The second supplementary budget to the tune of Rs 2,387 crores was tabled by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, who also holds the Finance portfolio, was passed by the Assembly by voice vote on Thursday.
The size of the budget has risen to Rs 109,101 crores for fiscal year 2020-21.
The winter session, whose fourth day it was on Thursday, will resume on December 28 after a three-day Christmas and weekend break.
Countering the arguments of opposition members, Baghel in his reply to the discussion said the BJP has different priorities: distribution of mobile phones and Sky-Walk construction after taking loans.
His government’s priority is economic progress of the poor, farmers, workers, women and youth, the Chief Minister said.
The supplementary budget is to pay the loans of farmers and procure paddy at Rs 2,500 per quintal. The government will not allow farmers to suffer at any point.
On shortage of gunny bags, Baghel said rumours are being spread that the government is not making any arrangement. Even the Centre has appreciated the arrangements and schemes during Covid-19.
The Rajiv Gandhi Nyay Yojana is a medium to provide money to farmers. There is no mismanagement in paddy procurement centres, Baghel said. Even after 30 days, the Centre has not given permission to deposit the rice, he pointed out.
“We are proud to be Chhattisgarhi,” he said. The Central government has given first prize to the Narva Project of Surajpur and Bilaspur districts. In cleanliness too, the state is on the top.
The Union government has not paid Rs 7,679 crores under different heads due to which the state faced shortage of resources. The same is the case with GST. Even then the fiscal status of the state is better, he added.