Adiseshiah panel suggestions can help cut deficit: Deputy CM

Replying to the budget debate in the Assembly, Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam attributed the revenue deficit and subsequent fiscal strains suffered by the state since 2013-14 to 2017-18 fiscals to a combination of factors, mainly the vulnerable global economic scenario, debt-burden caused by implantation of UDAY scheme and pay hike of government employees. The government was making all out efforts to reduce revenue deficit by tapping non-tax revenue resources and implement the recommendations of the Staff Rationalization Committee, he said.  

“Once the recommendations are implemented, it will lead to reduction in revenue deficit and ways and means would open up for the state to revert to revenue surplus,” Panneerselvam told the House, winding up the four-day budget session which was adjourned sine die by Speaker P Dhanapal. 

"Now that there is growth in the economy, it is estimated that the tax revenue in 2018-19 will be about 14.11 per cent,” Panneerselvam said, assuring to cut down the deficit.

The Assembly on Thursday approved the amendments made to the Tamil Nadu Private Clinical Establishments (Regulation) Act to further regulate health care in the state.  

The amended Act of 2018, passed by the House, mandates registration of all existing clinical establishments within nine months of notification of the amendment and for the new establishments which are set up post notification had to apply for registration within six months period. 

The amendment, which widens the category of hospitals/medical institutions under its purview. The new Act also provides for cancellation of the registration of three-time defaulter and no permit application for fresh registration. 

The amended Act would also enable setting up of District Committees, State Level Advisory Committee, their compositions and roles to regulate institutions involved in health care delivery.