The Hindu : New Delhi News : Delhi budget passed

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Mar 17, 2006

New Delhi

New Delhi

Delhi budget passed

Staff Reporter

Funds will not come in way of development works: Walia

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Assembly gave its nod to the State budget on Thursday with Finance Minister A. K. Walia declaring that shortage of funds would not be allowed to come in the way of development works and assured the House that if allocation was found to be inadequate in any sector, it would be made up by additional funds from the Government kitty.

Wrapping up the budget debate in the Assembly, Dr. Walia said under the leadership of Congress president Sonia Gandhi special care was being taken of the urban poor. An allocation of Rs. 90 crores had been received from the Union Government for this project.

Dr. Walia said funds would be enhanced further for unauthorised colonies, rural villages, urban villages and also for the Rural Development Board as and when demand arises. Responding to the concerns of members with regard to development in villages, Dr. Walia said Rs. 106 crores had been allocated for the Rural Development Board and this could be further enhanced if and when it was asked for.

Stating that the thrust of the budget had been on the girl child, Dr. Walia said criticism for the sake of criticism was not the right approach. He said incentives had been provided for the girl child not only to ensure her presence in the schools but also to check the increasing infant mortality rate. The Rs. 5,000 scheme for the girl child would ensure that she would receive around Rs. 17,000 when she attains 18 years of age. In addition to this, she will also get Rs. 3,000 from the Central allocation quota. "I assure the members that stepped up development would be the priority during the year. Thrust would be infrastructure and strengthening the economy for which steps had already been announced in the budget."

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