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    Finance Minister’s Speech

    Honourable Mr. Speaker,

    • I rise to present the Budget Estimates for the year 2009-10. It is indeed a rare privilege and honour for me to present the Budget proposals for the fifth time in succession. However the economic circumstances in which the current budget is being presented are vastly different than those prevailing on earlier occasions. Today the entire world faces an economic crisis of unprecedented dimensions. In spite of heavy odds our country, and more so our state, has shown great resilience. While the economy of every other comparable state in the country witnessed a mixed bag of ups and downs, ours has grown continuously and on a sustained basis over the past four years – perhaps the longest spell of such a healthy and hassle free sustained growth in the history of this State.
      This has been possible because this government steered its policies and interventions most effectively, timely and sensibly during the past four years, without adversely affecting the flexibility, durability and vigour of our economy. I promise that these Budget proposals that I am about to present would also aim at the same and help the economy continue to grow through this year and even beyond with the same momentum.
    • Recapitulating from where I ended the last time when I stood on my legs before this august House while presenting the Budget Estimates 2008-09, I had assured the House that the Annual Plan then projected at Rs.6,650 crores as against the projections of Rs.5,300 crores during the year immediately preceding would be visited and financed completely. There were, Mr. Speaker Sir, if you care to recall, some disturbing murmuring as I asserted such optimism with confidence then. Now I am able to report to this august House through you that we are confident of financing not only the projected estimates, but a Revised Estimate of over Rs.7,130 crores against the misplaced misgivings of some cautious pessimists here. True Haryanvis are the people who are provoked by challenges and propelled by dreams that just do not let them sleep.
    • The credit for the same I wish, with your permission, to dedicate to our rural folks engaged in agriculture and allied activities, the industrialists who decided, in their own wisdom, to side and sail with our best judgements acknowledging the strengths of our abilities, the traders who chose to depend on our well meaning and enduring intentions and to every other soul, good or apparently bad, serious or apparently casual, nice or apparently cunning, that wished us well.

    STATE ECONOMY

    • During the Financial Year 2007-08, at current prices the State economy registered a very healthy growth of 17.7 percent in Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) over the previous year and it translates into a growth of 9.3 percent at constant prices with 1999-2000 being the base year. The corresponding figures of growth for the year 2008-09 are placed at 17.9 and 8.0 percent respectively. Compared with the expected growth across the country at national level, this is an excellent performance by our economy.
    • At current prices, the Per Capita Income increased from Rs.50,488/- in 2006-07 to Rs.58,531/- in 2007-08 and at constant prices with 1999-2000 as the base year the figures translate into Rs.39,796/- in 2007-08 as against Rs.37,314/- in 2006-07. Members would be delighted to note that during the year 2007-08, on this parameter Haryana stood second amongst all states, next only to the tiny state of Goa and ours was about 65% above the national average. In years to follow, I can assure this august House with confidence, that these figures are going to be much more encouraging and the undisputed first place is not very far ahead.
    • The share of Primary, Secondary and Tertiary sectors in the GSDP during 2008-09 is likely to be 19.3, 29.8 and 50.9 percent respectively as against the corresponding shares at 56.6, 20.5 and 22.9 percent in 1966-67 – the year the State came into being. The relative share reflected by these figures matches well with some of the developed and stable economies in the world. Though these figures are extremely heartening signifying the surge of economy in the right direction in a consistent and balanced manner, yet it need not be misconstrued that they signify award of less weight and importance to the Agriculture sector by the state. We are conscious that our agriculture sector has to continue discharging the sacred duty towards the country – to generate surpluses to be applied appropriately to feed, and feed well, the country of a billion plus. As I proceed ahead, the members would discover that the importance of agriculture and allied sectors has not at all been compromised while giving proper direction to the economy. This government is committed that farmers of the state, who feed the nation, also ride the bus on the path of prosperity as equal partners.

    FISCAL MANAGEMENT

    • Our Fiscal Management, as the House would appreciate, happens to be a cause of envy for most of the other States. As the figures of Central Sales Tax demonstrate, our share in the net export happened to be a staggering 10.5 % of the cumulative exports outside the respective states within the union, though we account for just about 3% of the National GDP. In absolute terms, we stood second only to Maharashtra on this count. It is, in these circumstances, but natural that the pinch in financial terms of the progressive reduction in the rate of levy of Central Sales Tax, popularly known as CST, is also felt most acutely by us alone. Yet, despite a 50% reduction in the rates of CST, our per capita collection of VAT is amongst the highest in the country and we collect very significantly more revenue on this account even in absolute terms compared to some of the much bigger and traditionally more prosperous neighbouring states in the region. Our tax collection efficiency computed as cost to collection ratio is amongst the best even when some prestigious central agencies are also included in the comparison along with other states. These are no small feats and speak volumes about the commitment and professionalism of highest order amongst our tax collectors and the department of Excise & Taxation deserves a generous appreciation for it.
    • The existing fiscal scenario, however, needs a deeper appreciation. On one hand, as all the honourable members of this august House are adequately aware, the national economies all over the world are facing unprecedented recession and slowdown bordering on meltdown across the globe and Indian economy is no exception to it. Haryana, as I explained earlier, being a net exporter of manufactured goods at a much higher proportion, is more firmly integrated to the national and global economies than any other state and thus the impact is felt most severely in our case. Further, Haryana is the flag bearer in the hitherto fastest growing sectors of housing and real estate as well. These are the two sectors most acutely hit the world over in the current recession. The implication of the same has started showing up in the last 3 months on the receipt side and is likely to continue through the next financial year as well. It is a difficult time that the economies are passing through globally. Secondly, on the expenditure side, though following the trend set by the Central Government, the revised pay package has been implemented now, yet it has been implemented with effect from 01.01.2006 and the liability on account of payment of salary arrears alone has been assessed as Rs.4350 cores. This happens to be a deferred liability of 36 months, of which 3 months pertain to 2005-06, 12 months each pertain to year 2006-07 and 2007-08 and 9 months pertain to the current financial year. After factoring in the impact of dearness allowance, the proportionate appropriation of the liability works out at about Rs.340, 1390, 1480, and 1140 crores respectively for the years 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09. Now this arrear is to be paid in the current and next financial year. Therefore the liabilities so created in earlier financial years to the extent of about Rs.3210 crores shall be discharged in this and the next year’s Budget Estimates and to this extent the pitch of expenditure needs to be understood as deferred expenditure pertaining to the previous years.
    • Despite these singularities, the House must appreciate that the estimated receipts on account of Tax Revenue at Rs.16,222.72 crores in the Revised Estimate 2008-09 is expected to be about Rs.2,970 crores more than the actual receipt during 2007-08. At Rs.5,547.88 crores, the Non Tax Revenue, however, is expected to be less by about Rs.951 crores. It is purely on account of near meltdown in Real Estate and Housing sectors. In overall terms, the estimated Revenue Receipts at Rs.21,770.60 crores in the Revised Estimate 2008-09 are expected to be about Rs.2,020 crores more than the actual receipt during 2007-08 representing a growth of about 10.2%. On the Capital side, despite an estimated rise of over 77% on account of recoveries of loans, at Rs.3,794.91 crores, the inflow is expected to be about Rs.3,568 crores more than the same during 2007-08. The overall Total Receipts Net of Public Debt in the Revised Estimates of 2008-2009 at about Rs.25,565 crores is likely to be about Rs.5,588 crores more than the actual receipts during 2007-08.
    • The estimated Revenue Expenditure at Rs.21,715.19 crores in the Revised Estimate 2008-09 is expected to be about Rs.4,188 crores more than the actual expenditure during 2007-08. It includes provisioning of nearly Rs.2,350 crores on account of payment of arrears consequent to pay and pension revisions. If we exclude this singular impact, the estimated growth in Revenue Expenditure at Rs.1,838 crores would still be lower than the expected growth in Revenue Receipts by about Rs.182 crores in absolute terms. On the Capital side, at Rs.4,155.62 crores, our expenditures are expected to be about Rs.444 crores more than the actual expenditures during 2007-08. Overall the estimated total expenditure in the Revised Estimates at Rs.25,870.81 crores is likely to be about Rs.4,632 crores more than the actual expenditure during 2007-08. However, as the members would appreciate, despite the singular adversities faced by the economy all of a sudden, with better and more efficient fiscal management of resources and careful balancing of receipts and expenditure, we are expected to enter the next financial year yet again with a revenue surplus.

