Patna, Mar 24: The Bihar government today presented a tax-free Rs 20,735.16 crore budget for 2003-04 in the state assembly leaving an uncovered deficit of Rs 191 crore which it proposed to meet by better financial management, rationalisation of taxes and enhanced internal resource mobilisation. Out of the total amount, Rs 2,995 crore has been earmarked for state plan expenditure and Rs 3633 crore for implementation of central and Centre-sponsored schemes.
The chief minister's budget speech, which was read out by the water resource development minister, Jagdanand Singh, said that the government had also earmarked Rs 810 crore for irrigation and flood protection, Rs 275 crore for energy, Rs 110 crore for agriculture and allied sectors, Rs 309 crore for general and technical education, Rs 297 crore for health, medical education and family welfare and Rs 120 crore for roads and construction of bridges.
A sum of Rs 275 crore has been allotted for maintenance of roads and Rs 734 crore on energy sector and maintenance of canals, buildings and other infrastructure under the non-plan head.
Rs 3416.83 crore had been allotted for interest payment and debt servicing, while another Rs 2206 crore was earmarked for pension and retirement benefits of the government employees. The government also proposed to spend a huge Rs 1192.65 crore for rural development.
Later, talking to newsmen, the Chief Minister Rabri Devi said the greatest achievement of the Bihar government was that it did not have to resort to overdraft during the current financial year to meet its expenses. The people should be happy as the government has not levied any fresh tax. Bureau Report