Government committed to boost all sectors: Former FINER Chairman RS Joshi

STATE BUDGET 2021-22

GUWAHATI: "Reiterating its commitment for good governance, Assam State budget, first by the new government led by longtime Finance Minister and now Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, reflects explicitly the government's firm resolve to speedily implement its election manifesto, notwithstanding the pandemic-hit economy," said RS Joshi, former FINER (Federation of Industries and Commerce of Northeastern Region) Chairman, and budget analyst.

He stressed that ushering development in all nooks and corners of the State, the government is high on their agenda of giving a big push to health, infrastructure, agriculture, animal husbandry, education etc.

"Now under-privileged children of class IX and X will have smartphones enabling them to be a part of digital education. This could have been extended to students from class 6 and onward. The corona-hit families will have much-needed support by way of relief meant for widows and orphan children," said Joshi.

He underlined that the government plans to further drastically strengthen health infrastructure by converting 1,000 PHCs (Primary Health Centres) to regular hospitals and 1,000 new BSKs (Buniyadi Swasthya Kendras) providing free treatment and diagnostic services.

"Increased budgetary allocation for important segments of the economy does augur well. Even in this unprecedented hard time, the government's success in garnering extra revenue speaks well about its revenue management. Deserving Microfinance borrowers will have a sigh of relief and could think of starting afresh," said Joshi.

Further, he asserted that the government's bold resolve to free its vast encroached land from illegal settlers will not only pave way for rule of law but also send a stern message to lawbreaker encroachers and their masters.

"Setting up of agriculture commission will have a positive effect in an agrarian economy. Bit disappointed that enough is not done for the industry and commerce facing the onslaught of the pandemic. Government should forth revisit its industrial and MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise) policies," he said.

Lastly, he opined that though the Budget 2021-22 is to some extent an extension to its interim budget presented by the incumbent CM as the Finance Minister, and added, "Nevertheless all-inclusive and very well thought budget with 'Feel Good Factor' is a step in the right direction."

He praised the CM and FM for the budget that 'takes care of revenue, infrastructure and all sections of the society.'

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