Cash-starved, yet warms up to farmers

Tribune News Service

Shimla, February 9 

Admitting financial constraints faced by the cash-strapped government, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today said he had tried to focus on the farm and rural sector, welfare of women, girl child and marginalised sections of society. 

“The Budget estimates indicate the difficulties in terms of resource constraints and limited sources of income. However, our government is determined to take the state to a new height of development where there is welfare of every section,” he said after presenting the Budget. 

He denied that the Budget had been prepared with an eye on the parliamentary elections while stating that polls or no polls, welfare of the people and good governance were his only priorities. 

As compared to launching of 30 schemes in last year’s Budget, this year 15 schemes had been announced. “I would like to make it clear that the budgetary allocation for the last year’s 30 schemes would be made as per requirement,” he said. 

Thakur said a number of schemes had been launched to double the income of farmers and as such thrust was on improving irrigation, providing better plant material and latest technology. “We have tried to bring succour to weaker sections like daily wagers, senior citizens, widows and others by making a hike in the allowances being given to them,” he said.

He said efforts had been made to generate resources by making changes in various policies last year.

No word on farm loan waiver: Agnihotri

Shimla: Leader of the Opposition Mukesh Agnihotri on Saturday said the fiscal figures had made it clear that the government was running on loans as almost Rs 10,000-crore loan would be raised within the first two years. Talking to mediapersons after the Budget, Agnihotri said the fiscal management by the BJP regime was so evident with not even a penny’s help beng extended by the Modi government. “The Budget is silent on loan waiver for farmers and makes no mention of continuing budgetary allocation for the 30 old schemes announced last year. Only a verbal assurance has been given by the Chief Minister after presenting the Budget,” he said.