The State has recorded a four per cent increase in the revenue collection, including both revenue-tax and nonrevenue-tax, by December 31 of the current financial year 2014-15. It was revealed at a review meeting held under chairmanship of Chief Secretary GC Pati at the Secretariat on Tuesday. A total revenue of Rs16,792 crore was collected by December 31 against Rs16,167 crore collected during the corresponding period in 2014.
Similarly, the State recorded a whopping 77 per cent increase in utilisation of Plan Outlay for the period ending December 71 as compared to the corresponding period in the last fiscal. The State has been able to utilise Rs19,382 crore by December 31, 2014 while the amount utilised during the corresponding period of 2013-14 was Rs10,935.
It was revealed that highest Plan Outlay spending in the social development sector during the period was 99 per cent more than the corresponding period of the last fiscal. Similarly, spending in agriculture and Infrastructure sectors has increased by 68 per cent and 79 per cent, respectively. Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, R Balkrishnan has advised all departments to submit 100 per cent utilisation certificates for the current fiscal as it is the final year of the 13th Finance Commission.
It was also revealed that the State’s own revenue income has been increased by 13 per cent. While a total of Rs10,779 was collected by December 31, 2013, the amount collected during the current fiscal is Rs12,229 crore. Even though, non-tax revenue collection from forest, water supply and sanitation has been increased , yet the revenue collection from mines and irrigation sources has remained dismal.
To meet the revenue gap, the State Government has taken some proactive measures, an official release claimed. The Chief Secretary directed various departments, including Panchayati Raj, SC and ST Development and Woman and Child Development departments to give more power to the Gram Panchayats in order to involve them in developmental projects. Among others, Development Commissioner Upendranath Behera and Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue, Dr Taradatt were present.