Union Budget 2025-26: Sonowal Highlights Self-Reliance, Tax Relief, and Northeast Development

 

Agartala, Feb 12: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal addressed the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 during a press conference at the state BJP office, highlighting its focus on fostering self-reliance and inclusive development across India. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the budget in Parliament, which includes significant tax relief for individuals earning up to Rs. 12 lakh annually, benefiting approximately 5.65 crore people. Sonowal emphasised the budget’s emphasis on enhancing production capacity, particularly in underperforming districts, and its special provisions for farmers, such as loans of up to Rs. 5 lakh for Kisan Credit Card holders. Additionally, women entrepreneurs from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities will be eligible for loans of up to Rs. 2 crore, promoting economic empowerment. The budget also prioritises the leather industry, expected to generate employment for 22 lakh people, and includes a Rs. 500 crore investment to establish an institution dedicated to advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI). Sonowal underscored the transformative development in the Northeast over the past 8-10 years, particularly in Tripura, where rail, road, and air connectivity have seen remarkable improvements, with 25 to 30 trains currently operating in and out of the state. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for these advancements, asserting that India’s economy is on track to become the world’s third-largest within five years and the largest in 25 years. Sonowal praised Modi’s policies for driving rapid progress, positioning India as a global economic powerhouse. The press conference was attended by BJP state general secretary Bipin Debbarma, media in-charge Sunil Saha, and other party members, who echoed the sentiment of optimism and growth outlined in the budget.