Wednesday, August 22, 2012

“The State’s GDP will increase by 110% this year”

Chhattisgarh’s principal secy. of finance & Planning defends his state’s policy of growth and expenditures during a talk with B&E’s anu warrier

B&E: Chhatisgarh’s treasury is full and massive amounts of funds are being released for various schemes. However, such expenditures to run after scripting a high-growth tale may lead to a dangerous situation, don’t you think?
AS: Firstly, the situation is what I would call a “balance between social spending and financial discipline”. The government took effective decisions in favour of the poor and funds were never a problem. Statistics show that we have balanced spending and revenues. Although last year’s expenditures have increased, they will be controlled soon. Therefore, atleast till as far as I can see, there is no need to worry about any dangerous situation that will arise of our actions which come about as a result of running after high growth targets.

B&E: So, the government will never face paucity of funds?
AS: We believe that the public money should be used for the welfare of the public. In the most recent Monsoon session of the State Assembly, a complimentary budget of Rs.13.44 billion was approved post which, the State’s budget has expanded to Rs.250 billion. If that is not a secure treasury, what is?

B&E: Recently, there were incidents that showed a poor or deteriorated state of financials of the Chhattisgarh. For instance, a ban was a imposed by the government on foreign travel of ministers and bureaucrats. Even the Municipal Division Presidents were not given status of Ministers of State. Your justification...
AS: No. Foreign travel has been banned to avoid unnecessary expenditures and it is being strictly followed. As far as giving Municipal Division Presidents the statis of Minister of State, the government has to decide that. Also, steps are on to stop reckless expenditure in administrative departments.

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