Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday held pre-budget consultation meeting with different stakeholders including the MLAs and described it as a historical step, adding that Haryana is probably the first State in the country where the Budget of the State is being finalized with the participation of all.
In the inaugural of 3-day Pre-Budget Consultation Meeting 2020-21 at Panchkula, Deputy Chief Minister, Dushyant Chautala, Speaker, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Gian Chand Gupta and Deputy Speaker Ranbir Gangwa were also present in the meeting.
MLAs from different political parties gave their suggestions on different topics including measures to increase farmer’s income, eliminate stubble burning, improve the receding ground water table, fisheries, increase production and productivity and nutritional and adequate food for all.
In his address, the Chief Minister said that it is a matter pride that today the MLAs have given their suggestions by rising above the party lines and assured them that all their viable suggestions would be incorporated in the State Budget for the year 2020-21.
Khattar made it clear that the Budget is yet to be finalized assuring that suggestions to be given by the public representatives in 6 sessions during the 3-day discussion would be given due importance in the upcoming budget. He exhorted the opposition parties not to politicize this issue which holds great public importance.
The Chief Minister said that prior to the consultation with MLAs, he also held pre-budget consultations with different other stakeholders including those associated with industry, service sector, agriculture, real estate, women and MPs. He said that even Lok Sabha Speaker felt extremely happy when he was informed about this initiative of the State Government where the suggestions of the people are being taken before finalizing the budget.
Describing budget as a two-way process, he asked the MLAs to also suggest the sources of revenue while recommending new schemes. He said that funds from the existing schemes which are not relevant in the present times could be utilized in new schemes.
He said that in the last five years, State Government has worked to meet all basic requirements of people of the State like food, shelter, clothing, water, electricity, education, security etc.
Now, we are in the first year of the second term of the Government and a budget with the participation of all the Stake holders is being prepared so that we could fulfill the aspirations of the people with which they elected us, he added.
He also underlined the need to meet emerging new challenges like pollution, quality of foodgrains and water scarcity and asked the public representatives to assist the State Government in this endevour.
Khattar said that State Government aims to ensure development of all sectors and the constructive suggestions from the MLAs in this regard would go a long way in preparing a good budget for the people of the State. He said that such type of pre-budget consultations should be organized every year so that Haryana could make its distinct identity in the country for preparing such a budget which would be in interest of all sections of the society.
Earlier, the Chief Minister also inaugurated an exhibition on 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of United Nations adopted by the State Government to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.
Speaker, Gian Chand Gupta said that it is for the first time when a pre-consultation with the MLAs is being organized to take their suggestions before finalizing the budget.
He said that this initiative would ensure the participation of public representatives in finalizing the State Budget which would immensely benefit the people of the State.
Additional Chief Secretary, Finance and Planning T.V.S.N Prasad gave a brief presentation on the economic and general scenario of the State. He informed that the growth rate of GDP in Haryana is 11 per cent which is better than the GDP rate of the country.
He said that the budget of the State was Rs 73,301 crore in the year 2014-15 which has now increased to 1,32,165 crore.This increase in the budget reflects the progress of the State, he added. He said that the fiscal deficit of the State is 2.59 per cent which is well under the parameters.
Among those present in the meeting included Ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary Keshni Anand Arora, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Rajesh Khullar and other officers.