Chandigarh, (Gurpreet) Hailing the budget 2023-24 presented by the Finance Minister Harpal Cheema as ‘Aam Lokaan Da Budget’, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday described it as a the roadmap for a new, progressive and prosperous Punjab.
In a statement, the Chief Minister said that it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that this tax free budget has been presented exactly a year after his government has assumed charge in office. He said that this maiden full budget of his government is aimed at giving major fillip to the development of the state. Bhagwant Mann envisioned that the budget will transform the destiny of the common man (Aam Lok) by ensuring peace, progress and prosperity in the state.
The Chief Minister said that as per the commitment of his government, the budget is the blueprint for restoring the pristine glory of the state. He said that the budget will give further impetus to the growth in every sector and ensure that the state witnesses comprehensive growth. Bhagwant Mann said that the day is not far when this budget coupled with pragmatic policies of the state government will help in the progress of the state.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has so far given 26,797 jobs to youth adding that the budget stipulates to regularly recruit and create an ecosystem for private jobs for Punjabis to check brain drain. He said that the total Budget Expenditure of ₹1,96,462 crore for FY 2023-24 reflects 26% growth compared to the FY 2022-23, which reflects the commitment of the state government to ensure uninterrupted development in Punjab. Bhagwant Mann said that the allocation for agriculture and allied sectors has been enhanced by 20% to take adequate steps for making farming a profitable venture.
The Chief Minister said that the provision to introduce a “New Agricultural Policy” with the objective to conserve natural resources and enhance farmer’s income will go a long way in bailing out the farmer from the current agrarian crisis. He said that an allocation of Rs 1,000 crore for a special scheme on diversification during the upcoming financial year will also act as a catalyst for the well being of farmers. Bhagwant Mann said that the proposal to provide crop insurance to farmers to save them from vagaries of the weather and other uncertainties is also a historic decision to safeguard the interests of the farmers.