C'garh Assembly passes Rs 74,000 cr budget for 2016-17

Raipur, March 30: Chhattisgarh Assembly on Thursday, March 31 passed Rs 74,000 crore budget for 2016-17 by voice vote.

"The budget focuses on the all-round development of Chhattisgarh, centred on farmers, communication, health, safety, sustainability, competency and integrated development," Chief Minister Raman Singh said on the Appropriation Bill 2016 amounting to Rs 7,39,96,33,92,000.

Singh, who holds finance portfolio, said in the past 12 years, the road network in rural areas of the state has expanded from 15,000 km to 42,000 km. "The state government has planned to construct 13,000 km long roads with an investment of Rs 42,000 crore over the next three years," he said.

"The enrolment of girls and boys has reached an equal ratio in high school and higher secondary schools, which is a major achievement towards encouraging girls' education in the state. Earlier there were differences of 20-22 percent in the enrolment," he said.

Highlighting the achievements in the health sector, the CM said the rate of institutional deliveries increased to 81 per cent from 18 per cent in 2005. About 42 lakh families are being covered under health insurance scheme in the state. He also said that a financial aid of Rs 450 crore was provided to drought-hit farmers in the state.

"According to statistics, Chhattisgarh is the leading state in several sectors in the country. Chhattisgarh has been ranked second in the country for spending on social sector," he said. The House passed the Appropriation Bill 2016 by voice vote.

PTI