film shooting in Assam through attractive incentives.
Assam Tourism shall organize Regional, National and International Film festivals in suitable Tourist destinations to promote Film Tourism, with the assistance of Cultural Affairs Department.
Identification of tourist destinations /spots and circuits.
For each individual category of tourism such as Nature & Wildlife, Spiritual, Tea & Golf, Eco, Ethnic, Monsoon, Adventure etc diff erent Tourist destinations and tourist circuits shall be identified. For example, Jatinga valley and Majuli can be destinations for Ethnic Tourism.
Development of Tourism infrastructure.
A tourism destination must deliver quality service, environment and customer satisfaction to a tourist. Our endeavor should be to deliver a feel good experience to all categories of tourists which can be achieved only by providing quality basic amenities at the destinations. This shall include services in hotels, restaurants, places of interests, up-keep and maintenance.
A District Level Tourism Committee under the Chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner of district shall work to ensure co-ordination among the working executives of line departments and also look after community involvement.
The Tourism Department will depend on the local self-government such as Panchayat or Town Committees/ Municipalities in ensuring day to day upkeep and maintenance, cleanliness and hygiene, promotion of local cuisines, culture & handicrafts in Tourist localities.
Bhramyamaan or Mobile Theatre is the single largest entertainment sector of Assam and rarely found in other states of the country should be integrated with the Tourism sector.
Community involvement in Tourism
Participation and the acceptance of local community is the key to make Tourism a success. Tourism development at any destination should first benefit the local community in terms of economic and social gains. The economic objective of Tourism industry is basically generating employment opportunities for the local population. Increased incomes will help local people to enjoy better standard of life which will have an enabling eff ect on the community to live in harmony with their surroundings.
The Department will run awareness programmes on Responsible Tourism among the populace living in the vicinity with help of Local Management Committees.
The Department will also facilitate Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) through IIE and Employment Generation Mission (EGM) to develop local entrepreneurs.
The department shall do a mapping of Local Handicrafts, Art work etc which are fast disappearing and would like to restore and promote among the new generation artisans as such preventing its extinction.
Tourist Information Officers (TIOs) and Assistant Tourist Information Officers (ATIO’s) shall be appropriately re-designated and will be given special responsibilities and powers to act as Tourist Warden.
Skill Development
There is a large gap between demand and supply of skilled manpower in the tourism sector. A detailed study on HRD in tourism sector in Assam is required to highlight the education system in travel, tourism and hospitality.
Attempts would be made to facilitate common standards, uniformity and harmony in curriculum, faculty qualification and education delivery.
Attempts would be directed towards making the hospitality and tourism sector a popular career option by providing skills that can bring attractive wage offers.
Local youths including women, differently-abled and Scheduled Caste & Scheduled Tribe category shall be trained in skill development courses. Tourism Department shall give financial assistance in the form of reimbursement of course fees for the selected courses up-to 100%. The criteria for selection and financial assistance will be decided by the Government.
Local Transport Improvement
Transport from airport, railway stations, bus stations or any other point of disembarkation up-to the tourist destination and between the destinations is the most crucial factor from tourist point of view.
Safe, secure and reliable Transport Services are of outmost importance.
Pre-paid and meter taxi services to the destinations shall be regulated through transport department. The taxis may carry the logo of tourism department once all standards and certifications are made.
Certification process for tourist drivers shall be made mandatory. The drivers, handymen shall be trained to behave appropriately with tourists and can also work as tourist guides. Special training programme for the drivers in the Airport must be organized on a regular basis.
Investment in transport services to places which are difficult to access like riverine islands (Majuli), hillocks, and hills. Such services could be river taxis, helicopters, hovercrafts, ropeways etc.
Development of Wayside amenities
Development of modern wayside amenities with public conveniences at interval of about 40 kms in major roads and also at the tourist destinations is the need of the hour. These facilities should consist of food joints with local /ethnic /continental cuisines, grocery shop, medical stores, coffee shops, play area for children and good, clean lavatories etc.