    BRIEF DETAILS OF PROPOSALS

    • With your permission, Mr. Speaker Sir, now I move on to highlight some of the key initiatives, cardinal principles and important features on which the proposed Budget is founded. For ease of appreciation, I shall do so sector wise.

    SPECIAL ECONOMIC IMPETUS PACKAGE

    • As I mentioned earlier and as all the honourable members are well aware, economies across the country are reeling under the threat of global recession and slowdown and the investment sentiments are low across the board. Jobs are being laid off and these are likely to be further intensified in near future. It is time for the governments to increase focussed public expenditures dedicated to strengthen the infrastructure while creating additional job opportunities. Thus this government proposes to launch a dedicated Economic Stimulus Package and proposes to spend about Rs.1,500 crores during the next 2 years in a focussed manner by undertaking specific projects in various infrastructure sectors across the state. All these projects are proposed to be taken up in a mission mode and would be completed in the said 2 years. A special steering and monitoring mechanism would be put in place and funds dedicated to the package would be set aside exclusively. To highlight some of the initiatives under this arrangement, 6 District Hospitals at Gurgaon, Hissar, Bhiwani, Faridabad, Sonipat and Rohtak are proposed to be up-graded to become Multi Speciality State-of-Art Hospitals during the next financial year with an expected expenditure of Rs.100 crores. Rest of the District Hospitals would be taken up in the year following it. A Women Medical College with a 500 bedded hospital is proposed to be set up at Khanpur Kalan in Sonipat District with an estimated cost of Rs.300 crores and an amount of Rs.100 crores out of it is proposed to be spent during the next financial year. The balance would be met during the successive years.
    • In most of our towns the sewerage and water supply systems needs major up-gradations very badly and it is proposed to provide 100% coverage of good and reliable water supply and sewerage facilities in towns over the next 2 years with a composite investment of Rs.500 crores. In the first phase, such up-gradations are proposed to be taken up for completion in the 16 towns namely Bhiwani, Hansi, Jind, Mahendergarh, Narnaul, Narwana, Sirsa, Thaneshar, Tohana, Uchana, Ambala City, Charkhi Dadri, Pataudi, Samalkha, Gohana and Sonipat.
    • To strengthen and modernise special care facilities for mentally and physically challenged, destitute women & children and senior citizens, it is proposed to launch special initiatives for their benefits by setting up a network of dedicated institutions under the stimulus package and it is proposed to spend Rs.100 crores for these purposes over the next 2 years.
    • The importance and centrality of village ponds in the village life cannot be overemphasised as for most of villages, they still continue to be the fallback reliable source of water for all needs. Over a period of time, however, they have been exposed to acute pollution and some of them have even vanished. There is a pressing need to remodel them efficiently and this government proposes to do so under the stimulus package and in the first phase proposes to take up 1,000 villages for such remodelling in the next financial year. Rs.100 crores is proposed to be spent on it by dovetailing the resources assigned to it with the NAREGA scheme.
    • Many of the water courses across the State have become dysfunctional as a consequence of continued neglect. Some of them require major renovation. It is proposed to undertake such renovations in a big way during the next 2 years and it is proposed to set aside Rs.50 crores for this purpose in the next year.
    • To overcome the shortage of houses for industrial workers forcing them to dwell in unhygienic conditions at far off places affecting their efficiency and health of their family members, this government proposes to launch a special programme to construct houses for Industrial workers and proposes to set aside Rs.25 crores for it to be spent during the next year. Similarly, there is an acute shortage of housing facilities for Police personnel disturbing their family life and increasing their stress levels. I propose to earmark Rs.25 crores for this purpose to be spent during the next year as a part of the stimulus package.
    • The two recently created districts namely Mewat and Palwal do not have adequate office space available to house the government offices. It is proposed to set aside Rs.50 crores for establishing the office buildings along with adequate housing facilities for the employees.
    • Members would appreciate that all the various projects proposed to be included as a part of Special Economic Stimulus Package has an overwhelming component of construction activities that generates employment at relatively higher pitch while creating durable assets in infrastructure sectors. I propose to provide Rs.625 crores in the Budget Estimates 2009-2010 to meet the resource requirements for them. Further, to enable these projects to be taken up in the fast track mission mode, I propose to allocate this amount as assistance to the Infrastructure Development Fund and the Haryana Rural Development Fund rather than to the normal departmental allocation. It would facilitate close and focussed monitoring of the activities, afford selection of most efficient agency to undertake them and evade the risk of resources being lost in the normal government channels of expenditure. This allocation, Mr. Speaker Sir, would not form the part of normal departmental allocations that I am about to describe now.
    • Further to it and outside the direct government intervention and funding, this government proposes to take scores of policy initiatives aimed at prompting private sector investments in the area of fast track public infrastructure strengthening and modernisation as a part of giving direction to the economy while providing opportunities in investments, creation of job opportunities and formation of durable assets as a part of stimulus activities. To name a few, this government intends to up-grade and modernise the major Bus Sands across the State in the Public Private Partnership mode on BOT basis. This is likely to enthuse an investment of about Rs.1,000 crores in private sector very quickly. Further, a modern and efficient intra-city bus service is proposed to be provided in the fast expanding town of Faridabad at a cost of Rs.200 crores under the JNNURM scheme. It is also proposed to set up intra-city bus service in Gurgaon on PPP basis. All these initiatives, Mr. Speaker Sir, will help the economy to recover out of the shock of recession.

