GUWAHATI, July 10: Assam Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, while presenting the Assam Budget 2026, announced the expansion of the Gaja Mitra Scheme under Gaja Mitra 2.0, extending its coverage from 8 districts to 26 districts across the state.

The minister said the expanded programme aims to significantly strengthen efforts to mitigate human-elephant conflict in Assam.

Under Gaja Mitra 2.0, the scheme will now cover Barpeta, Charaideo, Chirang, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Hojai, Kamrup, Kamrup Metropolitan, Karbi Anglong, Kokrajhar, Lakhimpur, Majuli, Morigaon, Nalbari, Sivasagar, Tamulpur, Tinsukia, and West Karbi Anglong, in addition to the districts already included under the existing programme.

The government said the expansion reflects its continued commitment to reducing human-wildlife conflict and improving coexistence between people and elephants across Assam.