Managing Resources for Tourism
Wildlife Tourism is the most important component of Assam. It is imperative that the tourism Department is totally dependent on Forest and Environment Department for Wildlife Tourism. Hence, Tourism Department will take steps to augment eco-friendly initiatives of Forest Department to provide Tourists a wholesome experience while earning revenues with involvement of local community.
The success of Spiritual tourism centered on Kamakhya Temple, Ambubashi Mela, Hajo, Siva Doul in Sivasagar etc depends upon the involvement of local Self Government Boards. Hence, Tourism Department will work in tandem with the local bodies and other departments to increase tourist experience at the local level.
Adventure Tourism is linked with the Sports Department. Tourism Department will work in close co-ordination with the Adventure Institute of Sports Department to improve Tourist facilities and existing resources.
Tourist centric approach
A 24×7 centralized Tourist Helpline Number shall be activated for tourist information, safety and security in multiple languages. This helpline number will be displayed prominently in all Tourists spots and also on the way side amenities.
Home Department will be persuaded to set up tourist Police Stations and Tourist Police patrolling at important tourist destinations.
Enhancing local experience of tourist. Numerous monuments dating back to the medieval period to the 19th century reflect the Burmese architectural style as well as that of the mainland.
Department will encourage the Hoteliers and Restaurateurs to provide local cuisines to be served in traditional styles. Local youths shall be trained as Chefs and cooks.
The Tourism department will encourage ARTFED, JAGARAN, and other local self -help groups of Artisans to open Souvenir and Handicraft shops at all prominent destinations. Panchayat and Local Bodies shall allow spaces at concessional rates to the Artisans to open these out-lets.
Promotion of Environment Friendly Practices
The Government shall ensure strict enforcement of the provisions of this act to make water bodies of tourist importance such as Deepor beel and Charan beel free from nuisance.
Department will ban the use of disposable plastic bags, plastics cups, plates etc completely at Tourist places.
Ease of Doing Business in Tourism
A single window clearance system will be developed to facilitate fast track clearance of all required approvals/permission for film shooting in Assam.
Active collaboration with Central Govt. and proper implementation of Central Schemes
Tourism Department shall actively collaborate with Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Urban Development, Ministry of Skill Development, Ministry of External Aff airs, and Ministry of Commerce, NITI Ayog, Archeological Survey of India and other ministries.
Public Private Participation (PPP) in Tourism
Existing tourism infrastructure manned by ATDC/Assam Tourism shall be given to Private sector for operation and management.
Wayside Amenities such as Information Kiosks, Souvenir Shops, Public toilets, dhabas on tourism routes and at tourism destinations shall be developed in PPP mode.
Development of River Cruise, On-shore infrastructure on Brahmaputra, Golf Course-cum-Resort and Convention Centre.
Standardization and Certification
To promote sustainable development of the tourism industry and to prevent unplanned mushroom growth of tourism related activities, the State Government will put in place a regulatory mechanism.
Annual Excellence Awards
To recognize and encourage excellence in tourism services and tourism products in the state, Tourism department shall institute annual Excellence Awards for various categories.
ICT Measures in Tourism
The Government shall promote ICT enabled technologies through mobile applications, social networking sites, tourism blogs and virtual tourism under Digital India Programme.
Major Tourist destinations will be equipped with CCTV cameras, wi-fi services and mobile based services to ensure tourist safety and security as of paramount importance.
Connecting Highways to South East Asian Nations
In tune with ACT EAST policy of the Government of India and to exploit fully the opportunities for tourism expansion opened up by the Trans-Asian Highway, particular attention will be given to connect the destinations by good all weather road links from this highway. The road connectivity of the North-West of South East Asia (i.e. Assam) to South-East Asian counties via Myanmar and Thailand to Singapore, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam will open floodgate for the tourists from these countries.