    DEVELOPMENT AND PANCHAYAT

    • The department of Development and Panchayat focuses its activities and initiatives primarily on up-gradation of infrastructure and other facilities in the rural areas. Our commitment to this end is second to none in the entire country. In the ongoing Schemes, I am glad to inform the House that in the Nirmal Gram Puraskar Yojna, Haryana stood third in the country in 2007-08 after Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. This scheme has led to massive capacity building and IEC activities. To facilitate the implementation of this scheme a large number of special incentives have been added to it by the State government on its own, including advance release of State share of next instalment, State Incentive Scheme on Sanitation, financial assistance to Gram Panchayats for deploying Safai-karmis for general cleanliness in the villages, scheme for promotion of clean pads, exposure visits, Swacchata weeks, Swacchata Yatra, etc. This government on its own has launched an ambitious programme in the name of Mukhya Mantri Anusuchit Jati Nirmal Basti Yojna with the objective to uplift overall quality of life in rural areas by providing basic infrastructure in villages having Scheduled Caste population exceeding 50% as per 2001 census. 391 villages were to be benefited under this scheme with the addition and strengthening of infrastructure like construction of streets along with side drains, laying of water supply pipelines, construction of Community Centres/ Panchayat Ghars/ Chaupals, boundary walls of Shamshan Ghats, etc. Members would be glad to know that under this Scheme the targeted work in 335 villages would be completed by the end of this financial year and the remaining 56 villages would be taken up for completion in the next financial year.
    • Pavement of streets in the rural areas, as the honourable members would appreciate, is the basic infrastructure necessity at the village level. The paved streets serve not only as an improved mean of connectivity within the village, but also give a comparable satisfaction matching the same in urban inhabitations. At present there are 6,759 villages in the State and this government is committed to cover all the villages with very adequately paved streets. Our government, the honourable members would be glad to note, has improved the quality of streets very significantly in 2,870 villages so far with improved techniques which promise increased durability besides better value for investments.
    • In another unique and innovative Scheme initiated as a humble tribute to the Father of nation and named as Mahatma Gandhi Gramin Basti Yojna, a residential plot measuring 100 square yards each is to be provided to all eligible Scheduled Caste, Backward Class (A) and Below Poverty Line households free of cost. The project is likely to be completed in two years time and for better coordinated and focused application of available resources, integration of NAREGA and IAY with Mahatma Gandhi Gramin Basti Yojna is also proposed.
    • To meet the demand for resources for the existing ongoing commitments and the new initiatives, I propose to increase the allocation meant for the department on Plan side by Rs.197.29 crores and on Non Plan side by Rs.153.61 crores pegging them at Rs.623.50 and Rs.358.97 crores respectively in the Revised Estimates for 2008-09 and, for the next year I further propose to provide allocation of Rs.689.09 and Rs.324.63 crores on Plan and Non Plan side respectively in the Budget Estimates for 2009-10 representing an overall increase of 60.50% over the 2008-09 Budget Estimates.

    URBAN DEVELOPMENT

    • In Haryana, nearly one out of every four persons dwells in cities today and this government is determined to provide impetus to strengthening the infrastructure in urban areas and would continue to strengthen, both institutionally and financially, the abilities of urban local bodies. Large numbers of City Development Plans popularly known as CDPs have been prepared to map the gaps in the infrastructure such as Roads, Drains, Water Supply, Sewerage, etc, and it is proposed to be plugged by way of comprehensive and effective dovetailing with the ongoing Schemes like Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT), Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme (IHSDP), Urban Solid Waste Management Programme and the grants received on the recommendation of Central Finance Commission.
    • In another important initiative, in terms of the recommendation of the Third State Finance Commission, this government has increased the volume of grant-in-aid to the Urban Local Bodies by over 66%. Further, the levy of House Tax has been withdrawn throughout the State on self occupied residential premises. The House would appreciate that consequent to a sustained and focused efforts made by the department to access resources under JNNURM, Central Government has sanctioned 6 Detailed Project Reports for comprehensive improvements in urban settlements with an outlay of about Rs.768 crores and the first instalment amounting to Rs.62.73 crores has already been released. Under the UIDSSMT Scheme, 4 DPRs for integrated Solid Waste Management projects and a sewage treatment plant at Bahadurgarh stand sanctioned with a total outlay of about Rs.100 crores out of which Rs.41.90 crores have already been received. Under IHSDP, DPRs for 12 towns with a project cost of about Rs.240 crores stands approved and a sum of Rs.91.47 crores out of the same has already been released. It is also proposed to extend development grants of Rs.1.00 crore to each one of such the 144 municipal wards across the State having more than 50% population of the persons belonging to Scheduled Caste. The proactive performance of this department in pursuing and seeking more resources than our share from the Central Government is highly commendable.
    • To meet the demand for resources for the existing ongoing commitments and the new initiatives, I propose to increase the allocation meant for the department on Plan side by Rs.93.39 crores and on Non Plan side by Rs.38.88 crores pegging them at Rs.385.02 and Rs.147.23 crores respectively in the Revised Estimates for 2008-09 and, for the next year I further propose to provide allocation of Rs.1,334.38 and Rs.127.51 crores respectively on Plan and Non Plan side in the Budget Estimates for 2009-10 for the urban development sector representing an overall increase of 265.49 % over the 2008-09 Budget Estimates.

    EDUCATION, SPORTS AND YOUTH WELFARE

    • Of all the strategic initiatives in the sectors of building a strong nation and society, none else occupies the kind of significance, importance, centrality and worth as is occupied by the education sector. History is witness that societies have built and rebuilt themselves only at the strength of the quality of human beings that constituted them. Education thus is the cornerstone of all that can be classified as the wealth that a society holds. Mr. Speaker Sir, this government has taken a series of steps for making education accessible and inclusive for all segments of society. A lot more, I admit, remains to be done for improving the quality of education. We cannot provide solid foundation for bright future of Haryana without improving the quality of education at all levels including primary, secondary and higher education. The quality and commitment of teachers remains a major area of concern. Teaching methodologies and course curriculum at all levels need to be up-graded. Our Universities, Colleges, and Technical Education Institutions have to adopt best international practices. It is only through continuous, dedicated and vigorous efforts that we will be able to create assets in human resources capable of meeting the challenges of the future. This government renews its commitment to work whole-heartedly in this direction.
    • Today computer education is most essential for students at all levels and disciplines. We plan to start comprehensive computer education in government schools and colleges in a phased manner under which certificate courses shall also be offered to the students. A mechanism for standardisation of the certificate courses being offered by various agencies in this field is proposed to be worked out. This will insulate our young generation from the possibility of exploitation in the hands of unscrupulous and inferior service providers in the privately operated institutions while ensuring quality delivery by them.
    • Of late, there has been a declining trend in the number of students opting for studies in Science faculty leading to an overall shortage of trained scientific manpower and science teachers in the State. Therefore, to counter this aspect, there is a need to make a holistic action plan for motivating the young generation to take up science as their studies option in a big way. For this a dedicated provision of Rs.2 crores is proposed to be made in the budget for the first time. Further, it is equally essential that our Universities are well equipped to conduct research in the emerging areas of science for developing expertise as also for producing trained manpower lest we may fall behind in this area. Therefore a new scheme targeted to promote scientific research, training and education is proposed to be launched by the department of Science and Technology. Under this scheme, common research facilities would be set up in Universities and other institutions as centrally available facility for use by all the interested parties. For this a dedicated provision of Rs.18 crores is proposed to be made in the budget for the first time.
    • In the areas of Sports and Youth Welfare, as per the policy decision to have at least one stadium in each block of the state, 168 stadiums are at different stages of completion. A ten lane synthetic athletics track and a modern lawn tennis court complex are being laid at Moti Lal Nehru School of Sports at Rai. A new Scheme in the name of ‘Panchayat Yuva Krida aur Khel Abhiyan’ popularly known as PYKKA aimed at affording rural youth an opportunity to participate at panchayat, block and district level has been introduced in the State. It will help the emerging talents to be exposed and groomed properly.
    • To meet the demand for resources for the existing ongoing commitments and the new initiatives, I propose to increase the allocation meant for the education and allied sector to Rs.955.83 crores on Plan side and Rs.2,885.77 crores on Non-Plan side respectively in the Revised Estimates for 2008-09 and, for the next year I further propose to provide allocation of Rs.1,265.53 and Rs.3,858.52 crores on Plan and Non Plan side respectively in the Budget Estimates for 2009-10 representing an overall increase of 59.96 % over the 2008-09 Budget Estimates.

