Budget to give impetus to development: Hooda

Chandigarh, Mar 18 (UNI) Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today said the state budget presented in the assembly today would benefit all sections of the society and give impetus to the pace of development in the state.

The budget, Mr Hooda said, was in consonance with the policies of the Congress party. No new tax had been imposed, instead tax concessions have been announced, he added.

He said that ever since he had assumed the office of Chief Minister, a number of new initiatives had been taken which were not even promised by the party.

The 2008-09 budget had been presented after ''feeling the pulse of the masses'' so as to fulfil their aspirations. ''It has focussed on welfare of all sections of the society, especially the poor, women, students, farmers and employees of the state government.'' He said the budget had a fiscal surplus, in contrast to earlier years when balancing the fiscal deficit was a primary drive of the budget. This, he said, reflected efficient fiscal management of the state, which has been highly appreciated.

The Chief Minister said the 21st century being knowledge based, emphasis had been laid on promotion of education, especially technical education in the budget.

Special incentives would be given to children belonging to Scheduled Castes so that they might not be deprived of education.

''The Government has laid more emphasis on education of girls. The budget also reflects state government's commitment for over all development of the state,'' he said.

Mr Hooda said the government was considering to develop a mechanism to enable the farmers get rid of their debts without harming the interests of the Arhtiyas. He assured the commitment of his government to provide a clean and transparent administration. He also hoped that the people would continue to support the policies of the Congress so as to make Haryana the number one state in all spheres of development.

UNI MA VN2016