Assocham welcomes Odisha Budget for 2013-14

BHUBANESWAR: Industry body Assocham today welcomed Odisha's budget for 2013-14 and said it would lead to development of rural and urban infrastructure, generate new jobs both for skilled and unskilled people and help attract investments.

"Without imposing fresh taxes, the budget proposals have taken care of all sections of society. Focus on fishermen and women self-help groups is commendable," Assocham Secretary General D S Rawat said in a statement.

"Considering the investor-friendly policies of the state government, the global investors are quite keen to invest in Odisha," he said.

"Renewed focus on infrastructure development, agriculture and the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will indeed help in inclusive development of the state," he said.

Hailing presentation of the budget in two parts - agriculture budget and general budget, Rawat said other states should take a cue from Odisha for presenting a separate agriculture budget as over 65 per cent of India's population is dependent on the sector and yet it generates less than 15 per cent of the national GDP.

Assocham assured co-operation as a partner to state government for focusing specially on food processing, SME, skill development and infrastructure sectors.