Imphal, March 01: The State Government has mobilised all available resources at its disposal to ensure that development reach the people of the hill districts, said Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh while deliberating during the general discussion on the 2006-07 Budget session of the ongoing Assembly today.

He asserted that necessary sanctions to execute developmental works in the hill areas under provision of Special Plan Assistance would be effected within the current month as preparation to implement the said works on a war footing by April.

Taking part in the Budget estimate discussion on the second day today, the Chief Minister, who also holds the Finance portfolio claimed that the SPF Government is extending various welfare schemes to the hill districts with particular emphasis on the sectors of power, water supply, health and education.

he also cited efforts and endeavours of the SPF Government paying off in the form of the Planning Commission's timely release of State's Plan size for the current fiscal unlike the past wherein Plan outlay were actually approved by the Central authorities in between June and August months.

Allaying apprehension and uncertainty expressed by members of the Opposition on whether the sanctioned amount can be utilised in a proper and timely manner O Ibobi said the Government would ensure utilisation of atleast Rs 100 crore every month.

Conveying to the House of the Government targeting expenditure of about Rs 700-800 crores in development works from April till December this year, he informed that works listed for execution would be closely monitored to ascertain proper channelling of the fund source.

Clarifying on five or 10 percent of the State budget to be adjudged as interest percentage, the Chief Minister also affirmed that Government would achieve visible development works with the remaining amount.

Asserting that the State would strive to overcome over dependence upon the Centre with maximum emphasis on development of infrastructure including improvement of roads and bridges, he fervently called upon the public to extend all possible cooperation in thwarting disruptive elements from hampering welfare projects and schemes envisaged by the State.

He also prevailed upon NGOs and department officials for coordination in not only plugging policy lopholes and maintain quality control but to maximise use of budgetary allocation.

The Chief Minister also cited financial loss incurred to the State exchequer as compelling factors for closure of Jiribam Tea Estate and Loitang Khunou Spinning Mill.

Joining the discussion BJP legislator M Bhorot described the state Budget 2006-07 as indication of Central sponsorship and expressed concerned that hastiness in preparing the Budget could lead to frustration more than the goal of satisfaction.

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