Assam starts preparing for 2017-18 budget,consults other political parties

GUWAHATI: BJP led government in Assam on Tuesday kick started pre-budget preparation consultation which will be their first full-fledged budget in state.

On Tuesday the consultations will held with BJP MLAs. The Finance department will continue similar exercise with other political parties including, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), Bodoland Peoples Front (BPF), congress and All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF).

Assam finance minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma said that state budget is likely to be placed on first week of February. “The revenue growth of Assam is around 10 to 15 per cent and we are on the firm footing now.”

BJP MLAs gave their views on the budget preparation. Sarma sought ways and means to increase internal revenue, implementation of the budget proposals and identifying new proposals for incorporation in proposed Budget, identification of schemes of wasteful expenditure and steps for there discontinuation, enhancing efficiency of execution of projects and innovative and signature projects that can be taken up in the Budget.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal asked the MLAs to study their respective constituencies for identifying the resources and to come up with innovative schemes.

Chief Minister said that the MLAs must pursue their constituency related schemes with concerned Minister for timely execution. Sonowal asked the MLAs to get actively involved in the implementation of flagship as well as individual schemes.

Chief Minister advised the MLAs to interact with the local intelligentsia and people of their constituency to gauge their expectation.

Sarma also asked the MLAs to submit their list of proposed projects.