From Our Correspondent
AGARTALA: Aimed at next Assembly elections, Tripura Finance Minister Badal Chowdhury on Monday presented a tax-free deficit Budget of Rs 8119.47 crore for 2012-13 Financial Year.
This will leave a deficit of Rs 149.33 crore which is much less in comparison to the previous year. The deficit will be covered by increased fund flow from the Central government, improving own resource mobilization and reduction in non-development expenditure.
Increase in the age of retirement of government employees from 58 years to 60 years, extension of maximum entry age into government services from 37 years to 40 years and need based fresh recruitment in government services were among the major announcements in the Budget.
Presenting the Budget, the Finance Minister admitted the state has been passing through very difficult situation due to non-cooperation from the Centre.
“In spite of adverse situation, the government has taken some bold decisions for the welfare of government employees, unemployed youth and weaker section of people,” he said.
Chowdhury announce to increase the age of retirement on superannuation from the present 58 years to 6o years with effect from next fiscal year amidst clapping from the treasury bench.
Finance Minister, in his Budget speech also highlighted the state’s prudent financial management as the government has not taken overdraft for the past five years.
The Budget which focused on agriculture, food grain production, horticulture, road connectivity and social sector, no cheer for unemployed youth as the Minister did not mentioned how many posts will be filled up during 2012-13.
Chowdhury, in his Budget speech also slammed the Centre as well as 13th Finance Commission for not lending helping hand to the state in the hours of financial crisis.
“The 13th FC has pushed the state government to a critical situation on account of under assessment of state’s committed liabilities. It is unfortunate that despite repeated requests the Centre has expressed its inability to assist the state government,” he added.