Annual budget to be presented by March end: CM

Puducherry, Mar 14 (UNI) The annual budget for 2008-09 for the Union Territory would be presented in the Assembly by this month end, Chief Minister N Rangasamy said today.

Talking to newspersons here, he said ever since the Congress government headed by him, assumed office, all the budgets were people-friendly and the coming budget would also be on the same lines. It would have schemes to ensure the development of the Union Territory.

Asked about the demand from Welfare Minister M Kandasamy and other Dalit leaders for a separate budget for the special component plan for the development of the Dalits, he said steps would be taken as per the Centre's guidelines.

He said during his visit to New Delhi, he took part in the consultation meeting on the public meetings to be held in the states to propagate the central budget. He also greeted UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on the occasion of her completion of ten years as AICC President.

To a question, Mr Rangasmay said there was no difference of opinion between the ministers and him and everyone was functioning unitedly as per the advice of Ms Gandhi.

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