    TECHNICAL EDUCATION, INDUSTRIAL TRAINING AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

    • Technically and professionally trained manpower is a very significant component enhancing the quality of human resources for socio-economic development and infrastructure building in the state. This government is conscious of this fact and its commitment on this account is second to none in the country. Members would be glad to note that as against 6 Polytechnics and just 1 Engineering College in the State when Haryana came into being in 1966, today we have about 428 institutes imparting professional education. Besides, we have 108 ITIs, including 31 exclusively for women, and 7 Teachers Training Centres. The ratio of availability of professional and vocational seats to the total population in Haryana is one amongst the highest in the country.
    • During the current financial year construction of 5 more Government Polytechnics have been taken in hand and 8 of them are being expanded. The intake capacity of government Polytechnics has increased from 10,500 to 15,000 and Pre-Engineering courses in 11 Engineering Colleges have been started. The placement of Diploma holders has gone up to 95%. Besides this, 7 new ITIs have become fully operational, 3 ITIs have been upgraded into Centres of Excellence and up-gradation of 5 more ITIs have been taken in hand. There is a proposal to open 28 new ITIs and to expand 22 of them during the next three years. Construction of separate Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribe wings in 14 existing ITIs is likely to be completed by June end this year and 3 more such wings would be taken in hand for similar additions. There is a proposal to upgrade 13 more ITIs.
    • Further to it, this august House would be delighted to note that during the next financial year the Central Government has decided to establish one IIM in Rohtak district where the admissions are likely to be offered from the next academic session. Further to it, the department proposes to establish specialised institutions in areas of Foundry and Forging at Lisana, Electrical Enginering at Sanghi, Printing and Packaging Technology at Cheeka, Rubber and Polymer Technology at Faridabad and Civil Engineering at Sampala. Centres of Excellence are proposed to be established in the fields of Automobile Engineering at Maneser, Mechetronics at Nilokheri, Plastic Engineering at Ambala, Chemical Engineering at Sonipat and Ceramic Engineering at Jhajjar.
    • To meet the demand for resources for the existing ongoing commitments and the new initiatives, I propose to increase the allocation meant for the department on Plan side by Rs.32.77 crores and on Non Plan side by Rs.74.24 crores pegging them at Rs.280.42 and Rs.177.92 crores respectively in the Revised Estimates for 2008-09 and, for the next year I further propose to provide allocation of Rs.289.46 and Rs.224.92 crores on Plan and Non Plan side respectively in the Budget Estimates for 2009-10 representing an overall increase of 46.40% over the 2008-09 Budget Estimates.

    HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

    • Of all the government interventions and facilitations, the initiatives in the sector of health and family welfare happen to be the most crucial in the interest of general well being of the people as they protect not only the current generation but also secure the prospects for the coming generations. The focus of the department now and in the years to come revolves around improving the quality of doctors, availability of free medicines, essential diagnostics and efficient delivery of services. The emphasis is on greater utilization of public health facilities through enhanced public confidence, quality assurance, community participation and social audit, reduction in Infant Mortality and Maternal Mortality Ratios and increasing shift to institutional deliveries. To ensure accountability, minimum deliverables have been fixed and the system of performance audit.
    • The department proposes to start the process of setting up two new Medical Colleges, one each in District Mewat and Sonipat, to enhance availability of doctors within the state.
    • Delivery huts have been established to promote and ensure safe delivery services in a clean and hygienic environment. Jacha Bacha scheme was launched with effect from 15th August 2008 and the Janani Suraksha Yojna remains a continuing ongoing scheme. These schemes puts emphasis on gender equity, creates value for the girl child, ensures monitoring and performance audit by community, makes payments transparent and elicits mother’s satisfaction on total package of services.
    • In order to take delivery of health services to the doorstep, fixed day outreach approach has been introduced to provide them on pre-notified days on a regular basis in rural areas. Outreach schedule is notified to the Sarpanch, School, Anganwadi, etc. Further, to promote convergence and social audit, a common committee known as ‘Village Health and Sanitation Committee’ has been set up jointly by the departments of Health, and Women & Child Development in villages. At present, the honourable members would be glad to note, over 6,200 such committees are fully operational involving over one lac women into decision-making roles.
    • An integrated Health Education strategy has been developed by the department to ensure continuous and intensified Education camps at village level for behaviour changes. Over 6,200 Sakshar Mahila Samooh comprising over a lac educated women in all are engaged in intensive health education campaign in villages throughout the state.
    • To meet the demand for resources for the existing ongoing commitments and the new initiatives, I propose to increase the allocation meant for the department on Plan side by Rs.35.16 crores and on Non Plan side by Rs.110.63 crores pegging them at Rs.316.96 and Rs.512.87 crores respectively in the Revised Estimates for 2008-09 and, for the next year I further propose to provide allocation of Rs.361.97 and Rs.671.40 crores on Plan and Non Plan side respectively in the Budget Estimates for 2009-10 representing an overall increase of 51.07% over the 2008-09 Budget Estimates.

    WOMEN & CHILD DEVELOPMENT

    • Woman is the mother and child is the future. Posterity would assess the genuineness of our intentions on the sole criteria – how well did we take care of our women and children. Our greatest long term investment happens to be in our children. Women and Child development and Health initiatives go quite hand in hand and a large number of initiatives in this area stand explained while elaborating the Health department initiatives. In addition, this department has undertaken a large number of other initiatives, including special campaign to curb anaemia among children and adolescents in coordination with the Health department by providing nutritional supplements i.e. Iron and Folic Acid popularly known as IFA tablets & Vitamin A supplements to all children, pregnant & nursing mothers and adolescent girls in the State. Another Scheme has been launched by providing 5% interest subsidy on bank interest to facilitate ease in obtaining educational loans for higher studies in the country and abroad for girls. The Supplementary Nutrition Programme under ICDS has been completely decentralized and made community driven employing around 75000 women very gainfully. Sakshar Mahila Samooh, a group of all educated women functioning as registered rural NGOs, has been formed in almost every village. 11 new ICDS Projects have also been sanctioned and they would all become operational in 2009-10. The department has taken the initiative to construct 400 Anganwadi buildings in the villages with the component of Scheduled caste population exceeding 50% to ensure better access to welfare schemes for women & children. In another significant initiative, Mahila Shakti Sadans are being constructed in villages of Haryana to be used exclusively by the women folks for their meetings and congregations.
    • To meet the demand for resources for the existing ongoing commitments and the new initiatives, I propose to increase the allocation meant for the department on Plan side by Rs.23.09 crores pegging it at Rs.314.35 crores in the Revised Estimates for 2008-09 and, for the next year I further propose to provide allocation of Rs.407.99 and Rs.30.37 crores on Plan and Non Plan side respectively in the Budget Estimates for 2009-10 representing an overall increase of 37.36% over the 2008-09 Budget Estimates.

