Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today reacting on the Union Budget 2019-20 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the decreased allocation for MGNREGA, core schemes for SC, ST and other vulnerable groups and Pension under NSAP is a cause of concern.
“While I welcome higher allocation for sectors like Health, Education, Skill Development, Drinking Water, Livelihood Mission, Women & Child Development, the decreased allocation for MGNREGA, core schemes for SC, ST and other vulnerable groups and Pension under NSAP is a cause of concern”, the Odisha CM said.
The Union Budget, 2019-20 speaks of medium to long-term vision of the Government which is good for the country. However, these need to be backed by commensurate budgetary allocations, Naveen said.
Increased allocation for Railway projects is a welcome step. I hope, the railway projects in Odisha would be fast-tracked with adequate allocation. However, reduced allocation for National Highways would adversely affect the inter-State connectivity, he added.
The Union Budget also lays emphasis on rural connectivity through PMGSY, housing through PMAY and Swachh Bharat Mission. However, these need to be backed by allocation of funds, Naveen commented.
The CM said, “I wish the Union Government would have enhanced the quantum of assistance to farmers under “PM-KISAN” at par with our “KALIA” scheme. Landless labourers and share-croppers should also have been included in its fold”.
The imposition of Cess and Surcharges by the Central Government which remain outside the divisible pool further reduces the resources available to the States, he further stated.
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