Opp leader terms budget as 'unrealistic'

Guwahati, July 12: Opposition leader of Asom Assembly Brindaban Goswami today said the estimated resources of the state budget for 2006-07 was 'unrealistic' and therefore the deficit could be much higher than the estimated Rs 1995 crore.

Participating in the budget discussions, he said the projected income in the past few years showed that this year's projection of over Rs 36000 crore was on a much higher side, adding that even if the Central grants and share of taxes were increased substantially, the amount was difficult to reach.

Stressing the need for a ''Zero-based'' budget, Mr Goswami said the proposals in the budget will not encourage the farmers or the common people as it failed to show the developmental avenues to create employment and provide relief to the poor.

He also quoted the Comptroller and Auditors General's report to indicate that the state's financial position was not what the Chief Minister claimed.

UNI