Orissa Council of Ministers give its nod to vote-on-account

BHUBANESWAR: The Council of Ministers headed by chief minister, Naveen Patnaik on Thursday stamped its approval of the proposed vote-on-account for the first four months in the next fiscal at Rs 17,050 crore which includes Rs 12,360.75 crore non-plan, Rs 3,686.1 crore State plan, Rs 380.36 crore Central plan and Rs 619 crore Centrally- sponsored plan.

The total budget estimate has been projected at Rs 38,441 crore, but there could be changes in the final figures in the full budget on the basis of recommendations made by the Thirteenth Finance Commission (TFC).Finance minister, Prafulla Chandra Ghadei will place the vote-on-account at the state assembly on March 15.

The thrust of the vote-on-account has been emphasis on social sector despite the recessionary impact on the economy. The Biju Janata Dal government has decided to go ahead with its flagship schemes catering to the key constituency, the rural poor.

The state government has decided to continue with Rs 2 per kg rice scheme for which Rs 910 crore has been earmarked. The monthly stipend of physically challenged and orphan students will also be hiked from Rs 500 to Rs 750.

The State Government has also made provisions for two new schemes to be launched from April like Rs 18 crore for Biju Saharanchal Bidyutikaran Yojana and Rs 75 crore for making the village roads concrete.

It was decided that Rs 20 crore will be spent during the first four months for deployment of 5,600 police personnel in the Naxalite-affected areas. While Gopabandhu Grameen Yojana will get Rs 165 crore, the Biju KBK Yojana has been provided Rs 120 crore. The Biju Kandhamal Yojana, another new scheme, has been provided Rs 28 crore while Biju Gram Jyoti Yojana will get Rs 50 crore.

The MLA Local Area Development (MLALAD) fund has been provided with full provision of Rs 110.25 crore. Other provisions include Rs 60 crore for `Mo Kudia’ and Rs 120 crore for Madhubabu Pension Yojana. A provision of Rs 20 crore has been made for the Employment Mission.

Mr Ghadei said agriculture, irrigation and communication have been accorded priority in the vote-on- account.