Gujarat state finance minister Vajubhai Vala on Friday proposed a hike of 36.19 per cent in annual development plan outlay to Rs 50599 crore as compared to last year. The estimated a net surplus is Rs 317.22 crore for the year 2012-13. The overall budget size of the state has seen an increase of 26 per cent at Rs 1,01,712 crore as against the budget size of Rs 80,694 crore last year.
Presenting his 18th annual state budget, Vala offered a rise of 109.34 per cent and 97.51 per cent for industries and mines (outlay of Rs 2473.57 crore), and energy sectors (Rs 3,790.36 crore), respectively. The plan outlay providing direct benefit to farmers and agriculture sector would reach over Rs 6,000 crore.
The state also plans to promote sectors like technical textiles, food and agro business park, auto and components, specialty and fine chemicals, solar and wind equipment manufacturing, and electronic system design and manufacturing. Promoting the agri-food processing industry, a provision of Rs 10 crore for starting two 'mega food park' in Gujarat have been made. "It is to provide market access for farm produce so that farmers can get a fair price for their crops," said Vala.
He also doubled five years' outlay for three prominent schemes including Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana, Sagarkhedu Sarvangi Vikas Yojana and Shahari Garib Samrudhi Yojana.
