Budget reflects dreams and aspirations of 3.30 crore people: Ajanta Neog

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The State Budget 2022-23 reflects the dreams and aspirations of the 3.30 crore people of Assam, said State Finance Minister Ajanta Neog in her reply to the general discussion on the State Budget in the Assembly today. She added that the State Government would take loans and also repay the loans.

The State Budget for the financial year 2022-23 was tabled in the Assam Assembly on March 16. During the general discussion on the Budget, the Opposition had claimed that this Budget had nothing new and was similar to the 2021-22 Budget which was tabled on July 16, 2021. In her reply, the Finance Minister said, "While presenting the 2021-22 Budget I had mentioned that the Budget was a vision document for the alliance government for the succeeding five years. That Budget had 18 flagship programmes, which also find mention in this year's Budget because these flagship programmes will fulfil the aspirations of the people.

"This Budget reflects the aspirations and dreams of the 3.30 crore people of the State. Hence, it is the collective responsibility of the House to ensure that the Budget is implemented properly. Both the ruling alliance and the Opposition must work for the development of the State."

During the general discussion, the Opposition had claimed that budgetary allocation had been slashed in the 2022-23 Budget as compared to the 2021-22 Budget. In her reply, Neog said, "While preparing this Budget, at various stages we had reviewed the department-wise performance. We have tried to present a realistic Budget.

"There has been no cut in budgetary allocation. Budgetary allocation for education, rural development, health, agriculture, social welfare and horticulture has increased. The total outlay of the 2021-22 Budget was Rs 1.09 lakh crore while the total outlay of the 2022-23 Budget is Rs 1.19 lakh crore.

"While preparing the Budget, our thrust was on the fund for implementation of Central Government schemes. We aim to ensure that the State Government gets the fund from the Centre and at the same time, the State share is also available for implementation of the schemes.

"Capital expenditure of Rs 11,000 crore has been fixed for infrastructure development. The State Government will take loans and also repay loans. The loan money will be put to proper use."

She further said, "The Budget lays maximum thrust on education. It also has a vision for revenue generation. We have laid stress on revenue-generating sectors. Our aim is to steer the State on the path of development so that it becomes one of the five most developed States in the country."

"Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is leading from the front, as an elected head in a democracy should do," added the Finance Minister.

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