Govt prioritising tourism, education, start-ups: CM
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 21 2023: Chief minister N Biren tabled the Budget Estimates for the financial year 2023-24 and proposed to spend Rs 35,022 crore out of the consolidated state fund with fiscal deficit estimated at Rs 2,760 crore on the first day of the second part of the 3rd session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.

Of the Budget Estimates-2023-24 amounting to Rs 35,022 crore tabled by chief minister Biren, Rs 29,588 crore is voted and Rs 5,729 crore is charged.

The budget is Rs 679.49 crore less from the Revised Estimate (RE) of the year 2022-23 but Rs 69.19 crore more than Budget Estimates of the 2022-23 .

Presenting the budget estimates in the House, CM Biren, who also holds finance portfolio, proposed to spend Rs 35,022 crore from state's consolidated fund during the year 2023-24 and estimated revenue expenditure at Rs 20,292 crore and capital outlay estimated at Rs 10,013 crore.

He said that the budget deficit estimated at Rs 891 crore is less than last year's figure of Rs 1230 crore.

The fiscal deficit estimated at Rs 2760 crore is also 6.1 percent of the GSDP, he said, adding that total outstanding debt as a percentage of GSDP during 2023-24 is projected at 39.93 percent.

The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) for 2023-24 is estimated at Rs 45,145 crore, he maintained.

Informing the House about sectors which the government gives priority, the chief minister said that the government will be launching 'College Fagathansi Mission' to improve infrastructure of government colleges.

He also said that government will be leveraging the Scheme for Capital Investment (SACI) to meet infrastructural gap in government colleges and is planning to earmark at least Rs 60 crore for the scheme in the next financial year.

To meet requirements of revenue expenditure, the bud get provides Rs 10 crore for this mission, he added.

According to the chief minister, a scheme named 'Chief Minister's Scheme for Support to EWS students for pursuing professional courses' will be launched as a support system to students belonging to economically weak families so that they could pur sue career in their desired professional courses.

An allocation of Rs 4 crore has been made for the scheme which will help the students by providing coaching classes, guidance and study materials among others to help them achieve their aspirations.

He also informed that the House that Rs 3,292 crore has been allocated for the education sector.

While reiterating that the government has been giving priority in health sector, the chief minister said CMHT scheme has reduced the out-of-pocket expenses especially by the poorer sections of the society.

Till date around 6.83 lakh beneficiaries have enrolled under CMHT scheme while government has spent more than Rs 153 crore in treatment of enrolled beneficiaries so far.

He also informed that the number of seats for MBBS course in the state-owned medical institute JNIMS has been increased from 100 to 150 seats and first session for MBBS students at Churachandpur Medical College started from November, 2022 .

This will enable the medical colleges to produce more trained doctors every year to meet any existing gap, he said, adding that the budget allocated Rs 1,919 crore for health sector.

Stressing the need to continue giving priority in sports as Manipur is recognised as the 'powerhouse of sports' in the country, the chief minister said that the government is exploring various areas to bring in necessary funds for infrastructure development at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex and Rs 1.5 crore has been allocated for engaging foreign coaches to train sportspersons of the state.

He also said that Manipur State Football Academy will be set up to nurture and develop young talent while the government is planning to develop natural grass football fields at 10 locations within two years under SACI.

In recognition of Mirabai Chanu's success in the field of weight-lifting, the government would be setting up 'Saikhom Mirabai Chanu Fitness Centre' at Nongpok Kakching for which Rs 2 crore has been allocated, he revealed.

While informing that 'Manipur Start Up Scheme' was launched in the previous term to support the Start Ups and allocated Rs 100 crore in the previous budget, the chief minister said that the 'Manipur Start Up 2.0 Policy' was revised to strengthen the existing environment and eco-system for further growth of Start Ups in the state.

Support will be provided to Startups with innovative and scalable business ideas in three categories, with financial support up to a maximum limit of Rs 1 crore including 30 percent grant from Start Up Manipur.

Business incubators and accelerators will also be provided support under this revised policy, he said and maintained that the government will continue to Start Up Ecosystem in the state and Rs 100 crore is being provided in the budget.

While informing that government continues to give priority to tourism and culture, the chief minister said that tourism is the sector with the highest potential and it can provide massive employment, bring investment and also contribute to the economic growth of the state.

He said termed as fortunate that the state will be hosting the grand finale of Femina Miss India-2023 .

While reiterating that it is important to preserve and promote the unique folk and traditional art forms, the chief minister said the government is planning to complete construction of a Multipurpose Cultural Complex at Manipur State Kala Akademi and Rs 2 crore has been allocated for the same in the budget.

He also said that the Heritage site at INA headquarters, Moirang was built to remember freedom fighters and remind people of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters.

The chief minister further said that the opening of 'Kangla Nongpok Thong' over Imphal river was one of the major achievements of the government.

It is believed that re-opening of the bridge will usher in peace, prosperity and unity in Manipur.

While stating that connectivity will be prime factor in the development of the state, the chief minister recalled that Union minister Nitin Gadkari announced projects under National Highways for Manipur amounting Rs 15,499 crore.

Some of the projects announced included Elevated Corridor throughout Imphal City, Shangshak-Tengnoupal road, Ukhrul-Tadubi through Toloi road, 4-lane Imphal-Moirang road, etc.

These projects will significantly improve the road sector within the state, he said.

Combining all sources of funding, with the exception of projects implemented by Central government agencies, the Capital Outlay on roads and bridges in FY 2023-24 is about Rs 3,200 crore.

The Imphal Ring Road to be funded by ADB (Rs 1,660 crore) has been in development for some time and implementation is delayed due to cost changes.

Implementation of the project is likely to start from FY 2023-24 .

This project will reduce the traffic congestion faced in Imphal City from time to time and ease of the living considerably.

For this, an amount of Rs 350 crore has been provided, he added.

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