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| Task Force to ensure financial discipline, says Finance Minister | | |
JAMMU, MARCH 4: Minister for Finance and Planning, Abdul Rahim Rather has said that the Government proposes to constitute a Task Force to ensure financial discipline and fiscal management in the State. This, he said, is imperative for healthy growth of economy and speedy development.
Replying to the discussion on the Vote on Account ( VoA) for the five months of the year 2008-09 and statement of supplementary expenditure for the year 2008-09 in the Legislative Assembly today, the Finance Minister said that codal formalities for execution of development works would be strictly followed as it has been observed that the works get affected and delayed due to lack of prior concurrence from Planning and Development Department. He said that in future, the practice of allotting works without proper tendering would not be allowed at any cost. He appealed legislators to come forward and help the Government affect austerity measures for which they have to be role models.
While justifying opting for Vote on Account instead of a full Budget, the Minister said that owing to time constraint and enforcement of Model Code of Conduct in view of ensuing Parliamentary elections coupled with just concluded elections in the State, there was no other option but to go for a VoA. He said that this was not for the first time that the State has gone for interim Budget but in 1985, 1998 and 2003 also the State had opted for interim Budgets.
The Finance Minister said that for ensuring speedy and equitable development in the State, enhancing of district sector allocations was inevitable especially in those areas which are backward and under developed, adding that the Government would bring a proposal in the House for discussion. He appealed the legislators to be associated with monitoring of execution of works in their respective areas to ensure judicious use of public money and timely completion of the welfare schemes.
The Finance Minister said that there was no convention of having a debate on VoA even then a debate was allowed in the House, which witnessed lively participation from treasury and opposition benches. He described it as an experience that enriched his knowledge regarding the issues concerning to people and the developmental needs.
Responding to the demands and suggestions of the Members, Mr. Rather said that un-employment was a common concern, adding that besides utilizing opportunities in government sector, a conducive atmosphere will be created for private sector investment in the State to create ample jobs for the aspiring youth. He said that self-employment schemes would be made more viable and procedures for credit facilities simplified. He said that financial institutions would be made accountable and asked to stop lackadaisical approach towards the aspiring youth availing loan facilities for setting up their ventures.
Rather asserted that prestigious PMGSY, NREGA and other centrally sponsored schemes would be made effective and due State share for their execution would be ensured.
Regarding Horticulture, the Minister said this sector has given sustenance to 6 lakh families even during the turmoil, adding that besides taking measures for increasing horticulture productivity, post harvest management would be given focussed attention. He said that there was dire need of developing Cold Chain and Controlled Atmosphere Stores to enhance shelf life of the fruit, which, he said, would help fetch better dividends to the growers. Cooperative sector would be involved in this regard, he added. He said that timely provision of quality seeds and fertilizers to the farmers besides providing technical knowhow to them would be given top priority.
The Finance Minister said that the State Finance Commission would be provided full support so that equitable development of all the regions and sub-regions of the State is ensured. He asserted that the present dispensation would provide justice and equal treatment to every citizen of the State.
Later, the House passed the grants sought under VoA and Statement of supplementary expenditure for the year 2008-09 with voice vote.
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