Initiatives for improvement of air connectivity from diff erent countries like Tokyo-Seoul-Beijing etc. shall be taken up for the benefit of tourists.
Incentives to tourism sector
Tourism shall be accorded industry status in Assam and all facilities & incentives applicable to Industries shall be available to Tourism Industry also.
The newly launched Scheme of “Amar Alohi” is the flagship scheme of Government of Assam to promote sustainable tourism and provide employment opportunities in semi urban and rural areas through Home Stay Schemes. It will provide subsidy for construction of new home stay units in the tourism potential areas of semi urban and rural Assam. The newly constructed homestays will also have sustained and regular training mechanism.
Financial grant to Hindi / English / foreign language Cinema makers who have produced minimum 5 feature films with country wide audience and having the following criteria –
a) Minimum 25 % of the entire shooting of the feature film in Assam b) At least 25 % of cast & crew should be from Assam c) Should get an U or UA certificate by Censor Board.
Cash grant amounting to 25 % of Qualified Production Expenditure (QPE) or Rs 1 crore, whichever is less. Number of films to be covered will depend on budgetary provision for the year.
Free Counseling at Tourism Incubation Centre at ATDC for promotion of tourist business and entrepreneurship.
Subsidies
In order to promote industrialization in the North Eastern Region, the Government of India has been announcing various Industrial and Investment promotion policies from time to time. The state Government shall take initiative for extending all such benefits/incentives etc. to the tourism sector also in addition to the Govt. of India’s Scheme.
State Government proposes to provide the following incentives to eligible tourism units.
(i) A new tourism unit which commences its commercial operation during the validity of this policy i.e. from 1/1/2018 to 31/12/2022 with a minimum investment of Rs.100 lakhs in the Tourism locations, shall be entitled to reimbursement of 50% of net SGST paid for a period of ten years from the date of such commercial operation subject to maximum of 100% of fixed capital investment. (ii) of 30% of capital investment subject to a ceiling of Rs.1 crore shall be available for Tourist lodges, Hotels, Resorts, Houseboats and floating Restaurant and located in tourism locations. (iii) 25% of the cost payable to Assam State Power Distribution Company Ltd. (APDCL) for drawal of power line to the eligible units including the cost of transformer subject to a ceiling of Rs.10 lakhs. (iv) 75% of the cost of construction of approach road to the premises of eligible units shall be reimbursed in the form of a subsidy subject to a ceiling of Rs. 10 lakhs. (v) Private sector will be encouraged to proactively participate and invest in tourist places in the Tourism sector. A special incentive will be off ered as additional 10% capital grant upto Rs.25 lakhs for investment in remote/potential tourist destination of Assam. (vi) For private properties in Tourism sector, both existing and new, 25% of investment on renewal sources of energy will be reimbursed subject to maximum of Rs.10 lakhs.
Implementation and Monitoring
Following Committees are constituted for scrutiny of the applications and to approve the deserving cases for the issuance of Eligibility Certificate for the entire fiscal and tax incentives under this Policy.
Director Level Committee to consider grant of Eligibility Certificate for incentives under this policy for new Tourism units:
1. Director Tourism, Assam Chairman 2. Managing Director ATDC Vice Chairman 3. Representative of Deputy Commissioner of the concerned district Member 4. Representative of concerned Autonomous council Member 5. Finance & Accounts officer of the Tourism Department Member 6. Officer of APDCL Member 7. Representative of Tourism Department Government of Assam Member 8. Senior most Deputy Director Tourism Member Secretary
Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on March 12, 2018 presented Assam Budget 2018-19, the state’s first e-Budget at the legislative Assembly. The state Budget presented in the electronic format and each legislator will be provided with a tablet (computer) with details of the Budget during discussions and cut motion on the Budget inside the House. This unique digital budget will also be the first one in the country to be drafted with citizens’ participation and streamed on social media and is made available on Google app. The proceedings of the Assam budget presentation will also go live on Twitter and Facebook.
