Highlights of Orissa Budget (2008-09)

Orissa Finance Minister Prafulla Ghadai, presented a tax-free budget in the state assembly on Saturday. He had a tough time to read out the preapred text, as opposition members stormed into the well of the house, demanding CM Naveen Patnaik's resignation over Maoist attack in Nayagarh. The budget for 2008-09, pegged the total outlay at Rs. 28,747.08 crore.

The State government will spend Rs 20,349.97 crore under non-plan, Rs. 6653.79 crore under State plan, Rs 538.95 crore under Central plan and Rs 1204.37 crore under Centrally sponsored schemes. This year's total budgetary provision has been enhanced by Rs. 4613.39 crore compared to the previous budget.

The State’s revenue receipt was estimated to be Rs. 23,270.42 crore against revenue expenditure of Rs. 22,706.55 crore while revenue surplus had been shown as Rs. 563.87. The state government has put emphasis on irrigation. The budget allocation for this sector has been increased by Rs. 736.24 crore from Rs. 1,140.75 crore in 2007-08 to Rs 1,876.99 crore for 2008-09.

The state government has decided to focus on key sectors such as home, school, mass education, health & family welfare and rural development. The government has allocated Rs. 100.50 for Biju Gramya Jyoti Yojana (double of the total allocation in 2007-08). Another housing scheme called 'Mo Kudia' (My hutment) will have a budgetary allocation of Rs. 100 crore. Gopabandhu Grameen Yojana and Biju KBK Yojana will also get similar allocations.

The government has announced sops for students. Rs. 10 crore will be provided for awarding scholarships to 10,000 students at the rate of Rs. 10,000 per annum for pursuing professional studies in engineering, medicine, MBA and MCA. The government will form one lakh women self-help group. Each group will receive Rs. 5,000. Monthly pension for artists has been increased from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000.