Common man to have say in State budget

Bhubaneswar, January 4: The common man of Odisha will now have a say in the State budget.

According to Finance Minister Pradip Kumar Amat, the State Finance department has decided to seek public opinion before preparing the Budget for the ensuing financial year.

Speaking to media persons recently, Amat said, “Programmes are being launched to invite suggestions from the public through website and mobile phones prior for budget preparation for this fiscal.” The Finance department has developed a webpage budget.odisha.gov.in where suggestions can be submitted in a structured format for preparation of Annual budget 2016-17. Besides the webpage would host the budget documents and suggestions. Besides, suggestions can be sent via e-mail to odisha.budget@gov.in. Similarly, suggestions can be sent through SMS to mobile number 9438161111. This facility will be available for a fortnight beginning from January 1, 2016.

The Finance Minister further stated, “The department’s target this year will be to increase the scope for revenue collection and augment the State’s revenue.” As earlier, the government’s focus will be on undertaking programmes for judicious spending of budget allocations. Besides, efforts will be made for completion of pending infrastructure work in the State, Amat added.