Receipts
Rs 90,673.42 crore under the Consolidated Fund, of which Rs 74,118.50 crore is on Revenue Account and the remaining Rs 16,554.92 crore is under Capital Account. Contingency Fund of 100.00 crore and Public Account of 290914.84crore. Total receipt of 381688.26 crore.
Expenditure
Consolidated Fund 90269.92 crore , Contingency Fund of 100.00 crore and Public Account of 290318.35 crore. Total Expenditure estimated at 380688.27 crore.
Handloom, Textile and Sericulture Department – 5082 Crore
Industries and Commerce Department– 839 Crore
Irrigation Department– 1700 Crore
Panchayat and Rural Development – 5808 Crore
Border Areas Department – Rs 161 Crore
Co Operation Department – Rs 156.99 Crore
Cultural Affairs Department – Rs 155.83 Crore
Environment and Forest Department – Rs 505 Crore
Food and Civil Supplies Department – Rs 877 Crore
General Administration Department – Rs 727 Crore
Hill Areas Department – Rs 161.39 crore
Home and Political Department – Rs 5584 crore
Judicial Department – Rs 582 Crore
Legislative Department – Rs 45 Crore
Public Health Engineering Department – Rs 2661 Crore
Revenue and Disaster Management Department – Rs 1565 Crore
Social Welfare Department – Rs 2098 Crore
Sports and Youth Welfare Department – Rs 163 Crore
Tourism Department – Rs 81 Crore
Industry-wise analysis of Assam Budget 2018-19
Tea Industry
Cess on green tea leaves completely exempted. In the previous two budgets, the cess had been reduced from 25 paise to 10 paise per kg green tea leaf in two phases.
Rs 7 crore earmarked for digitizing mode of payment in Tea Gardens. Each Sardar, around 20,000 in total, to be provided with a smartphone of around Rs 3000-5000.
Rs 99 Crore for payment of outstanding PF dues, gratuity, arrear wages, salary, bonus, etc. of a retired worker & staff of Assam Tea Corporation
Token provision of Rs 20 crore to construct paver block roads along labour lines in all Tea Gardens in Assam
Rs 120 crore earmarked for Phase 2 of Chah Bagicha Dhan Puraskar aru Jeevan Suraksha Yojana. Rs 2500 has already been transferred to tea garden employees across 752 Tea Gardens during Chah Bagicha Dhan Purashkar Mela, launched in January 2018.
Agriculture Sector & Food
Exemption limits under the Agriculture Income Tax Act raised up to 2.5 lakh from the exemption limit of Rs 1 lakh and the other tax slabs have already been rationalized.
Rs 50 crore earmarked for Price Stabilization Fund which will provide cushion for consumers from price fluctuations in essential commodities
To activate inactive Kisan Credit Card accounts, a one-time cash incentive of Rs 3000 per inactive KCC holding farmer, if he renews the card.
For the agriculture sector, zero interest on crop loans, debt relief for farmers and financial assistance for farm implements.
Education
Govt to set Media Fellowship for pursuing higher studies in journalism so that 20 journalists can be selected for this fellowship at rate of Rs 50,000 each. One-time grant of Rs 10 lakh.
100 meritorious girl students studying in Polytechnics and Engineering colleges will be given a scholarship of Rs. 30,000 per year.
New Colleges at Baksa, Udalguri and Chirang Women Colleges at Mangaldoi, Hailakandi and Karimganj.
Polytechnic Colleges at Majuli, Tingkhong and Hajo
10 New B.Ed Colleges to be established (Karbi Anglong, Bongaigaon, Baksa, Nalbari, Kamrup, Morigaon, Dima-Hasao, Sivasagar, Biswanath, Lakhimpur)
9 New Women’s Law Colleges in Assam (Sonari, Senga, Batadrawa, Jaleswar, Golokganj, Bilasipara, Mangaldoi, Hailakandi and Karimganj ).
