ITANAGAR, March 15 - Arunachal Assembly on Wednesday passed the BJP Government�s first Budget 2017-18 with Chief Minister Pema Khandu describing it as people�s budget.
Appreciating members for sharing their views and suggestions during the two-day general discussion on budget estimates for fiscal year 2017-18, Khandu said that government had taken lot of pains including holding pre-budget consultation with several community based organisations (CBOs), ex-MLAs and ex-Ministers in preparing the budget by incorporating over 50 per cent of their suggestions. The budget seeks to reflect the spirit of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikash and the Gandhian principles of Sarvodaya (progress of all) through Antyodaya (development of the weakest section of society), he added.
Touching on his government�s reform measures like, decentralisation of power & functions of State Government officers, merger of Finance & Planning departments into an integrated Department of Finance and Investments, Khandu said to put a check on corruption, government has to focus on developing IT sector, adding the concept of e-office will be put to use in the State Secretariat within this financial year which should be replicated in districts and directorates to have paperless official dealings.
On economic front, the CM said government would focus on revenue-earning departments like Tax & Excise, Geology & Mining, Agriculture and allied sector.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister in-charge of Finance Chowna Mein hailed the budget to be the best ever budget he came across in his entire political career, describing it as beautiful, pragmatic & progress-oriented and visionary, which has also been appreciated by the opposition bench.
He told the House that an official team will keep on taking follow-up action on budget implementation, saying he will personally monitor the same. Further promising equal distribution of resources among all 60 Assembly constituencies, Mein said absolute transparency will be maintained in implementing the budget proposals.
At the close of day�s proceedings, Speaker T Norbu Thongdok adjourned the House sine-die.
