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CM expresses mixed feelings over Union Budget proposals

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik welcomed the increase in MSP and the National Health Protection scheme announced in the Union Budget…

CM expresses mixed feelings over Union Budget proposals

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik (Photo: Facebook)

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik welcomed the increase in MSP and the National Health Protection scheme announced in the Union Budget on Thurday, but expressed his disappointment over less allocation for Scs.Sts , low allocation for MGNREGA , MDM, PMGSY and NHM. In his reaction to the Union Budget, the CM said “it has been our constant demand to increase the Minimum Support price for the benefit of farmers.

It seems that our demand has been accepted. However, the cost of production must take into account the actual cost incurred by farmers on a realistic basis. I welcome the intent of the Central Government. At the same time, I am keenly waiting to see the modalities of calculation”.

On the National Health Protection Scheme to cover 10 crore poor families, the CM said it would have been had a universal coverage been given including all eligible poor families. Mr Patnaik pointed out that the central government has missed out the focus for KBK and other Tribal areas.

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In fact the allocation for SCs, STs and other vulnerable sections and social sector is grossly inadequate, he stated. “I am also concerned about the low level of allocations for MGNREGA, Mid Day Meal Scheme, National Health Mission & PMGSY “.

The reduction of funds for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana is strange given the commitment towards “Housing For All.”, he remarked. Budgetary allocation for irrigation which is crucial to ‘double farmers’ income” has only marginally increased, said the CM.

Total Outlay for Odisha for year 2018-19 for Railways is not known yet as against the state’s demand of Rs.6S00 Crores, said the CM. It is seen that this year also the actual expenditure by Railways in Odisha continues to be low and it is expected to be below 60 per cent of the budget outlay for the entire year similar to the trends in the recent past, which is quite worrisome, he observed.

Announcements have been made on re-development of 600 Railway Stations. 2 years ago the announcement was made for 400 stations. Nothing has happened in this sector, specifically for Odisha, in which 12 Stations had been chosen by Railways. “My Government has offered to make a world class and brand new Railway Station at Bhubaneswar, fully funded by the State and on State Government land and yet, Railways have not even come forward to sign the MoU”.

Even before the Budget, Railways have announced a new Coach manufacturing factory in Marathwada area of Maharashtra. But it is disappointing to note that the Wagon manufacturing factory at Sitalapalli, where state Government has given 100 acres of land and project was sanctioned in 2011-12, has been pushed into cold storage, he regretted.

The demand for a Coach manufacturing factory has also been ignored, he added. OPCC president Prasad Harichandan described the Budget as ‘unrealistic and election oriented”. Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan hailed the budget as pro-farmer and pro-poor. Share croppers can avail loan, MSP will increase he pointed out. States like Odisha will benefit immensely by the thrust on farmers, rural development, tribals and Scs, he said.

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