Rs 980 crore for Schools
Rs 256 crore under the ‘Tejasvi Nav-adhitam-astu Edu-Infra Funds (TNEIF)’ for infrastructure development of leading colleges.
Rs 250 crore allotted to scholarship scheme for girl students Rs 2000, Rs 4000, Rs 6000 and Rs 10,000 for girl students between class 10 to Post Graduation.
Rs 250 crore allotted for the Kanaklata Mahila Sabalikaran Yojana.
Scooties for 5000 girls securing the top 5000 position in HS Exam Results, 2018. Earlier the scheme had covered 1000 girls.
Reservation of two seats in our medical colleges for students from other North-Eastern states that do not have a State medical college.
Higher Education Department has also identified two clusters of leading colleges to be upgraded and developed into two New cluster universities one each in Jorhat and Guwahati. Jorhat cluster University will consist of JB college, Bahona College, DCB Girls college & CKB Commerce College and Guwahati cluster University will consist of Arya Vidyapeeth College, B Barooah College, Handique Girls College, Gauhati Commerce College & Pragjyotish College.
Legislation to be proposed for Regulation of Private Educational Institutions and Appropriate payment structure to be worked out for Teachers and allied functionaries in such institutions.
Rs 25 crore earmarked for Pratyahban scheme to be launched for selected Private Schools on the lines on Gunotsav.
Skill Development & Employment Generation
13,000 urban youths to be trained under Deendayal Antyodoya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM)
Rs 5 crore for providing Self Employment grants to Educated Youths under Atal Atma Sansthapon Yojana
Rs 10 crore allocated for Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) set up by the NITI Aayog, at the Secondary School Level. The Laboratories are dedicated work spaces where young minds are exposed to the latest technological advancements. ATLs to be set up in 50 government schools on a pilot basis.
Govt will invest Rs 14,800 per individual under skills training program
Rs 300 crore allotted for Swami Vivekananda Assam Youth Empowerment Yojana (SVAYEM) which envisages to provide financial assistance to young entrepreneurs.
Surrendered Cadres of insurgent outfits to be provided loans up to Rs 2 Lakhs and skill training under the SVAYEM Scheme.
Rs 77 crore has been allotted for State Level Mega Skill Development Scheme wherein Rs 14, 800 will be invested per individual. The state has set a target of empowering 1.5 lakh youth over a period of 3 years through this scheme.
Kanaklata Mahila Sabalikaran Yojana – A scheme to promote at least one lakh self-sustainable, self-help groups (SHGs) in the State through loan and capital subsidy will be launched in the upcoming financial year.
Treasury Challan system for third and fourth grade jobs has been terminated. Upper Age Limit extended from 38 to 44 for third and fourth grade employees, this however won’t be applicable in Police, Home Guards, Defence and Fire Dept.
Rs 10 crore allocated for readying Engineering and Commerce graduates for employment. ERP majors like SAP to establish 10 Centres of Excellence with intake capacity of about 5000 Engineering and Commerce graduates over a period of 3 years.
Health Sector
Rs 16 crore allocated under Sanjeevani- Village Health Outreach Program in 7680 villages of Assam
Salary allowances of Anganwadi workers and ASHA workers to be increase by Rs 1000 and of Anganwadi Helpers by Rs 500
Rs 250 Crore earmarked for Deen Dayal Divyang Xahajya Achoni which provides assistance for medical treatment of persons with disabilities. Around 1.4 Lakh differently abled persons received assistance of Rs 5000 per person in 2017-18.
Rs 400 crore allocated for Atal Amrit Abhiyan, which will cover about 92% of Assam’s total population one of the largest universal health assurance schemes in the world. With 1.6 crore beneficiaries already enrolled under this scheme, almost all major hospitals across India from Medanta Medicity to Apollo Bengaluru have been empaneled.
Rs 4 crore earmarked for Swastha Sewa Utsav and Gram Utsav to carry out an assessment of the Public Heakth Institutions of the State.
