Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Passes 2019-20 Budget by Voice Vote

Major thrust given to agriculture and allied sectors in order to double farmers’ income by 2022

Our Correspondent

Itanagar: Amidst appreciations by members cutting across party lines, the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Wednesday passed the Budget for 2019-20 by voice vote after a long discussion.

Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein who also holds the finance portfolio, presented the 520.98 crore deficit budget for the year 2019-20 in the State Assembly, with major thrust on agriculture and allied sectors in order to double farmers’ income by 2022.

Responding to members suggestions and observations who participated in the budget discussion, Mein informed that the budget was prepared in accordance to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations Member States.

“The UN Member States in 2015 adopted the SDGs which provide a blue print for peace and prosperity for the people and the planet for now and future,” the deputy Chief Minister said.

He added that the goals recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve oceans and forests.

Terming the budget as ‘historic’ Mein said it was an outcome budget of the initiatives of the government and plans till 2030.

“The budget will give a new direction to the developmental goals of the government with emphasis on last mile connectivity,” he said and lauded the Opposition for openly appreciating the budget and wholeheartedly supporting it for the first time.

The Finance Minister said the State Government in the budget had set a target of Rs 1,440 crore tax revenue during 2019-20 and Rs 1,050 crore non-tax revenue for the year saying, that lots need to be done to utilize the State’s resources for revenue generation.

Referring to the resources of the State, Mein informed that despite huge hydro-power potential in the State, power generation is less because of lack of coordination between power generation, transmission and distribution system. He said in absence of industries in the State, tourism sector could be a money spinner for the State and the government need to give a full stop to wasteful expenditures.

“Lack of adequate marketing and exposure are retarding tourism industry growth in the State and we need to seriously ponder on it. We will have to rectify our industrial policy and should go for an investor-friendly policy with incentives and more facilities to attract outside investors,” he said adding, conducive atmosphere is needed to boost industrial sector in the State.

Stating that the State Government had brought various reforms in governance which enabled to curb illegal appointments, the Deputy Chief Minister added that the government had stopped pick and choose policy in appointment to instil a sense of competitiveness among the youth.

While calling upon the members to support the State Government as part of the ‘Team Arunachal’, Mein added, “We have to give a serious thought on our future plans for the next five years under the 15th Finance Commission with this year being the terminal year of the 14th Finance Commission.”

Participating in the discussion, former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki urged the government to impress the Centre to reintroduce the 30 per cent transport subsidy in the North East Industrial Policy, withdrawn by the NDA government.

Tuki, the senior most Congress member also suggested for a policy for rearing mithuns and yaks for economic development of the tribal youths besides construction of cement concrete road in all the district headquarters for durability.

Another Congress member Ninong Ering while appreciating the budget commented that the budget reflected the firm resolve of the state government for doing something seriously.

Also Read: Budget To Focus on Road Communication, Health: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy CM Chowna Mein