Rs 600-crore deficit Budget sans tax tabled in Assam Assembly

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Finance Minister Ajanta Neog tabled the Rs 600.36-crore deficit budget without any additional tax burden on people for the year 2022-23 in the State Assembly today.

Laying the Budget, she said, "The Budget is a vision document for the alliance government for the succeeding five years. We are determined not to stop our journey before attaining our goal. The biggest responsibility is to usher in a new horizon ensuring holistic development of the state and removing people's agonies."

The Budget has equal thrust on capital expenditure, health infrastructure, employment generation, rural development, connectivity and agriculture.

The estimates of 2022-23 show an aggregate receipt amount to Rs 283914.78 crore. The aggregate expenditure estimated for 2022-23 is Rs 283494.64 crore. Thus the estimated transaction during the year will result in an estimated surplus of Rs 420.14 crore. Together with the opening deficit of Rs 1020.50 crore, it will lead to a budget deficit of Rs 600.36 crore at the end of 2022-23.

The government stressed generating revenue without imposing any burden on the public. For this, the government has increased its stakes in the public sector companies.

She said, "The government reposed deep faith and conviction in values and work ethics instead of seeking personal gains. I must mention and pay my regards to the Chief Minister for leading us painstakingly. His tireless efforts and dedication have given 'Team Assam' a new zeal and enthusiasm.

"The economy of the state is recovering well from the pandemic. We all are aware that we are passing through one of the most challenging periods of human history. The government will steadfastly drive towards development through various capital intensive policy steps, inspired and motivated by the mission of the Prime Minister, who turned the Northeast into a new engine of growth. The gross state domestic product (GSDP) of Assam at variable prices is likely to be Rs 4,33,925 crore in 2021-22. It is 13.89 per cent higher than the GSDP in 2020-21."

Highlighting the budget expenditure, she said, "The overall expenditure of the state improved significantly from 63 per cent during 2015-16 to 83 per cent during 2019-20. The capital expenditure also grew from Rs 4,919 crore in 2015-16 to Rs 14,630 crore in 2020-21."

On employment to the jobless, she said, "The government is committed to providing one lakh jobs to the state youths. The process has already begun. The process for the filling up around 50,930 vacant posts in various departments is underway."

The government has proposed a green tax on the use of old vehicles that are detrimental to the environment. The revenue coming through the green tax will be for tackling air pollution.

She said, "All-round development of the people of Assam is our sole aim and objective. A strong economic structure is indispensable to bring positive changes in society. We cannot continue the journey of light without a robust economic base."

Also Read:   HIGHLIGHTS OF BUDGET

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