Inclusive Cancer Control Programme: A Partnership with Tata Trusts – An entire sum of Rs 980 crore has been allocated in one go, during the Financial Year 2018-19
Six Government Medical Colleges and 11 District Hospitals will be strengthened by 2019 to provide varying degrees of cancer care.
Sports
Each panchayat will be given Re 25,000 to organize Gaon Panchayat level Football tournament
Rs 5 crore each for installing flood lights in stadium in Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Karimganj, Diphu, Mangaldai, Tezpur & Tinsukia thereby strengthening rural sports infrastructure.
Wages, Salaried Class & Pension Schemes
Daily Wage of Home Guards to increase from Rs 250 per day to Rs 300 per day. The enhanced wages will start from FY 2018-19.
Rs 400 crore allocated for Universalization of Old Age Pension Scheme under PRANAM Act. A pension scheme that covers each and every senior citizen of the State, irrespective of whether they are above poverty line or below poverty line. Each elderly citizen will be entitled to a monthly pension of Rs.250 per month.
Financial assistance in form of a onetime grant of Rs 5 Lakh to families of the staff members who die in harness. Rs 45 crore against various societies.
Pension Scheme for Journalists- ‘Journalist Family Benefit Fund (JFBF)’ for providing financial assistance to the bereaved family members of journalists who may have lost their lives while on duty. Rs.100 lakh sanctioned for this purpose and also adequate Budget Provision for this are being made in the budget 2018-19.
UGC pay scales to Teachers across Degree Colleges, Universities and Technical & Medical Institutions.
Salary Hike for Contractual Teachers, to hike from 15500 to 20000.
Law and Order
6 tourist PS, 1 each at KazirangaNationalPark, ManasNationalPark (Barpeta), DibruSaikhowaNational Park (Tinsukia), NameriNationalPark (Sonitpur), OrangNationalPark (Rowta), and one at Guwahati.
Rs 100 crore in the financial year 2018-19 for Mission for Overall Improvement of Thana for Responsive Image (MOITRI).
Girls (Gender Budgeting)
Girls in Assam (age 12-20) with family income below Rs 5 lakh can avail of an annual stipend of Re 600 which will be directly transferred to her bank a/c linked to their DOB. Payments will automatically stop once they reach 20 years
Govt proposes to cover 5 lakh girls during the financial year 2018-19 under the monthly stipend for purchase of sanitary napkins. A sum of Rs 30 crore has been earmarked for this scheme.
New scholarship scheme for girl children belonging to the Minority Communities. Annual scholarship of Rs. 2,000, Rs. 4,000, Rs. 6,000, Rs. 10,000 for girl students belonging to minority community studying in class 10th, 11th-12th, graduation & post-graduation, respectively.
Business & Industry
Rs 100 crore allotted to MSME Credit Guarantee Scheme wherein the amount will be parked in a credit guarantee fund and will cover upto 50% of the loan amount taken from scheduled banks and RRBs for loans upto Rs 50 lakh.
The guarantee will cover up to 50 percent of loan amount taken from scheduled commercial banks & RRBs for loans up to Re 50 Lakh.
Rs 17.5 crore to be allocated for revival of Sarthebari Bell Metal and other such industrial clusters. Rs 50 lakh subsidy for reopening a closed Cinema Hall and Rs 25 lakh as subsidy for renovating existing halls to be provided.
A subsidy of 25% of the capital cost for the establishment of New Cinema Halls will also be given
The budget proposed a levy of electricity duty at 5 per cent on ad valorem basis and 1 per cent increase on stamp duty registration fee for transactions in immoveable properties.
The budget also proposed to increase the tender fee from Rs 8.25 to Rs 100 for tenders up to Rs 20 lakh and Rs 500 for tenders beyond Rs 20 Lakh.
Infrastructure & Development Work
Rs 150 crore allocated for conversion of 1000 Timber Bridges across rural Assam into RCC Bridges
City Infrastructure Development Fund (CIDF): Rs 200 crore to be earmarked for improvement of roads and drainage in 8 cities (other than Guwahati), with the population above 40000 (Census 2011).