    SOCIAL WELFARE & EMPOWERMENT

    • Affirmative action, up-liftment and welfare of the weaker sections of society, including the physically and mentally challenged, holds the key for much needed complete social integration of the society. The approach of this government on this account is very positive, progressive and proactive. Under the major initiatives steered through the department in this area, Ambedkar Medhavi Chhattra Yojna targeting to identify and promote merit among Scheduled Caste students stands launched where scholarship at the rate of Rs.1000/- per month for 10 months in one year is given at 10+1 and 10+2 levels in school education and diploma courses to the eligible students who secure 60% or more marks in 10th class. At present about 9,000 students are availing this benefit. In the scheme designed to provide better housing facilities, grant in aid to the tune of Rs.50,000/- for construction and Rs.10,000/- for repair of house is extended to Scheduled Castes and Below Poverty Line households.
    • On Human Resource Development side, a scheme of imparting training in special and employment oriented certificate/ diploma courses in technical trades has been launched in collaboration with departments of Technical Education, Industrial Training, and Transport. Further, apparel training courses for Scheduled Castes has been introduced with the help of Haryana Scheduled Caste Finance & Development Corporation assisted by the government by way of providing Grant in Aid. Another scheme of extending financial assistance for training to Scheduled Caste candidates in unorganized sector through private institutions has also been introduced. A new scheme for up-gradation of typing and data entry skill has also been launched to benefit Scheduled Caste and Backward Class unemployed youth through computer literacy.
    • Further to it, to name some other important initiatives, the scheme of Rajiv Gandhi Parivar Bima Yojna aims at giving compensation on account of death or disability. Special initiatives have been taken to benefit senior citizens by setting up chain of senior citizen clubs, voluntary service network, issuance of senior citizen identity cards, granting 50% concession for women above 60 years of age in bus travel and distribution of free spectacles to senior citizens coming from Below Poverty Line category. A new scheme of monthly allowance of Rs.300/- has been introduced for all non school going mentally challenged children and the State Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research has been set up.
    • To meet the demand for resources for the existing ongoing commitments and the new initiatives, I propose to increase the allocation meant for the department on Non Plan side by Rs.12.26 crores pegging it at Rs.130.02 crores in the Revised Estimates for 2008-09 and, for the next year I further propose to provide allocation of Rs.824.68 and Rs.131.06 crores on Plan and Non Plan side respectively in the Budget Estimates for 2009-10.

    AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED SECTORS

    • The sectors relatable to agriculture are the mother of all the sectors of the economy and it is here that Haryana makes the strongest statement. Our food grain production has increased from just about 26 lac tonnes in 1966-67 to about 153 lac tonnes in 2007-08 – a staggering 6 fold increase. The target for production for the current year has been fixed at 157.61 lac tones. During the year, fairly good and well distributed rains were received and it is expected that the target would be met. The consumption of fertilizer is likely to touch the level of 14 lac M.T.s during the current financial year that is about 15% higher than the previous year. On the whole, our performance remains satisfactory on this account.
    • But members would appreciate that intensive use of fertilizer and extensive exploitation of irrigation facilities has their own ill effects and we are not immune from it. We need to address very seriously the concerns like sustainability of soil, management of water resources and its optimal use, crop diversification and availability of quality seeds. Our soil quality in different areas in the State are faced with the conditions like salinity & water logging, alkalinity, micronutrients deficiency and poor organic carbon. On the front of availability of quality seed, we are faced with limitations including inadequate availability of hybrid seeds, Bt Cotton hybrid seeds being too costly to be economically attractive and non availability of salinity resistant high yielding varieties of Gram. Our Seed Replacement Rate or SRR is also not very encouraging. These are the areas where our agriculture scientists and university have to match the expectations, and I call upon them to rise up to the occasion and measure up to the expectation in these areas of concern.
    • To overcome some of the limitations, department proposes a large number of initiatives, including introduction of sub surface drainage in a big way to reclaim saline and water logged soils, supply gypsum at 50% subsidized cost to reclaim alkaline soils, supply of micronutrients at 50% subsidized rate to replenish nutrient deficiency, increase the area under green manuring to restore soil fertility, increase the spread of underground pipeline, focused campaign to wean away farmers from water guzzling summer paddy popularly known as saathi, etc.
    • Next to Agriculture, Animal Husbandry is an important sector to supplement the income in rural areas. The department has undertaken an ambitious programme of genetic improvement while keeping the milch animals disease free. Naming some significant initiatives in this area, the vaccination programme specially targeted against the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) shall continue, Murrah Development Programme through identification, preservation and improvement of this germ-plasm is proposed to be further strengthened and diversified, Polyclinics with ultra modern facilities are proposed to be established at Sonipat, Bhiwani and Panchkula, Livestock Insurance Scheme expected to benefit 1.20 lac farmers in the first go is proposed to be launched on a pilot project basis in five districts namely Bhiwani, Hissar, Jhajjar, Jind and Rohtak. The outdated and old buildings housing the institutions connected with veterinary care are proposed to be renovated and further improved.
    • Exploiting the potential in the area of milk and milk products is as important an area for the village folks as any other ‘activity ancillary to agriculture’. As against the national average of 232 grams, in Haryana the per capita milk availability is 660 grams per day and we rank 2nd in the country on this parameter. The Haryana Dairy Development Cooperative Federation Ltd. is helping about 1.5 lac rural households to augment their income by sale of their surplus milk through 6000 Milk Producers’ Cooperative Societies or MPCS. The members would be delighted to note that the annual turnover of the Federation and its constituent Milk Unions now exceeds Rs.700 crores. The Federation sells around 3.5 lac litres of milk within the State and supplies about 3.75 lac litres of milk to Mother Dairy on daily basis. To support the ever increasing demands, the processing capacity of Rohtak Milk Plant is being increased from 1 to 4 lac litres per day. The Federation, the members would be impressed to note, has set a record of highest procurement of milk in a day by procuring 9.46 lac litres of milk on 29th December, 2008.
    • Fish and fish products hold the key of future economic growth in this sector. We produce about 70,000 tonnes of fish every year and members would be delighted to know that at an average of 5,076 kg per hectare per year during 2007-08, ours is the second highest per hectare yield in the country in fish production. The fish production growth rate in the State has touched a record of about 15%. This has been possible as the government took a large number of important initiatives in this area by way of establishing Mangur Fish Hatchery at Badkhal in Faridabad district and Ornamental Fish Hatchery at Saidpura in Karnal District. Electricity tariff has been reduced by over 50% for fish culture consumers conducting their activity on a water area exceeding 0.4 hectare. Levy of VAT on fish feed has been exempted and Government Fish Seed Farm at Jhajjar, Jyotisar, Kakroi, Sampala and Saidpura have been further strengthened.
    • Forests are the life support systems on the planet Earth. Their promotion and conservation is, therefore, a necessity rather than a luxury. Management of such a valuable resource requires clear vision, proper policy and long term planning. Haryana being an intensively cultivated State is highly deficient in natural forest. To make up for this deficiency, plantation forests on community lands and agro forests on farm lands have been extensively promoted and developed in the State and in the areas of afforestation on community and farm lands, some very encouraging achievements have been made. In 800 pre identified villages in the state, the afforestation and poverty alleviation activities have been suitably integrated under the ‘Integrated Natural Resource Management and Poverty Reduction Project’. In some major innovative initiatives, ‘Clonal Agro Forestry’ has been introduced in the current financial year to benefit small and marginal farmers while augmenting the supply of raw material in wood based Industries in the state. Eco Tourism project is being undertaken in Kalesar, Morni Hills and Sultanpur National Park, Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre has been established in Pinjore, Elephant Rehabilitation and Research Centre has been set up at Bansantour forest in Yamunanagar District.
    • To meet the demand for resources for the existing ongoing commitments and the new initiatives, I propose to increase the allocation meant for the agriculture and allied sector on Plan side by Rs.25.58 crores and on Non Plan side by Rs.109.50 crores pegging them at Rs.412.49 and Rs.517.75 crores respectively in the Revised Estimates for 2008-09 and, for the next year I further propose to provide allocation of Rs.427.71 and Rs.672.28 crores on Plan and Non Plan side respectively in the Budget Estimates for 2009-10 representing an overall increase of 38.33% over the 2008-09 Budget Estimates.

