Orissa to focus on per capita income- Ghadei

Bhubaneswar, Feb 21 (UNI) Orissa Finance Minister P C Ghadei today said his government would concentrate on enhancing the per capita income which now stood much below the national average.

He said to achieve this the government must give priority on investment which not only provide large scale employment opportunities but also generate additional revenue for the state exchequer.

Mr Ghadei was replying to the three day debate on the State Budget for 2006-2007 in the state assembly. He appealed to the Opposition to cooperate with the government to create an industrial friendly atmosphere in the state to encourage investment.

He, however, indicated that the industry would be set up but not at the cost of the displaced people. The main agenda, would be to increase the per capita income which was now Rs.6487 compared to national average of Rs.11672 he added.

Mr Ghadei claimed that the BJD-BJP government has successfully reduced the revenue as well as fiscal deficit over the years apart from strengthening fiscal discipline to achieve the target set by the Planning Commission.

He said despite high debt loan the government has been able to come out with the best Budget providing much emphasis to the social sector with focus on development, growth and social equity.

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