MP Assy passes supplementary budget

Bhopal, Nov 6 (UNI) The Madhya Pradesh Assembly today passed this fiscal's second supplementary budget of Rs 1,173 crore by voice vote.

Replying to a discussion on the financial statement, Finance Minister Raghavji said, ''despite estimated revenue loss, there was a surplus of Rs 33 crore in the first six months. Tax revenue was 10,789 crore.'' Describing as baseless the opposition's allegation that the state was overtaxed, he pointed out that between 2001 and 2004 then Congress regime availed a loan of Rs 14,930 crore of which only Rs 6,605 crore was spent on development.

''In contrast, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) availed a loan of Rs 14,391 crore and expended Rs 16,973 on development,'' Mr Raghavji claimed.

Leader of the Opposition Jamuna Devi alleged that the budget had no additional provision for meeting the power paucity.

''Dearness allowance (DA) was enhanced by 25 per cent and pension by 30 per cent. Implementation of the Brahmaswaroop Committee's recommendations placed an additional burden of Rs 41 crore on the exchequer. Shikshakarmis' DA was hiked by 73 per cent. A Farmers' Commission has been constituted for the first time. Agricultural loans will have only seven per cent interest,'' he added.

Participating in the discussion, Ms Devi alleged that scores of peasants committed suicide last year due to the government's unfavaourable policies.

''The law and order situation is deteriorating and 109 riots took place during BJP rule. The Tribal Welfare Department is mired in corruption and ought to be shut down. An inquiry committee should be formed for probing corruption in tribal welfare schemes, she said.

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