The apex trade body, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) has lauded the state budget 2013-14.
The industry body said, it would lead to development of rural and urban infrastructure, generate new jobs both for skilled and unskilled people and will continue to attract largest domestic and foreign investments.
“Without imposing the fresh taxes, the budget proposals have taken care of all sections of the society and specially commended much focus on fishermen and women self-help groups,” said D.S. Rawat, national secretary general, Assocham.
Hailing the state government’s move to present the state budget in two parts – agriculture budget and the general budget, he 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.
“Considering the investor-friendly policies of the state government, the global investors are quite keen to invest in Odisha,” added Rawat. The state government has presented a separate budget for agriculture and allied sectors with an outlay of Rs 7,161.84 crore for 2013-14 exceeding previous fiscal’s budgetary allocation by 27 per cent.
The exclusive budget for the farm sector, unprecedented in the state’s history, and second after Karnataka in the country, offers a string of schemes for farmers – Rs 100 crore health insurance under ‘Biju Krushak Kalyan Yojana’, Rs 520 crore under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, Rs 290 crore under Jalanidhi and sustainable harnessing of ground water and Rs 42 crore towards input subsidy to farmers.
The agri-budget also has a provision of Rs 305.90 crore towards interest subvention in 2013-14 to make the short-term crop loan available from both cooperative banks as well as commercial banks at two per cent subject to timely repayment. Renewed focus on infrastructure development, agriculture and the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will indeed help in inclusive development of the state, Rawat said.
