Assam economy progressing in a positive direction: Himanta Biswa Sarma

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The economy of Assam is progressing in the positive direction, stressed State Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma while taking part in the general discussion on Budget 2020-21 in the Assam Assembly on Thursday. The Finance Minister had placed the Budget in the House on March 6. Since Saturday, 22 legislators have participated in the Budget discussions.

Dwelling on the “positive aspect of the State’s economy”, Minister Sarma added, “We’re trying to increase the purchasing power of masses; and in this direction we have already adopted the ‘Direct Benefit Transfer’ (DBT) process. This has led to 12% growth rate of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). Our aim is to keep intact the State’s money within the State itself.

“The Arunoday scheme for the poor people introduced in this Budget is a novel permanent move of the State government. It will directly transfer funds to the bank account of each respective beneficiary via the DBT process. As a result, all departmental beneficiary-related schemes will become redundant over a short period of time. Under the Arunoday scheme, a basic monthly amount of Rs 814 will be deposited in the beneficiary’s bank account. This amount will be increased during festivals like puja and eid; and also at times of floods. This scheme will definitely create a new base in the State’s economy.”

Sarma further said, “This year, 1 lakh widows will get Indira Miri pension; 10,000 divyangans (specially-abled persons) will also be able to avail pension.”

Pointing to the State’s revenue growth rates, Sarma stated, “During 2012-2013, the State’s revenue growth was 2%, and during 2014-2015 it was only 1.39 % which was the lowest in the country then. It happened probably due to some reasons. However, during 2004-2005, the revenue growth was 24% which rose to 25% during 2005-2006. During these fiscals, the Congress was at the helm of affairs in Assam.

“On the other hand, after the BJP-led coalition government came to power the revenue growth rate during the last fiscal (2018-19) was 35%.

“The annual average expenditure of the State government during the Congress regime from 2011 to 2016 was Rs 36,000 crore annually. However, the annual average expenditure of the BJP-led State government during the last three years was Rs 65,320 crore annually. The current fiscal expenditure will touch approximately Rs 80,000 crore.”

Sarma further said, “Altogether 1,600 Utilization Certificates (UCs) were left pending by the previous Congress government. The present government has brought down that number to only 32.

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