Vala vows Rs 21k cr outlay for ’09-’10

Gujarat’s vote on account budget presented by the state finance minister in the state assembly on Wednesday has raised its annual plan outlay by 10% to Rs 21,000 crore for 2009-2010, from the Rs 19,030 crore outlay for 2008-09. The budget has also proposed an expenditure of Rs 17,987 crore till July 31, 2009.

Further, the budget estimates for 2009-10 show a gross surplus of Rs153.4 crore and an increased deficit of Rs2,583 crore for 2008-09. Vala said the deficit had increased on account of the payments that had to be made for the early redemption of the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd’s deep discount bonds. He added that the state government had already paid Rs1,800 crore to bond holders.

The vote on account budget further states that the state government will have a recurrent burden of Rs3,000 crore per annum on account of the money needed for the implementation of the recommendations of the sixth central pay commission. This is in addition to the Rs5,400 crore needed for payment of arrears.

The vote on account budget was presented amid high drama in the state assembly on Wednesday by the state finance minister Vaju Vala. While various issues were raised for discussion during the day, members of the opposition also staged a walkout.