    IRRIGATION

    • Mr. Speaker Sir, the contribution and role of this department and related services in the public domain cannot be overemphasized in the context of Haryana. We try to make the most efficient use of the water resources available to us through scores of very efficient and innovative initiatives. Honourable members would appreciate that to ensure equitable distribution of available water for irrigation purposes this government has completed the construction of Bhakara Main Line – Hansi Branch – Butana Branch Link Channel in less than two years. I further propose to draw the attention of this august House to the fact that some of the projects that were repeatedly talked about by successive governments over decades only as a measure of lip service in public domain has indeed been taken up for implementation by this government. To quote a few, Dadupur – Shahabad – Nalvi Canal, Hisar Ghaggar Multipurpose Channel, Bass Hansi Multipurpose Channel, Bhiwani Ghaggar Drain, restoration of capacity of Ottu Lake on Ghaggar river, restoration of capacity of Bhindawas Lake in Jhajjar District are some of the projects that were not only taken up, but are in advance stages of completion. Further to it, long pending projects like capacity enhancement of Western Yamuna Canal Main Line from 13500 Cusecs to 19557 Cusecs for utilizing available water of river Yamuna for irrigation and recharge purposes, construction of NCR Water Supply Scheme for Gurgaon and other growing industrial townships such as Manesar, Sampla, Bahadurgarh, Badli, construction of Kaushalya Dam on Ghaggar river in Panchkula District to provide drinking water while moderating flash floods, creation of water body up stream of Masani Barrage for recharging purposes, etc, were not only taken up, but are near completion and are all slated to be completed fully during the financial year 2009-2010.
    • Mr. Speaker Sir, we are a water deficient State. Against the present requirement of about 36 Million Acre Feet or MAF, the available surface and ground water is only 14 MAF. Canal irrigation water available through Yamuna, Sutlej, Ravi, Beas and Ghaggar rivers is just about 9.86 MAF. Over Six lac Tube Wells provide an additional 4.12 MAF ground water for irrigation. Rainfall varies from 300 mm to 600 mm in major parts of the State. A big chunk of the State falls in arid/ semi-arid category and drought like conditions prevail frequently in some of the areas. Thus, our main thrust has to be on recharging ground water. I am glad to inform this august House that the department of Irrigation has undertaken some very innovative initiatives in this direction by improving and making use of the abandoned bores, once dug to pump out surplus ground water to cater to the augmentation canals, for the reverse purpose of recharging ground water through surpluses available during monsoon season. Such initiatives need to be commended and encouraged.
    • To meet the demand for resources for the existing ongoing commitments and the new initiatives, I propose to increase the allocation meant for the department on Plan side by Rs.12.19 crores and on Non Plan side by Rs.297.43 crores pegging them at Rs.865.76 and Rs.921.07 crores respectively in the Revised Estimates for 2008-09 and, for the next year I further propose to provide allocation of Rs.871.72 and Rs.875.94 crores on Plan and Non Plan side respectively in the Budget Estimates for 2009-10 representing an overall increase of 18.31% over the 2008-09 Budget Estimates.

    POWER

    • Needless to say that at the present time and in times to come assured availability of power universally is going to be the deciding factor at the macro economic level for the economic empowerment of the States. Energy conservation is as important an initiative as energy generation and, I trust, the members of this august House would be happy to note that Haryana was awarded the National Award for the best State for its excellent performance in Energy Conservation in 2007-08 by the Government of India. Further, the House would be happy to note that as against the average load growth of 8% in the country, the same in Haryana stood at 14% signifying a faster growth in economic activities. This government is committed to transform Haryana into a power surplus State by the end of 2011. We are confident that as we enter the 12th Plan, we shall have an assured availability of over 12000 Mega Watt of Power as against the assured availability of just about 4750 Mega Watt from all sources on 31.12.2008. This will also enable the State to reap benefits of selling competitively and profitably the surplus Power in times to come. This commitment, the House would appreciate, is reflected in the initiatives taken so far by the government. The House would be happy to note that the Power Plant at Hissar, for which land was acquired some 15 years ago, has been taken in hand by this government in the last financial year. Similarly, the Power Plant at Yamunanagar has been commissioned in record time. The work at Jhajjar Power Plant has already started. Amongst the major thrust areas in this sector, the government strives at improving generation plant performance and strengthening, modernizing and expanding Transmission and Distribution network by adding 5,000 MVA transformation capacity during the 11th Plan. The department also proposes to release 2,36,913 connections to families below poverty line under Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyutikaran Yojna. Our Plant Load Factor popularly known as PLF has gone up to 78% and some of the Plants are recording a PLF of 98%. However, the Power Subsidy bill has risen at the same time by about Rs.2800.00 crores. On the whole, the performance in this sector is satisfactory and we are surging ahead in the right direction with right pace and commitment.
    • In addition to the normal activities, the department proposes to take up several new initiatives during the next financial year. To name a few, it is proposed to switch over to new transmission technologies to overcome land and right of way constraints, by using tubular poles, INVAR conductor, under- ground cabling, etc. Segregation of rural domestic and agricultural load is about to be completed. Bal Urja Rakshak Mission to create energy and environment conscious youth and to educate the students about energy conservation, renewable energy, climate change and sustainable development would be spread widely.
    • To meet the demand for resources for the existing ongoing commitments and the new initiatives, I propose to increase the allocation meant for the department on Plan side by Rs.1.86 crores and on Non Plan side by Rs.343.98 crores pegging them at Rs.868.74 and Rs.3,005.98 crores respectively in the Revised Estimates for 2008-09 and, for the next year I further propose to provide allocation of Rs.1,399.81 and Rs.2,778.43 crores on Plan and Non Plan side respectively in the Budget Estimates for 2009-10 representing an overall increase of 18.40% over the 2008-09 Budget Estimates.

