Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday appreciated certain provisions in the Union Budget 2022-23, but expressed his dissatisfaction over negligence of Odisha in critical rural housing sector and lack of incentives for natural disasters.
In his reaction to the Budget in a video message, Naveen said the increased allocation under Jal Jivan Mission and PMAY are welcome steps. But, people of Odisha are shocked that the genuine demands of the state on rural housing are neglected, while the same is considered for other states. “I hope the Centre would rectify this injustice being meted out to the poor and the tribal people of Odisha by not sanctioning houses,” he added.
He further said Odisha is the only state in the country which is more frequently affected by natural calamities and its repeated demands for special consideration in this regard have not been addressed in the Budget.
On positive sides, he said, “Odisha Millet Mission has been a game changer in promoting nutritional security and augmenting farmer’s income. I am happy that Government of India has recognised the importance of millet in the Union Budget in the context of declaration of 2023 as International Year of Millets by United Nations.”
He further said the focus of budget on technology and infrastructure led growth will have positive impact. Proposed technology led development in health and education will help the country to a large extent in this pandemic situation.
The Production Linked Initiative schemes in 14 sectors and extension of Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme would be helpful in mitigating supply side constraints.
However, he said the slashing the sectoral allocation in critical sectors like agriculture and farmers welfare, higher education, rural development and women & child development could hamper inclusive growth.
“Reduction in MGNREGS in a pandemic situation is not going to help poor people.
Already, there are serious issues of offtake by FCI leading to dislocation in paddy procurement. Further, reduction in food subsidy under NFSA will put farmers in serious trouble. This needs to be reconsidered,” the chief minister said.
Besides, the Budget has not addressed price rise and to compound this further, there is a sharp decline in LPG subsidy. This will affect household economics very badly and women will bear the brunt of LPG price rise.
“The increasing level of cess and surcharge is shrinking the mandated transfers of share tax due to the states. More than 20% of the Union Taxes are proposed to be collected through levy of cess and surcharge which is against the spirit of cooperative federalism,” Naveen said.
OPCC president Niranjan Patnaik in his reaction tweeted that there is nothing new in it for Odisha, particularly in context of COVID pandemic and natural calamities.
In his reaction, Congress MP Saptagiri Ulaka said this is a very disappointing budget. “It’s just a strategy and no figures have been laid down by the Centre, they are not walking the talk,” said Ulaka.
Former BJD MP Kalikesh Singhdeo said the Budget is a mixed bag. “I had hopes of some measures to rectify the rising inflation. Particularly, the lockdown has broken the backbone of the common man and many are facing a financial crunch besides the health factors. These are the main factors that the government has failed to address in the budget,” said Kalikesh.
The Odisha BJP termed the Budget as historic. “Adequate focus has been given to all sections of society and enough funds allocated for employment, education, agriculture and women empowerment. Odisha government should ensure that the benefits of budget reach people,” BJP state president Samir Mohanty said.
Public policy analyst Charudatta Panigrahi said this is a very positive budget. R&D, infrastructure, capital expenditure and digital health platform and digital education are some of the progressive steps announced by the Centre.
Infrastructure is getting a boost by 35 per cent and this is, particularly good for Odisha, said Panigrahi. Hear him here:
Senior vice-president, FICCI India, Subhrakant Panda said Budget 2022 is comprehensive, growth-oriented and high on vision. Extension of ECLGS till Mar 2023 and enhancement of Rs 50,000 crore exclusively for MSMEs in hospitality and related areas is very welcome.
“Measures like digitisation of manual processes, integrating Centre/State interface and expanding scope of single window portal for green clearances will go a long way,” he added.
