Mr. Speaker,
 

I rise to present the Interim Budget Estimates for the year 2004-2005, which is the last year of the period of Award of the Eleventh Finance Commission and the third year of the Tenth Plan.
 

INTRODUCTION
 

In view of the ensuring General Election to the House of the People, the Election Commission of India has desired that the Annual Budget be passed or a Vote-on-Account be taken by the State legislatures within February, 2004, and suggested that such proposal shall not contain any new programmes or schemes. In view thereof, I now present this Interim Budget to ensure that the minimum foreseeable requirements of the State are adequately provided for, till I present the regular budget for the year 2004-2005, after the aforesaid General Election have been completed, for consideration of the Hon'ble Members during the re-assembled Budget Session.
Although the budget actuals for the year 2002-2003 as received and certified by the Accountant General, have been duly incorporated, the Interim Budget Estimated for 2004-2005 have been kept at the level of the current year's estimates. This has been done to facilitate consideration and passing of the Vote-on-Account to defray emergent charges from the Consolidated Fund of the State during the first quarter of the financial year ending June 30, 2004. The Demand for grnates as well as the proposed expenditure will understandably undergo alternations with the presentation of a regular budget during the Re-assembled Session of the House.
Before I present the Interim Budget Estimated for 2004-05, I propose, Mr. Speaker, Sir to give a brief review of the National Economy and highlight the performance of the various Departments.
 

NATIONAL ECONOMY
 

The Interim Union Budget presented to Parliament by the Union Finance Minister on February 3, 2004 indicates an expected 7.5 per cent growth of the national economy during the current year.
Foreign Exchange Reserves, for the first time in the country, crossed the US $ 100 billion mark on December 19, 2003. Economic indices reflect a continuing growth in the export performance of the country.
During the current year, inflation has been contained at a moderate level of 4 to 4.5 percent.
Revenue collection during the period 1998-2004 has gone up by 83 per.
The year is likely to end with a fiscal deficit of 4.8 percent and a revenue deficit of 3.6 percent of the estimated GDP.
 

STATE ECONOMY
 

The Net State Domestic Product at current proces which stood at Rs. 64.41 crore in 1972 rose to Rs. 3842.27 crore during 2002-03 and is likely to reach Rs.4330.58 crore during the current year.
The Net State Domestic Product iin terms of Per Capita Income at current proces has increased from Rs. 538 in 1970-71 to Rs. 15,983 in 2002-03 as against an all- India increases from Rs. 633 to Rs. 18,912 during  the same period.
The projected estimates of NSDP for the current year is Rs. 17,547 per capita as against an all-India estimate of Rs.20,860 at current prices. Though the estimated annual growth rate during the current year is 6.07 percent, the average per capita income is 15 percent lower than the all-India average level.
The Gross State Domestic Product at constant prices has increased from Rs. 2642.27 crore in 2002-03 to a likely level of Rs.2809.39 crore registering a growth of 6.29 percent as a gainst 8.1 percent at the national level.
The sectoral contribution of the Primary Sector to the NSDP at constant prices has been estimated at 22.88 percent during 2002-03 and 22.91 percent during the current uyear. A similiar trend is observed in the Secendary Sector with a contribution of 23.73 percent during 2002-03 and 23.67 percent projected for the current year. While the Tertiary Sector continues to domibnate the economy, its ahare has fallen from 54.40 percent in 2002-03 to a likely level of 53 percent during the current year.
 

