The Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Mr. Virbhadra Singh who presented his 19th State budget on Mar 8 2016 today said that it faced feeble criticism from the member of Opposition. However, the people in general and the member of treasury benches have immensely appreciated it.
Mr. Singh who was giving a reply on a marathon budget debate ended on Thursday, today said that 47 members participated in it. However, the BJP members made some feeble criticism skipping various welfare made by him in the budget speech.
Explaining the compelling reasons for subsequent whooping borrowing burden and debt of more than Rs 47, 284 per capita Mr. Singh accepted that State has also failed to generate extra revenue. Mr. Singh lamented that State revenue Deficit Grant of Rs 2,232 Cr. in the financial year 2010-11 drastically reduced Rs 406 Cr in the year 2014-15 as the 13th Finance Commission under accessed the state committed financial liabilities
” During the recent years sharp reduction in Revenue Deficit Grant by the 13th FC during the years 2013-14 and coupled with the increase salary burden in yr 2014-15 due to pay scale revision in the State.” Mr Singh said.
He said that actual receipt during these two years was less by Rs. 528 Cr compared to the amount estimated by the 13th FC. He said that despite limited resources state has succeeded in bringing down the debt -GSDP ratio to 34.8 during the year 2014-15 as against the target of 40.1 percent fixed by the 13th FC.
Chief Minister said that state would provide medical reimbursement of to all pensioners as Rs 59 Crore additional allocation has been made for Finance Department. He assured that the additional funds would be pumped by the state to provide for Medical Reimbursement of Pensioners if required.
