The government has increased the total central plan outlay by 13 per cent at Rs 1,44,038 crore giving maximum hike at Rs 36306 crore to the energy sector and lowest hike to irrigation at Rs 443 crore in budget 2002-03. Meanwhile, the total central assistance for states' and union territories' plans also rose to Rs 46629 crore from Rs 38878 crore for 2002-03, an increase of 20 per cent.
The total central plan for 2002-03 received a hike of Rs 16,182 crore which was more than the revised budget estimates of current year.
Agri and allied activities got Rs 3773 crore, up by Rs 382 crore, while rural development garnered Rs 7973 crore. Communications services were allocated Rs 19540 crore and science and technology and environment received Rs 4414 crore, the budget documents said.
Bureau Report