In his reply to the Budget debate, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Thursday said that this budget has taken care of all sections of the society and is pro-poor which would lead to all round development of the State.
The three-day long debate on budget in which 51 MlAs participated concluded on Thursday with Chief Minister’s reply and no changes were announced in the proposed budget of Rs21,767 crore budget tabled in the house on March 14.
Singh replied to points raised during debate and concluded that this budget had made provisions for all keeping in mind the available resources and fiscal health of the State.
“We have taken care of farmers by offering subsidy on hail nets upto 80 per cent and polyhouses upto 85 per cent and 50 per cent subsidy on high yielding varieties of seeds which will take care of economic well being of them,” said Singh.
He added that to give a boost to GSDP, a concern raised by leader of Opposition Prem Kumar Dhumal, Government would ensure inclusive growth.
“Special package has been announced for encouraging industrial investment in the state including three new state of art industrial estate,” said the Chief Minister.
“Implementation of hydro power projects will be speeded up through regular monitoring by high powered committee and tourism will be given boost in backward Panchayats of the state,” he added.
Chief minister also sought suggestions from the members of the House to tackle the menace of wild animals especially monkey and assured that steps will be taken as it is a matter of faith.
leader of Opposition Prem Kumar Dhumal said that he was expecting roll back of some of the budgetary provisions.
He said that VAT on footwear was increased from 5 percent to 9 per cent on lower end foot wears while VAT on higher end footwear was reduced from 13.5 per cent to 9 per cent was unjust as poor man and farmers will have to bear the burden.
He further questioned why the Government has divided the youth from the age group of 25 to 35 years on the name of skill development allowance and if any such allowance is allowed then it should be to all the unemployed youth as promised by the Congress in election manifesto.