Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo on Saturday attended the Pre-Budget Consultation meeting chaired by Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, to take suggestions of Finance Ministers of all States and Union Territories for the ensuing Union Budget 2024-25.
Vishal Dev, Principal Secretary, Finance Department, Government of Odisha accompanied the Deputy Chief Minister to the meeting. A written memorandum containing some issues concerning the States in general and some issues specific to the economy and finances of Odisha which could be addressed through appropriate measures in the Union Budget, 2024-25 was submitted to the Union Finance Minister.
However, a few important issues were flagged by the Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha including support of the Union Government for the creation of an enabling environment to attract international investors, semiconductor industries to Odisha, promotion of Odisha as an investment hub, expansion of Paradip port to propel growth in Odisha.
Following are some of the issues flagged by the Odisha Deputy CM KV Singh Deo:-
- Higher allocation under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SACI), 2024-25 to further accelerate infrastructure development;
- Advance indication of the State-wise annual allocation under CSS schemes at the time of budget formulation which would enable the States to prepare their Budgets on a realistic basis and ensure timely and effective utilization of funds;
- Establishment of a second AIIMS at Sambalpur, Odisha;
- Expeditious completion of National Highways, specifically the Coastal Highway and Capital Region Ring Road (CRRR) projects, in Odisha.
- Partial support from the Centre for implementation of the Subhadra Scheme for promoting women welfare through entrepreneurship, ease of living, and dignity;
- Sanction of funds for the construction of at least 5 lakh houses for rural and urban areas in Odisha under PMAY;
- Support of the Central Government for new city development and rapid urbanization in Odisha; and
- Addressing power sector issues through the inclusion of Odisha DISCOMs under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), financial support for the adoption of new technologies such as green hydrogen, and central funding for Green Energy Corridor projects in Odisha.
The Union Finance Minister assured to look into the demands raised and suggestions given.
