The state government is all set to present a tax-free vote-on-account budget estimated to be over Rs 1,00,000 crore for the financial year 2009-2010 despite severe slowdown in the state and national economy.Priority will be given to welfare, agriculture, health, education, irrigation, BC welfare and power among others, it is reliably learnt.
Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, insisted on continuing with the expenditure figure this year also even though officials suggested a cut in the budget size in view of the adverse economic conditions.The finance minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, will present the Budget on February 5.
The Appropriation Bill and other government bills will be taken up on February 12.When asked about the budget size, the finance minister refused to divulge details saying it would be known on Thursday.“I can only assure the people that it will be a people friendly budget.
It will be welfare and development oriented budget,” he told this newspaper. The finance department officials are working very hard to give final touches to the Budget which assumes significance in the wake of elections round the corner.
Among the various welfare schemes to get priority this year, the government has planned to earmark Rs 365 crore in the Budget for pensions to 1.20 crore women across the state aged over 60 at the rate of Rs 500 per head every month. The government is also likely to include fee reimbursement to the tune of Rs 2,400 crore for SC, ST, BC and minority students.The Congress is banking heavily on beneficiaries of Arogyasri, Indiramma Housing programme, pensions, reimbursement of scholarships for BC, minorities, Dwcra, and other welfare schemes to win a second term in office.
