Noida 23 August 2024: The Uttarakhand government on Thursday tabled a supplementary budget of over ₹5,000 crore in the state assembly, marking a significant financial move aimed at addressing emerging needs and ongoing projects across the state. The budget was presented by Premchand Aggrawal , who highlighted the key areas where the additional funds would be allocated.
Key Allocations and Objectives
The supplementary budget is intended to support various sectors, including infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and disaster management. The state government has emphasized that this additional funding is crucial for accelerating ongoing projects and meeting the unforeseen expenditures that have arisen during the fiscal year.
- Infrastructure Development:
- A significant portion of the budget is earmarked for infrastructure projects, including the construction and repair of roads, bridges, and public buildings. This is in line with the government’s commitment to improving connectivity in the state’s hilly regions, which are often prone to landslides and other natural calamities.
- Healthcare:
- In response to the ongoing challenges posed by public health needs, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the budget allocates funds for the expansion and upgrading of healthcare facilities. This includes the purchase of medical equipment, the construction of new hospitals, and the strengthening of existing healthcare infrastructure in rural areas.
- Education:
- The education sector will receive additional funding to support the improvement of school infrastructure, the provision of scholarships, and the recruitment of teachers. This move is aimed at enhancing the quality of education and ensuring that students across the state have access to better learning environments.
- Disaster Management:
- Given the frequent natural disasters that affect Uttarakhand, a portion of the supplementary budget is dedicated to disaster preparedness and response. This includes the procurement of emergency equipment, the establishment of disaster relief funds, and the reinforcement of early warning systems in vulnerable regions.
Government’s Rationale
Presenting the supplementary budget, Premchand Aggrawal stated, “The additional allocation is essential to address the dynamic needs of the state. We have taken into consideration the urgent requirements of various sectors and have ensured that this budget will bolster our ongoing efforts to promote development and welfare.”
The minister also emphasized the importance of fiscal prudence, assuring the assembly that the funds would be utilized efficiently to maximize their impact on the state’s development.
Opposition’s Response
The opposition parties in the Uttarakhand assembly have scrutinized the supplementary budget, with some members questioning the necessity of such a large additional allocation. Concerns have been raised about the state’s fiscal health and the potential for increased debt.
However, the government has defended the budget, arguing that the additional expenditure is critical for maintaining momentum in key development areas and for addressing unforeseen challenges that have arisen during the current fiscal year.