    PUBLIC HEALTH ENGINEERING

    • In the area of supply of potable drinking water, per capita availability of safe drinking water remains a cause of concern along with availability of assured and reliable water supply sources in certain areas of the State including the districts of Mewat and Mahendergarh. Rajiv Gandhi Drinking Water Supply Ranney Well Project to augment the drinking water supply to 503 villages of Mewat area was taken up and work on Phase-I of the project is in progress and nearly 85% work is about to be completed. This project aims at augmenting the drinking water supply up to 55 litres per capita per day by July, 2009 for the projected population in the year 2019. In another innovative initiative, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between State Government and Naandi Foundation on 23rd July, 2008 under which Naandi Foundation would install Reverse Osmosis based Water Treatment Plants in 100 selected villages in the districts of Mewat, Jhajjar, Mohindergarh and Kaithal. Under the original plan, treated water is proposed to be supplied to the beneficiaries at the rate of 10 paisa per litre. Members would be delighted to note that this project stands launched on 11.01.2009 by installing the said Reverse Osmosis Plant in village Dujana in Jhajjar district. Further to it, the ongoing ‘Indira Gandhi Drinking Water Scheme’ aims to benefit about 9.77 lac Scheduled Caste households by extending private water connection free of cost. 50% subsidy in payment of monthly water tariff is being extended as an additional encouragement measure by this government. During the current year, new water connections to over 85,000 households belonging to the Scheduled Caste category stand released till date and the target for the next year has been pegged at 3.8 lac households. With the assistance availed from NABARD, 350 villages are targeted to be benefited under water supply augmentation to the level of 70 litres per capita per day (lpcd) and in the next year 250 more villages are proposed to be covered under this Scheme. In addition 669 villages have been benefited in terms of augmentation at the same level out of assistance from NCR Planning Board. A comprehensive project for up-gradation of water supply and sewerage facilities in 54 towns has been framed to be implemented with the World Bank assistance and 10 towns would be taken up in the next year.
    • To meet the demand for resources for the existing ongoing commitments and the new initiatives, I propose to increase the allocation meant for the department on Plan side by Rs.55.03 crores and on Non Plan side by Rs.113.17 crores pegging them at Rs.854.13 and Rs.551.51 crores respectively in the Revised Estimates for 2008-09 and, for the next year I further propose to provide allocation of Rs.843.20 and Rs.664.52 crores on Plan and Non Plan side respectively in the Budget Estimates for 2009-10 representing an overall increase of 21.84% over the 2008-09 Budget Estimates.

    ROAD AND BUILDINGS

    • Mr. Speaker Sir, in the infrastructure sector, PWD (B&R) is the backbone of the government initiatives. Prioritizing its activities and allocation of resources to be spent through this department basically demonstrates the commitment and resolve of the government on improving quality of life of the people at large as there is none who does not use these services on a day to day basis. Quality of roads and buildings of public utilities such as the Hospitals, Bus Stands, Schools, Colleges, Government Offices and so on essentially reflect the health of economy and the general well being of the State. So far as serving the public interest while keeping in view the public convenience are concerned, there has been a number of ambitious and prestigious achievements that have added a feather in the cap of this department and enhanced our image as an efficient, responsive and sensitive government. To quote a few, the Panipat flyover that reduces the journey time to Delhi at least by 15 to 20 minutes affording immeasurable indirect benefit to the economy by way of savings in fuel cost and time was completed during the current year much ahead of its schedule. The Rajiv Gandhi Bridge and Road Infrastructure Project is expected to be completed about one year ahead of schedule by March, 2009. About 170 Kms of new metalled Roads have been added and 3000 Kms of Roads have been repaired during the year. The selection of activities, speed of implementation and quality of delivery pertaining to some of the achievements of the department is really unprecedented. The emphasis of this department in the next year would be to improve the conditions of rural roads and infrastructure. Further, the members would be delighted to note that this is for the first time that this government is very actively pursuing the Railways infrastructure as well while even sharing the cost wherever it ensures and promises quick implementation of new projects.
    • To meet the demand for resources for the existing ongoing commitments and the new initiatives, I propose to increase the allocation for the Building and Road sector on Plan side by Rs.99.92 crores and on Non Plan side by Rs.101.07 crores pegging them at Rs.961.65 and Rs.618.06 crores respectively in the Revised Estimates for 2008-09 and, for the next year I further propose to provide allocation of Rs.1792.75 and Rs.681.74 crores on Plan and Non Plan side respectively in the Budget Estimates for 2009-10 representing an overall increase of 79.48% over the 2008-09 Budget Estimates. It speaks volumes of the level of commitment of this government to apply available public resources in creating long term and durable public assets aimed at improving the quality of life for its people.

    INDUSTRIES AND COMMERCE

    • Haryana has about 1350 large and medium and about 80,000 small scale industrial unit as on this day. The exports from our State crossed Rs.30,000 crores during the year 2007-08. Haryana received around Rs.12,500 crores in terms of Foreign Direct Investments popularly known as FDIs out of which investment worth around Rs.9,000 crores came in during the last less than four years. The cumulative investments from all quarters that we received during the same period exceed Rs.40,000 crores and the investment proposals for another about Rs.90,000 crores are in the pipeline. The House would be delighted to note that, with our per capita investment assessed as Rs.78,500/-, the Centre for Monitoring of Indian Economy widely known as CMIE in its report for September, 2007 ranks Haryana as the TOP MOST amongst all the Indian States. We were ranked 13th in the report of the same agency some five years ago. Provision of quality infrastructure following the Industrial Model Township or IMT approach has been largely responsible for such an unprecedented growth in this area and 2 new IMTs at Rohtak and Faridabad are at different stages of development at present. It is also proposed to develop IMTs at Kharkhoda and Industrial Estates at Jagadhari, Barhi and Bawal besides expansion of IMT Manesar in near future. Further, it is also proposed to develop economic hubs all along the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal Expressway besides other strategic locations across the state. The State has received 98 proposals for setting up Special Economic Zones popularly known as SEZs so far with a projected investment of over Rs.2 lac crores and projected employment opportunities for over 21 lac persons. Out of them, 63 proposals have received formal/ in-principle approvals. During the current financial year, 7 new proposals were received with projected investments of over Rs.3,820 crores and creation of job prospects for over one lac hands. For further simplification of approvals, the Industrial Promotion Act, underlining time bound single window clearances to entrepreneurs, stands implemented in the state. The department is also in the process of framing a common application form with online submission facilities for all the various facilitations.
    • We are conscious of the fact that skill development is central in enabling our own people to reap the benefits of rapid industrialization, and with this objective, a number of skill development centres, including National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) at Kundli, National Automotive Testing and Research & Development Infrastructure Project or NATRIP, and Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs at Manesar, Footwear Design and Development Institute or FDDI at Rohtak and Central Institute of Plastic and Engineering Technology at Murthal are proposed to be established across the State with the support of Central Government.
    • Our government shall continue to support Public Private Partnership initiatives in infrastructure sector and shall continue to provide incentives for dispersal of industries in the backward areas of the state. Mega projects, having spin-off effects on all sectors of economy while creating additional employment opportunities, shall remain very central to the relevant government policy initiatives in this regard.
    • To meet the demand for resources for the existing ongoing commitments and the new initiatives, I propose to increase the allocation meant for the department on Non Plan side by Rs.85.05 crores pegging it at Rs.161.14 crores in the Revised Estimates for 2008-09 and, for the next year I further propose to provide allocation of 64.78 and 120.44 crores of Rupees on Plan and Non Plan side respectively in the Budget Estimates for 2009-10.

