The State Government has demanded Rs 7,200 crore for the railway sector and Rs 5,650 crore for the telecom sector in the Union Budget for 2021-22. Several issues were raised by State Finance Minister Niranjan Pujari during pre-Budget consultations between Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Finance Ministers of States in a videoconference on Monday.
Pujari sought a minimum Rs 7,200 crore for railway infrastructure in State for the ongoing projects, sanctioning of new lines, stations’ modernisation, establishment of rail-based industries and multi-modal logistics parks.He also urged for an allocation of Rs 5,650 crore in telecom sector in the State. He too wanted an amendment to the Sub-Section (3) of Section 8 of the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956 prohibiting misuse of ‘C’ Forms by the manufacturers, mining contractors and works contractors for inter-State purchase of high-speed diesel and payment of CST at 2%. Pujari also demanded adequate funds for development and maintenance of National Highways, resolution of power sector issues and sufficient financial provisions for supply of piped drinking water.
The Centre must hold consultations with the State Governments before taking major policy decisions affecting sub-national finances, he demanded. Pujari said the State must be allowed to execute the Centrally-sponsored schemes directly and not by opening separate bank accounts scheme-wise.