In Assam Budget, BJP-led govt. proposes ‘green cess’ on polluting industries
The Assam government has proposed a new 'green cess' on polluting industries to fund environmental conservation and sustainable infrastructure. The budget also includes a technology-driven initiative to disperse seed balls via drones and plans to promote Assamese cuisine nationally.
Why it matters
This policy represents a shift toward 'polluter pays' fiscal models in regional Indian governance, aiming to balance industrial growth with climate resilience.
The Bharatiya Janata Party -led Assam government has proposed a “green cess” on identified polluting industrial units and activities.
Presenting his maiden Budget on Friday (July 10, 2026), Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah said the principle that those who cause environmental degradation should also contribute towards its mitigation guided the green cess decision.
He said the green cess would be levied on stone crushers, coke-based industries, brick kilns, transfer of second-hand vehicles, commercial extraction of groundwater and such other environmentally sensitive industries and activities as may be notified by the government.
Reading out the Budget, he said the proceeds from this cess would be utilised for afforestation, pollution control, biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, green energy, water resource management, and other environmentally sustainable infrastructure.
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