Puducherry CM presents tax-free budget for 2017-18

Presenting the budget in the Territorial Assembly, he said that the total budget outlay projected was Rs 6,945 crore comprising Rs 4,445 crore for non-plan head and Rs 2,500 crore under plan. 

The contribution from government’s own resources “is estimated at Rs 4,022 crore and the Central assistance of Rs 1,411 crore.” He said that the anticipated grants from the Union government under the centrally-sponsored schemes (CSS), including the Central Road Fund (CRF), had been estimated at Rs 361 crore and the balance of Rs 1,151 crore would be met through open market borrowings.

He said out of the total budget outlay, around 60 per cent would be allocated towards committed expenditure comprising Rs 1,650.40 crore for payment of salaries, Rs 663.27 crore for pension, Rs 1,112.88 crore for debt services (payment of interest and repayment of loan) and Rs 1,012.19 crore for purchase of electricity. Narayanasamy also said that during the previous year (2016-2017), the government had incurred an expenditure to the tune of Rs 6,144 crore as against the revised estimate of Rs 6,550 crore, “which is the highest ever spending in the history of the Union Territory of Puducherry.” 

The Chief Minister said, “Despite financial hardship my government has implemented the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission.” Narayanasamy added, “Despite my government’s best efforts, the Centre is yet to release the additional grant towards non-plan gap grant and for implementation of the Central Pay Commission recommendation.” 

He said that the fiscal 20162017 was “not a financially favourable year for revenue mobilisation because of impact of demonetisation and various judicial pronouncements related to excise and registration matters.” 

He said that notwithstanding non-receipt of additional grant sought from the Centre, “the government has taken steps to manage the state’s finances satisfactorily.” He also pointed out that during the current year the government must pay an additional amount of Rs 347 crore towards repayment of loans availed in the year 2007-08.

Opposition NR Congress and the AIADMK members staged a walkout from the Assembly on Thursday protesting the budget presentation by Chief Minister V Narayanasamy. As soon as the Chief Minister began to read out his budget speech, the Opposition members were on their feet holding placards written like “Puducherry has become murder city.” 

Leader of the Opposition and AINRC leader N Rangasamy was heard saying that none of the promises made in the previous budget was kept. Then what was the use in presenting a new budget. As the Opposition continued with their sloganeering, Narayansamy paid no heed to them and continued with his speech. At one point, the AIADMK members tried to move towards the Speaker’s podium.

However, they were prevented by the watch and ward staff. Later, the Opposition members staged a walkout. The leaning of former Deputy Speaker and NR Congress MLA PTR Selvam towards the Congress came to the fore again as he refused to join the NR Congress members in the walkout.