Himanta Biswa Sarma tables Rs 60,784 cr 'Vote on Account' in House

Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma presented the ‘Vote on Account Budget 2021-2022’ in the Assam Legislative Assembly for the first six months of the Fiscal
Himanta Biswa Sarma tables Rs 60,784 cr 'Vote on Account' in House

 Fuel & liquor to be cheaper as cess is withdrawn

 Notification on hike of tea-garden labourers' wage by February 20

'We've consciously taken a decision to ensure that we leave a legacy – a legacy of hope, of peace, and of progress… Let history judge the work we've done…'

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma presented the 'Vote on Account Budget 2021-2022' in the Assam Legislative Assembly for the first six months of the Fiscal, to fulfill the obligatory and other necessary expenditure commitments.

Presenting the Rs 60,784 crore 'Vote on Account', Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma informed the House that the additional cess that was levied on petrol, diesel and liquor to meet the expenditure on COVID-19 has been withdrawn with effect from tonight. While the rate of cess on petrol and diesel is Rs 5 per litre, that on liquor is 25 per cent of the MRP (Maximum Retail Price).

On the much debated and talked-about issue of hike in the daily wage of tea garden labourers, Sarma assured the House that the Government would issue the notification to this effect by February 20, 2021.

Stating that the government implemented a slew of welfare and development schemes during its term, Sarma said, "It's no secret that we inherited a State with depleted finances and barely enough in the coffers to even meet the salary expenses of the government. But, the government led by Sarbananda Sonowal dared to have a vision and the roadmap to bring back Assam's glory; and forged ahead with determination and grit, ensuing we walk the talk.

"We've consciously taken a decision to ensure that we leave a legacy – a legacy of hope, of peace, and of progress… Let history judge the work we've done; we've dedicated our government to protect, preserve and unite our history, culture, people and traditions. Assam hasn't witnessed a single communal unrest under this government – what can be a more glorious tribute to the men and women serving in our administration and to the people of Assam.

"Every day that has passed in the four years and nine months, as a government we've made choices and decisions that have defined how we want to be remembered, what impact our action will have in the days to come for the future of our State.

"We've used our hands and might, dared to believe, and jointly cast our aspirations to turn our State into a land of hope and dreams; we've strived to serve in a manner that we don't regret, and united our strength to build a future for each one of our fellow citizen that repose their trust and faith in us.

"I've tried to highlight the priorities and major initiatives undertaken by the government for a balanced and sustainable growth of the State's economy placing social justice and equality at the centre of all our government works.

"Very often, I'm asked why I seem to be a man in hurry; why do I seem like someone who wishes there was more than 24 hours in a day. To those who have questioned this pace and intent, I would say, "It's a choice I've made, my team has made to be alive, to live life in this moment and to make every moment count.

"Our State has seen a steady rate of growth which has been consistently higher than the national average. The government has focused on assets and value creations, rather than simply increasing revenue expenditure."

The Finance Minister is hopeful that the government would continue to work at this pace till the last breath.

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