Q.11 Discuss the link between Assam Budget (2023-24) and 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
25,Jan 2025
Posted By : SPM IAS Academy
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The Assam Budget 2023-24 emphasizes a development roadmap aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, aiming to foster inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and social welfare. With a budgetary allocation of ₹1.39 lakh crore, Assam integrates targeted initiatives across sectors like health, education, infrastructure, and environment, contributing directly to achieving the SDGs.
1. No Poverty (SDG 1)
The budget allocates ₹5,300 crore for social welfare schemes like the Orunodoi 2.0, providing direct benefit transfers to vulnerable families.
Programs under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) aim to provide housing for 3 lakh beneficiaries.
2. Zero Hunger (SDG 2)
₹2,000 crore allocated for food security through the Anna Yojana, ensuring subsidized food grains for economically weaker sections.
Expansion of agricultural productivity through ₹1,089 crore for the Agricultural Department, emphasizing farmer support and irrigation development.
3. Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3)
The Mission Amrit Sarovar and ₹200 crore allocation for health infrastructure aim to enhance public health outcomes.
Promotion of Ayushman Bharat benefits over 26 lakh families for affordable healthcare access.
4. Quality Education (SDG 4)
Budget provision of ₹5,867 crore for school education, including initiatives like Mission Bhumiputra to digitize educational documents.
Scholarships for 4 lakh students under the Anundoram Borooah scheme to encourage digital literacy.
5. Gender Equality (SDG 5)
₹800 crore earmarked for women’s welfare under the Assam Mission for Empowering Women.
Skill development initiatives for 1 lakh women entrepreneurs under the Swanirbhar Nari scheme.
6. Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6)
Significant focus on clean water through the Jal Jeevan Mission, with ₹1,500 crore allocated to provide tap water to 5 lakh rural households.
Investments in waste management systems for urban and rural areas to improve sanitation.
7. Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)
Budgetary support for solar energy projects, including subsidies for rural households to adopt renewable energy solutions.
Electrification projects under Saubhagya Yojana, ensuring energy access in remote areas.
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
₹500 crore allocated for MSME growth, promoting local entrepreneurship and employment.
Creation of 2 lakh jobs in the private sector through skill development programs under Assam Skill Development Mission.
9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
Infrastructure boost with ₹18,000 crore for roads, bridges, and connectivity under the Assam Mala project.
Technological initiatives like smart cities development and IT hubs to enhance innovation.
10. Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10)
Welfare programs for SC/ST communities, with ₹1,000 crore for tribal development projects.
Assam Youth Commission set up to address unemployment and socio-economic disparities.
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
Development of urban housing under the PMAY (Urban) and ₹2,500 crore for urban infrastructure.
Emphasis on eco-friendly public transport systems like electric buses in Guwahati.
12. Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
Promotion of organic farming with financial support for 1 lakh farmers under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana.
Efforts to reduce single-use plastics and waste through cleanliness drives in urban areas.
13. Climate Action (SDG 13)
Implementation of the Assam Climate Action Plan, with funding for afforestation and renewable energy projects.
Disaster management initiatives for flood-prone areas, including ₹3,000 crore for embankments and flood control measures.
14. Life Below Water (SDG 14)
Conservation of aquatic ecosystems with programs for river rejuvenation and prevention of pollution in the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers.
Sustainable fishing practices introduced under ₹800 crore fisheries development projects.
15. Life on Land (SDG 15)
Forest conservation programs funded with ₹1,500 crore for biodiversity protection.
Eco-tourism projects in national parks, including Kaziranga and Manas, to balance development with conservation.
16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)
Strengthening public services through e-governance initiatives, making government schemes more transparent and accountable.
Increased funding for law and order, including ₹2,000 crore for modernizing police infrastructure.
17. Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)
Collaborations with international organizations for climate resilience projects.
Promotion of public-private partnerships (PPP) in sectors like healthcare and infrastructure to enhance resource mobilization.
The Assam Budget 2023-24 demonstrates a holistic alignment with the UN SDGs, focusing on inclusive growth, sustainable practices, and resilient development. With targeted investments in key areas, the state aims to bridge regional disparities and accelerate progress toward a more equitable and sustainable future. This budget reaffirms Assam’s commitment to transforming itself into a model state for balanced development, reflecting global sustainability goals at the local level.