Dhumal presents progressive, growth oriented budget proposals

Shimla, Mar 8 (UNI) Despite tight fiscal situation, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal has presented progressive and growth oriented Budget proposals, an industry body said today.

''Mr Dhumal has brought cheers to different sections of the society by announcing welfare schemes for them,'' PHD Chambers of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) state chairman Dhian Chand said lauding the budget proposals presented in the state Assembly yesterday.

Focus on infrastructure and plan to fill 26,000 posts in various government departments providing employment opportunities to the educated youth was welcome, he said in a statement.

The PHDCCI also lauds the government's decision for the establishment of a directorate of energy to focus on the power sector, an incentive scheme to ensure better tax realisation and three new medical colleges at Una, Hamirpur and Mandi districts in private-public partnership besides an IIT at Mandi, he added.

Mr Chand said a special dispensation of Rs 95 crore to the HRTC and other Budget proposals to strengthen road transport and railway connectivity across the state would help the development of rural and backward areas.

Focus on higher and professional education would help the youth of the state to find opportunities for employment, he said, adding that the changes in the administration would also help in increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the government departments.

The Himachal Government's efforts to facilitate employees and pensioners, families below poverty line (BPL), institutions and urban bodies, students, farmers and industries has proved its welfare and growth oriented vision, the PHDCCI chairman added.

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