Gujarat Finance Minister Saurabh Patel presented Chief Minister Anandiben Patel Government’s first regular Budget on Tuesday. He declared Rs79,295 crore annual development plan. Patel claims that total 48.53% have been allocated for social service sector. The Budget focused on social service sector showing revenue surplus of Rs7308 crore. Social sector accorded priority in the sector-wise allocation in the Budget as Rs38,484 crore has been allocated for social service sector.
The Budget, having an annual development plan for Rs79,295 crore, is the second consecutive Budget under the leadership of the State’s first woman Chief Minister Anandiben Patel. Compared to revised estimate of 2014-15, the size of the Budget is 10 per cent higher and in the case of annual development plan, there has been increase of 11 per cent.
A provision of Rs1,900 crore has also been made for various cleanliness activities under Swchchhta Mission. With a motto of Digital Gujarat for Digital India, Patel said that there is also an ambitious plan to provide Wi-Fi facility in the districts across the State.
Patel announced Rs9000 crore for the Sardar Sarovar Narmada dam project. In the 2015-16 annual plan Rs4660.11 crore were allocated for agriculture & allied activities, Rs2238.74 crore for rural development, Rs13937.19 crore for irrigation and flood control, Rs6630.02 crore for energy sector, Rs2766.68 crore industry & mines sector, Rs38484.15 crore for social sector.