Maha govt first initiative to seek suggestions of common man for the coming budget got overwhelming response
Cut down national and international tours of Babus and ministers, deposit all donations and offerings of temples to exchequer and transfer money to people's account instead of disbursing ration through public distribution system were among hundreds of suggestions put forth by the citizens to the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP)-led Maharashtra government ahead of budget preparation.
"In the age of Skype and video conferencing, what is the need of calling Babus posted across Maharashtra to Mumbai head quarters? This not only waste public money but also working hours of that officer which ultimately affects the public," reads a letter received by the finance department which has sought the suggestions from public in December 2015.
The writer had also advised that the visits of ministers and his staff should also be brought down. The finance department has withheld the names of the citizens as their suggestions are still being evaluated.
Some citizens have advised that the government should reject the 7th pay commission considering huge debt and critical agrarian crisis, some have advised setting up of an 'agriculture fund' and a 'social secure fund' taking contributions from the government employees only.
To increase the state revenue, people have told the government to fix all loopholes to end corruption.
A citizen has even sought that the roadside vendors and others outside the tax bracket must be brought in considering their huge income. "Make all your offices paperless and switch to e-governance to cut the cost and save environment," reads one letter suggesting a way to reduce expenditure.
In a first of its kind initiative, finance department of Maharashtra had invited suggestions from the common people ahead of budget preparation. Last date of submission was December 31.
As data was compiled last month, the department realised that a whopping 2,300 people have submitted their ideas.
"We received close to 600 letters and 1,600 online suggestions. The overwhelming response helped us to know people's mind and how they want us to spend their hard earned money," said a Mantralaya official.
Maharashtra's outstanding debt has touched Rs3.4 lakh crore which is highest in the country. The debt is expected to go up in the coming fiscal due to launch of various new schemes and special provisions for 125th birth anniversary celebration of Dr BR Ambedkar.
Finance department officials are however puzzled with the responses. An official said, "While the department had specifically sought suggestions pertaining to the budget, most people had given multiple suggestions with some even unrelated to budget and finance. We photocopied their letters and forwarded them to all concerned departments for consideration."
Various departments are now evaluating the citizens ideas and sorting the useful ones. The best and feasible ones will be put up with the finance department committee which would give final touch to the budget later this month.
"Most of the suggestions are common in nature. They may not consider in the 2016-17 budget. We expect more mature responses over the years," said an official.
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