Arunachal deputy CM presents Rs 758.26 cr deficit budget

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Tuesday presented a Rs 758.26 crore deficit budget for 2023-24, with special emphasis on creating livelihood opportunities.

The state has projected total receipts of Rs 29,657.16 crore, which is 14 per cent higher compared to the total estimated receipts of Rs 26,111.63 crore in the budget of 2022-23.

"Our vision is to support the aspirations of our people through impetus to economic growth and provide them with ample livelihood opportunities, especially the youth," said Mein who also holds the finance, planning and investment portfolios.

"For the 2023-24 fiscal, we are able to keep the fiscal deficit at an estimated two per cent of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) which is, Rs 758.26 crore," he said.

The state's GSDP has nearly doubled from Rs 20,373 crore in 2015-16 to Rs 39,000 crore now, he said.

"Arunachal Pradesh has been able to maintain more than 30 per cent share of capital expenditure in total expenditure outlay, which is the highest in the country and consistently so over a five-year period," Mein said.

He added that the per capita income of the households has increased from Rs 88,768 to Rs 1,15,902 in the last six years. This is more than 30 per cent increase in the average income of the people of the state.

The budget gave priority to border area development through road connectivity, and power projects to stop migration of people, Mein said adding that a road map has been prepared for the development of border areas with all available facilities to the people and armed forces.

"Fulfilling the aspirations of the youth, and livelihood generation through self-employment opportunities while continuing with our investment in infrastructure for improved connectivity will be the foundation of a prosperous and happy Arunachal Pradesh," Mein told reporters later.

The state is ready to contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a USD 5 trillion economy, he said.

In the last six years, the state witnessed unprecedented development in the infrastructure and connectivity sector, he said adding: "This year we are planning to invest in the waterways sector too." Emphasis is also being laid in the budget on the preservation of culture and tradition, the deputy chief minister said.

He also introduced the Assam Frontier (Administration of Justice) Regulation (Amendment) bill.

The bill seeks to make provisions for framing guidelines by the government for election, selection, appointment, powers, functions and meetings of the chief village headman. Two other bills were also tabled in the assembly.