n Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, while reacting over the Union Budget 2019-20, on Friday welcomed the higher allocations in different sectors but expressed concern over the decrease in budgetary allocations for MGNREGA, PM-KISAN and several other schemes.
“While I welcome higher allocations for sectors like health, education, skill development, drinking water, livelihood mission, women and child development, the decreased allocations for MGNREGA, core schemes for SC, ST and other vulnerable groups and pension under NSAP are a cause of concern,” Patnaik said.
The Chief Minister hoped that railway projects in Odisha would be fast-tracked though he expressed displeasure over the reduced allocation for National Highway projects, saying that it would affect inter-State connectivity.
“I wish the Union Government would have enhanced the quantum of assistance to farmers under PM-KISAN at par with the KALIA scheme. Landless labourers and sharecroppers should also have been included in its fold,” he said.
The Chief Minister also praised the Budget, saying it speaks of medium to long-term vision of the Government which is good for the country. However, these need to be backed by commensurate budgetary allocations, he said.
The Budget also lays emphasis on rural connectivity through PMGSY, housing through PMAY and Swachh Bharat Mission. However, these need to be backed by allocation of funds. The imposition of cess and surcharges by the Central Government which remain outside the divisible pool
further reduces the resources available to the States, Patnaik said.