Fruit, veggies exempted from Mandi tax, award for girls hiked

JAIPUR: Exemption of fruits, vegetables and wool from Mandi tax, computerised control system in five cities, including Jaipur, to strengthen power transmission, hike in prize amount for meritorious girls are among other announcements which were made by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot today.
Replying on the debate on the appropriation bill, Gehlot also announced to set up a bio technology research centre in Jodhpur, 100 terminals of SATCOM to make available medical and engineering entrance coaching to candidates from low income group, increase in honorarium of councilors, Zila Pramukh, Sarpanch, members of Panchayti Raj Institutions and others.

He also announced to abolish rule No 65 of The Rajasthan Minor Mineral Concession Rules to ensure transparency in mines allotment.

The Chief Minister announced raising the amount of Indira Priyadarshini award for girls bagging first position in district in 10th class of Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education from 40,000 to 75,000 and from 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh for class 12th topper girls.

Strengthening of road network in Sriganganagar, Jodhpur, Karauli, Ajmer, Nagaru, Banswara, Churu, Nagaur, Karauli, Udaipur districts, construction of Railway under Bridges in Bikaner, Churu, Jodhpur, free distribution of 400 quintal of Sevan grass seeds in Barmer, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner districts, health check up of students, upgradation of several police outposts and schools, online licence facility in Dausa, Sikar, Alwar, Pali, Chittorgarh, Bhilwara and SriGanganagar are the other announcements.

The house passed supplementary demands and the Appropriation Bill 2013 for authorizing the government to draw money for the purpose from the state consolidated fund, by voice vote.

Rajasthan Appropriation Bill (No.2) Bill 2013 authorises the state government to draw Rs 97,341.70 crore from the Consolidated Fund for services and budgetary purposes during the financial year 20013-2014.

On the last day of the last budget session of the present government, Gehlot, who holds the finance portfolio, said that the government presented fourth surplus budget and all the financial parameters were well within the limits.

He highlighted achievements of the present government and said that it was the first state government in the country to make the party's election manifesto a programme for the government by approving it by the cabinet.

Gehlot claimed that most of the promises his party made in the last election manifesto have been fulfilled.

Before concluding his reply, the CM once again reiterated that there was no irregularity in mines allotment in Jodhpur as alleged by the opposition on the basis of a media report.

Gehlot said that the decision to allot mines in Jodhpur was a cabinet decision and he favoured none. PTI