Uttoron State Government Signature Projects for Legislative Constituencies: Over next 3 years, Gov will select 2 villages in each of the 126 assembly constituencies which would then be supported as model villages with holistic, inclusive social & economic development as fundamental objectives. Under the Axom Adarxo Gram Yojana, Rs 50 lakh, therefore, to be allocated to each of the two model villages.
Construction of a 6 lane bridge with an estimated cost of Rs 1950 cr, which will connect Panbazar with North Guwahati.
Rs 15 crore earmarked for State Innovation Fund which will enable Deputy Commissioners to finance innovative grassroots solutions to local governance issues.
Rs 200 crore allocated for reconstruction and maintenance of Roads and RCC Bridges under the Axom Mala Program for State Highway and Major District Road Improvement and Reconstruction in line with ‘Bharat Mala’. The fund will also include continuous field data collection and sustenance of Road Asset Management System.
18 Crore announced for Mega Skill City.
Rs 10 crore earmarked for infrastructure development of 100 Foreigner’s Tribunal offices spread across the state. Each FT Office will be receiving Rs 10 lakh each.
Rs 20 crore allocated as token provision to development of road infrastructure along labour lines in tea gardens.
42 New Fire Dept Offices to be set up in Assam.
Token Amount of Rs 20 crore earmarked for Road Improvement Projects in villages under Sansad Adarsha Gram Yojana (SAGY).
Rs 68.54 crore allocated for equity infusion for expansion of Capital Projects Assam Petro-Chemicals Limited.
Environment & Sustainable Development
An amount of Rs 5 crore has been earmarked as seed money to create an Assam Climate Change Management Society to monitor Climate Change related matters and to co ordinate mitigating efforts.
Rs 8 crore allocated for a botanical garden at Kaziranga to put the state on the Orchid Map of the Country.
CM Adarsh Dweep Yojna – Special Scheme for Power Conservationm, 52 lakh families will get 4 bulbs each of 9W LED Bulbs.
Miscellaneous
Rs 91 Crore allocated for carrying out of NRC works for 2018-19
ssam Government has constituted a commitee to examine the anomalies in 7th APPPC report. The report is under examination and the grievances of the employees will be resolved shortly.
North East Foundation, which will act as a think tank for the region to be set up. Assam Government will take lead in establishment of this foundation and will provide seed funding as a goodwill gesture.
Rs 3 crore allocated for Social Media Presence for the Government Departments. Social Media Cell to be established in every department.
The famous flag lowering ceremony at the Wagah border in Punjab will be replicated at the international border points in Assam. Government has decided to develop border infrastructure on similar lines with an allocation of Rs 5 crore in four districts – Cachar, Karimganj, Dhubri and South Salmara.
Paying homage to the 140 martyrs of Patharughat peasants’ uprising on the rebellion’s 125th anniversary this year, the Assam government proposed a slew of incentives and schemes to help the farming community in the state. The last year’s budget also had focused on the agriculture sector, including the Chief Minister’s Samagra Gramya Unnayan Yojana (CMSGUY) which aims to double the farm income, and other measures such as Zero-Interest crop loans to farmers, financial incentives for farmers using Kisan Credit Cards. To activate inactive Kisan Credit Card accounts, a one-time cash incentive of Rs 3000 per inactive KCC holding farmer, if he renews the card.
Rs 5 crore allocated for development of Assam Bamboo Experience Centres (ABECs) at Assam Bhawans/ Houses in various cities alongwith Guwahati and district headquarters of the state.
NOTE – Andhra Pradesh is the first state to introduce e-budget. The e-budget documents could only be accessed by the legislators and were not available in the public domain. But Assam Budget 2018-19 is the first one in India to be drafted with citizens’ participation and streamed on social media and is made available on Google app. The proceedings of the Assam budget presentation will also go live on Twitter and Facebook.
