SHILLONG, March 18: Opposition All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) on Friday described the budget as election-centric and said it was drafted without caring for ground realities.
“It is an election year budget and obviously, the government will try to pull in as much resources as possible from whatever possible, straining the fiscal deficit of the state,” Opposition Chief Whip, George B Lyngdoh said.
Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma had presented the budget for 2022-23 with a fiscal deficit of Rs 1,849 crore.
Sangma, who also holds the Finance portfolio, estimated the total receipt at Rs 18,700 crore, of which the revenue receipts are estimated at Rs 16,035 crore and capital receipts at Rs 2,665 crore. Excluding borrowings of Rs 2,632 crore, the total receipts are estimated at Rs 16,068 crore.
Lyngdoh said in the limited time available during the session, the AITC had tried to highlight the problems plaguing the state.
Asked if the Opposition was satisfied with the replies, he said in most of the issues, it appeared the government lacked knowledge of the ground realities and had to acknowledge most of the suggestions given by the Opposition.
Suspended Congress MLA, Mayralborn Syiem said it was a very productive budget session as the legislators cutting across party lines participated actively. The first time legislators raised issues and it means they are trying to work hard, he added.
“This kind of positive and active participation from the legislators is very healthy and I hope it will continue in the future,” Syiem said.
He said it is good that the issues of ASHAs, teachers, farmers and downtrodden families were deliberated upon for redressal.
He appreciated the FOCUS scheme whereby every farmer will be given a financial assistance of Rs 5,000. Syiem also praised the government for its other initiatives in the education and health sectors.
“In any government, there will always be merits and demerits. Nobody is perfect. We have to go ahead with a positive mindset,” the Nongpoh MLA added.