    WELFARE OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

    • It gives me immense pleasure in informing you that living up to the expectations of a progressive state and following the trends set by the Central Government, the Government of Haryana has also extended the benefits of the revised pay package to its employees on the pattern of the one extended by the Central Government based on the recommendations of the 6th Pay Commission. The process of extending similar benefits to the pensioners is in a very advanced stage of maturity and would be completed within this financial year itself. The package has been made operational with effect from 1.1.2006 and it is the first time that the first instalment of the accrued arrears on this account represented by 40% of the entitled arrears is to be paid in cash during this financial year itself. Besides, a number of other allowances have also either been revised upwards or been introduced afresh, including a new allowance in the name of ‘Education Allowance’ to be paid at the rate of Rs.500/- per studying child per month up to two children. The House Rent Allowance has been increased almost by three-fold.

    TAX REFORMS

    • Though the prime function of the Taxation Department is to collect taxes for the State, the department and its policies are highly sensitive and responsive towards the trade and commerce. The department strives at seeking an optimal balance between the potential of the taxpayers and need of resources to be applied for public purposes. Living up to such an onerous task, the department has exempted Pesticides, Weedicides, Certified and Labelled Seeds, LPG sold for domestic purposes, Sanitary Napkins and Baby Diapers, CFL Lamps, Tubes, and Chokes of energy efficient Lights and the goods sold through CSD Canteen from the levy of VAT. Further, the rate of levy of VAT on Diesel has been reduced from 12% to 8.8%. Tax slabs on buses owned by private Schools have also been reduced suitably.

    BUDGET ESTIMATES 2009 – 2010

    • Mr. Speaker Sir, I now proceed ahead to present before this august House the Budget Estimates for the year 2009-2010. As against the projections in the Budget Estimates 2008-2009 at Rs.6,650 crores revised further at Rs.7130 crores, the allocation for the Annual State Plan 2009-2010 is proposed at Rs.10,000 crores. This represents an increase of 50.38%. In addition to it, an outlay of Rs.1,195.62 crores for the Centrally Sponsored Schemes and other development plan schemes has also been included on the Plan side boosting the composite Plan outlay in the Budget Estimates 2009-2010 at Rs.11,195.62 crores. This increase is definitely very ambitious and this huge jump in public expenditure primarily aims at enthusing the economic activities reeling under the fear and pressure of imminent unprecedented recession. By proposing such a massive quantum jump, this government has made its choice – it shall take all positive steps to counter the regressive possible impact of the global recession and lend its shoulder to all who had been and are willing to continue to be our partners in the journey to unprecedented economic glories.
    • Of the said proposed plan, Agriculture and Allied sector is slated to receive Rs.427.71 crores, Power sector is slated to receive Rs.1,399.81 crores, Roads and Transport sector is slated to receive Rs.1902.00 crores, Irrigation sector is slated to receive Rs.871.72 crores, Water Supply and Sanitation sector is slated to receive Rs.843.20 crores, Urban Local Bodies sector is slated to receive 1334.38 crores, Education sector, including Industrial Training and Technical Education, is slated to receive Rs.1554.99 crores, Health sector is slated to receive Rs.361.97 crores, Social Justice and Empowerment including Welfare of Scheduled caste and Backward Classes sector is slated to receive Rs.824.68 crores, Women and Child Development sector is slated to receive Rs.407.99 crores, Rural Development and Panchayat sector is slated to receive Rs.689.09 crores, and so on.
    • Year 2008-09 opened with a deficit of Rs.670.29 crores as per RBI books and is likely to be closed with a deficit of Rs.462.53 crores representing a surplus transactions of Rs.207.76 crores during the year on annual account. The Consolidated Fund of Haryana is projected to receive a total of Rs.32,228.11 crores as per the Budget Estimates 2009-2010 as against the projections at Rs.27,020.67 crores as per the Revised Estimates 2008-2009. The Budget Estimates 2009-2010 projects expenditure of Rs.34,962.70 crores as against the projected expenditure at Rs.27,325.97 crores as per the Revised Estimates 2008-2009 promising an increase in public expenditure to the tune of Rs.7,636.73 crores. On the Capital side, the members would be glad to note, the expenditure between 2005-2010 happens to be Rs.17,725 crores compared to the expenditure of Rs.8,308 crores during 2000-2005.
    • The Revenue Receipts in Budget Estimates 2009-2010 are projected at Rs.22,437 crores signifying an increase of Rs.666.40 crores over the projection in the Revised Estimates 2008-2009 at Rs.21,770.60 crores. The Revenue Expenditure in Budget Estimates 2009-2010 is projected at Rs.25,821.06 crores signifying an increase of Rs.4,105.87 crores over the projection in the Revised Estimates 2008-2009 at Rs.21,715.19 crores. The Budget Estimates 2009-2010 projects a Revenue Deficit of Rs.3,384.06 crores.
    • The budget deficit is within manageable limits and the measures for further financial discipline are likely to reduce its pitch further. It is expected that the share in central taxes and other devolutions would also go up as the implementation of revised pay structure across the country and payments of arrears are sure to increase the receivables of Central Government by way of enhanced income tax receipts. The tax revenue may also increase further as a result of huge public spending proposed in this budget and promised by the Central Government. Thus I feel more than confident in assuring the House that we will be able to implement all our projected programmes very successfully while achieving the aims fixed in the Budget by full utilisation of plan outlay. For this I solicit the understanding, cooperation and assistance of all the honourable members of this august House and through them of all the proud citizens of Haryana.

    CONCLUSIONS AND COMMENDATION

    • Before I conclude, I would fail in my duty if I do not acknowledge the untiring efforts and dedications put in and exhibited by the Finance Secretary and his colleagues in the Finance Department and the National Informatics Centre and its employees who burnt midnight oil helping me prepare and present these Budget proposals. I remind this august House that this time around we are about a month ahead of our usual appearance before it along with these proposals.
    • Mr. Speaker Sir, through you I want to extend the most solemn assurance to this House and to the people of Haryana at large that we are keeping a very careful and close watch on the impeding impacts of the prevailing economic melt down and would leave no stone unturned while taking all such measures as are within the competence of the State Government to address and minimize the imminent pains that this unprecedented emergency is likely to bring world over.
    • Sir, with these words now I exercise the privilege to commend the Budget Estimates 2009-2010 to this House for its consideration and approval.

    JAI HIND!