The State Assembly on Monday passed the first Supplementary Budget-related Appropriation of Rs 12,790 crore following a marathon discussion.
While Finance Minister Shashi Bhushan Behera presented the Bill for discussion and passing, Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra initiated the debate. He rapped both the State and Union Governments for making assurances and not fulfilling them.
Commenting on proposed NTPC Talcher project, Mishra advised the State Government to ensure that project would protect the interest of people of the Odisha. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has failed to fulfill his assurances he made for Odisha, be it Rourkela hospital upgradation or construction of a bridge.
The State exchequer must not bear expenses going by false assurances,” he said.
Mishra too alleged that the State Government failed to create irrigation facility for 35 per cent of cultivable land and provide free electricity to farmers. He also lamented that health and education sectors have worsened during the last 18 years. Law and order situation in the State is alarming, he said.
On behalf of the ruling party, Arun Sahu said the wrong economic policy of the Union Government has affected people in nook and corner of the country.
He said the NDA Government is now collecting Rs 2,50,000 crore per annum by levying taxes on petrol and diesel and has closed eyes for people’s welfare.
Many other members from the Opposition Congress and BJP and ruling parties participated in the discussion.
In his reply, Minister Behera said the State Government has always worked for development of people of the State and would continue to do so.
Following the Minister’s reply, the Appropriation Bill was passed through a voice vote.