Debabrata Saikia terms Assam Budget as 'routine'

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly Debabrata Saikia on Wednesday termed the Assam Budget for 2022-2023 as a routine one which has been prepared by repeating old projects of the Government.

Saikia said that they expected the Budget to lay stress on development of rural and tea garden areas, but this hope has been belied. No special announcement or project has been incorporated in the Budget, the Congress leader said. Even the Government's earlier commitment regarding enhancement of the MLA Local Area Development (MLALAD) fund has not been vindicated in this Budget.

He, however, added that the Congress would cooperate in ensuring that the Budget is properly implemented on the ground.

AGP HAILS BUDGET: Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) president and Cabinet Minister Atul Bora has hailed the State Budget for 2022-23 as having reflected people's expectations.

He said that the Budget contains a roadmap for revival of the pandemic-hit economy. The Budget also reflects the Government's long-term vision for the development of Assam, with its thrust on recruitment of unemployed youths and development of agriculture & dairy sectors etc., along with rural areas. The youth and student community would also benefit from the Budget, Bora said, while noting that emphasis has also been laid on boosting the health sector.

'PRAISEWORTHY BUDGET': Ex-Chairman of FINER RS Joshi has said in a statement that the State Budget 2022-23 presented by Finance Minister Ajanta Neog reiterates the BJP Government's resolve to implement its election manifesto in a phased way by addressing various issues, such as one lakh Government employment; strengthening infrastructure and connectivity; creating social structure and thereby improving education; welfare of deserving sections of society, particularly indigenous people and tea tribes; bonanza of dearness allowance for State Government employees etc.

Joshi stated that greater allocation for capital expenditure and supplementing measures of Union Government, particularly in flagship schemes like Udaan, tap water for households etc., are praiseworthy and augur well.

"Reforms appear to be integral part of the Government's policy, the cause of which is furthered in this Budget," Joshi stated while extending his compliments to the State Government for coming up with such a Budget which balances short-term and long-term goals on the one hand, and also taking due care of all sections of society in the wake of pandemic-hit economy on the other hand.

'DISAPPOINTED': Meanwhile, the Pratibandhi Suraksha Sangstha, Assam has expressed disappointment over the new Budget.

The association's secretary Nripen Malakar stated in press release that there is nothing new in the Budget and the absence of new scheme for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) reveals the lack of goodwill on the part of the Government.

Malakar appealed to the Government to increase the amount of pension awarded to funds for PwD and inclusion of new beneficiaries under the pension schemes.