 STATE FINANCES
 

I shall now briefly dwell on the position of State Finances commencing 2000-2001 to include the period covered   by the Award of the Eleventh Finance Commission. The State's principal sources of Finance are Share of Central Taxes and Tariffs, Tax and Non-Tax Revenue Receipts, Capital Receipts and Loans and Remittances.
The Total Receipts on Revenue Account increased from Rs.1132.15 crore during 2000-2001 to a likely level of Rs. 1694.28 crore during the current year indicating a likely increase of 49.65 percent.
Collection of Tax increased from Rs.118.62 crore during 200-2001 to a likely of Rs. 185 crore during the current year registering a 55.96 percent likely increase over the period.
The overall growth rate of the State's own resource through Tax and Non-Tax Revenue over the period is 47.92 percent.
The State's Share of Central Taxes increased from Rs. 164.20 crore during 2000-01 to a likely of Rs. 213 crore during the current year recording a likely increase of 29.72 percent.
Cumulative borrowings rose from Rs. 358.91 crore during 2000-01 to a likely of Rs. 689.06 crore during the current year registering a likely increase of 91.99 percent.
Consequently, the Debt Service Burden for repayment of principal and interest rose from Rs.14.52 crore during 2000-01 to Rs. 295.66 crore during the current year.
At the same time, the total Revenue Expenditure of the State increased from Rs. 1079 crore during 2000-01 to a likely level of Rs.1586.12 crore during the current year registering a likely increase of 46.93 percent.
Thus the rate of increase of Revenue Expenditure has been slightly lower than the rate of increase of Revenue Receipts during the period, giving rise to a decreasing revenue gap.
The year 2003-2004 is likely to end with a budgetary deficit of Rs.11.14 crore.
The level of Capital Expenditure increased from Rs. 344.40 crore during 2000-01 to a likely level of Rs. 521.97 crore during the current year reflecting a likely increase of 51.56 percent during the period.
Capital Expenditure as a percentage of Total Expenditure marginally increased from 24.19 percent during 2000-01 to a likely of 24.76 percent during the current year.
The State has also resorted to measures to curb relatively non-essentials expenditure and optimise control over its Ways and Means position. Nevertheless, the inelastic resource position has had to absorb an ever increasing expenditure due to inflationary pressures and security related activities.
 

 MEDIUM  TERM  FISCAL  REFORMS  PROGRAMME
 

The State has embarked upon fiscal reforms programme. The Memorandum of Understanding on Medium Term Fiscal Reforms Programme (MTFRP) between the State Government and the Government of India has been signed. The measures broadly include increased revenue generation and expenditure compression to achieve the fiscal targets. Government has taken certain measures to curb non plan expenditure and increase revenue collection as enumerated in the MTFRP. This has enabled the State to qualify for releases from the Incentive Fund.
 

INTERIM  NON - PLAN  BUDGET 2004 - 05
 

The Interim Non - Plan Budget Estimates for 2004 - 05 have been kept at the current year's level of Rs.1156.73 crore. The estimates are subject at alteration at the time of submission of the regular Budget Estimates for 2004 - 2005, as indicated earlier, during the re-assembled session of the House.
 

INTERIM  PLAN  BUDGET 2004 - 05
 

This is the second year of the Tenth Plan. The approved Tenth Plan outlay is Rs.3009 crore. The plan expenditure during 2002 - 2003 was Rs.428.58 crore. The revised Plan Outlay of the current year is Rs.536 Crores. Although the tentative plan outlay for 2004-05 is Rs.625 crore, the Interim Plan Budget has been retained at the current year's level. This will be suitably modified while presenting the regular Budget Estimates at the Annual Plan size for 2004 - 2005 is expected to be finalised by the Planning Commission by that time.
 

DEPARTMENTAL  PROGRAMME  LAW 7 ORDER
 

Peace and harmony are the twin essentials for growth and development. The State has remained generally peaceful during the year except for some isolated incidents of dacoity, extortion and kidnapping by misguided groups of individuals. The criminal activities of local militant organisations like the H. N. L. C. and A. N. V. C. have been contained to some extent. Recently, thirty H. N. L. C. cadres have surrendered before the State authorities. Government is taking all steps to implement the rehabilitation package for the surrenderees. Although regional militant activities by regional outfits like the KNV, UPDS, ULFA and NDFB did pose considerable problems in the areas adjourning the State of Assam, these have been contained to an appreciable extent with the help and active co-operation of the Government of Assam. Government is determined to contain such anti - social activity for the benefit of the peace - loving people of the State
 

AGRICULTURE  including HORTICULTURE
 

The State's economy is primarily agricultural. During the current year, the gross cropped area is 2.67 lakh hectares as against a gross cropped area of 2.02 lakh hectares in 1973-74 representing an increase of about 32 percent over the period.

The total foodgrain production during 2002-2003 was 2.26 lakh tonnes against a target of 2.23 lakh tonnes. The target of 2.31 lakh tonnes during the current year is expected to be achieved.

The contribution of paddy, wheat and maize to the total foodgrain production during 2002-2003 is 2.15 lakh tones.

Likewise, horticulture produce is expected to increase from 6.45 lakh tonnes during 2002-2003 to 7.01 lakh tonnes during the current year registering an increase of 7.86 per cent.

In terms of expenditure under Agriculture and Horticulture, the expenditure during 2002-2003 were Rs. 5.52 crore and 4.80 crore respectively. The revised Plan outlay during the current year is Rs. 8.25 crore and 7.26 crore registering an increase of 49.45 percent and 33.88 percent respectively.
 

SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION
 

Jhum control, Watershed Management and Afforestation of Degraded lands continue to be the focus of Soil and Water Conservation Programmes in the State. The sectoral achievements during the current year include :-

Land development, afforestation and water management covering an area of 600 hectares, besides maintenance of 1622 hectares of existing plantation,

Erosion Control works of 28 hectares, and 85 units of water harvesting and farm ponding.

The total investment in this sector since the creation of the State is Rs.116.12 crore. The revised outlay during the current year is Rs. 8.40 crore.
 

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRY DEVELOPMENT
 

Schemes for generating employment among the farmers and educated unemployed youth will continue. Special attention has been given to Animal Health Services to protect the cattle and livestock population. The Centrally Sponsored Schemes for Integrated Dairy Development Project in Jaintia Hills and West Garo Hills Districts is making good progress.

About 27 percent of the meat and egg requirement is met by supplies from outside the State. Government will endeavour to bridge the gap through active involvement of the public in animal husbandry activities.

The production targets of 94.8 million eggs, 0.36 lakh tonnes of meat and 0.70 lakh tonnes of milk are expected to be achieved during the current year.
 

FISHERIES
 

About 80 percent of the estimated requirement of fish in the State is met by supplies from other States. To bridge the gap, a vigorous and sustained programme for boosting inland fish production is a paramount need. The target of fish production at 6000 metric tonnes during the current year is expected to be achieved. The revised outlay for the current year is Rs.1.09 crore.
 

COOPERATION
 

The Cooperative Movement in the State is about three decades old. The main thrust of the sector during the current year has been on enhancement of production levels, supply of enabling inputs in service areas and scientific management of the Cooperatives. Training of Junior Cooperative Officers and Certificate Course for Cadre Secretaries have been conducted during the year. 

The Meghalaya Cooperative Apex Bank has been able to maintain a high Credit: Deposit ratio of 32 per cent as against an overall  level of 17 per cent for all  Banks in the State. The Bank has a network of forty branches spread all over the State.
 

FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE

Over 66 percent of the geographical area of the State is under forest cover. The main thrust areas of this sector include-

Conservation, protection and enrichment of natural resources to maintain bio-diversity;

Maintenance of Protected Area network.

Conservation of reared and endangered plant species including medicinal plants;

Optimum utilisation of bamboo potential with the active involvement of NGOs; and

Intensive afforestation in barren and degraded lands.

Government have constituted the  Forest Development Agencies and the Joint Forest Management Committees. These innovations are expected to provide the required thrust towards intensive afforestation of barren and degraded areas with the active participation of the people to achieve the ultimate objectives of environmental stability, conservation of bio-diversity, food security and sustainable development. The plan capital outlay under this sector is Rs.3.53 crore.
 

COMMUNITY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

The Centrally Sponsored Schemes viz: SGSY (Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana),  SGRY (Sampoorna Grammken Rozgar Yojana) and IAY (Indira Awass Yojana) have immensely benefited the rural poor of the State.

During the current year, 1700 houses have been constructed and 1856 houses upgraded so far under IAY. Proper motivation, Training and financial inputs have resulted in the formation of 1042 Self-Help Groups under SGSY. 7.60 lakh mandays of rural employment have been generated till October, 2003 under SGRY.

Community Development programmes have been responsible for general development of the socio-economic life of the rural masses besides fostering community spirit in the developmental process. The Community and Rural Development Blocks of the State have been in the forefront of micro level activities. An amount of Rs.7.00 crore has been earmarked for this programme during the current year.

Project under the Special Rural Works Programme envisage the direct and active involvement of the village community in the process of development. this has resulted in the creation of valuable community assets over the years. The projects are of a general nature and implemented through the local Durbars or Committees.

An amount of Rs.16.35 crore has been earmarked for this programme during the current year.

The Chief Minister's Special Rural Development Fund has been implemented for funding schemes of vital public importance. The schemes are identified by the Chief Minister in consultation with public representatives. A number of important schemes have been taken up in different parts of the State under this programme. The schemes are implemented through the Deputy Commissioners.
 

BORDER AREAS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
 

Government attaches special importance to the welfare of the people residing in the areas bordering Bangladesh. Interventions have been made through Border Area Development schemes to enhance the quality of live of the people living in those areas.

During the current year, 1500 students are being covered under the Scholarship Schemes to assist students hailing from such areas in the pursuit of education.

While construction of roads, bridges, ropeways, market stalls, school buildings, community halls and playgrounds have helped create the required infrastructure in these areas, provision of fisheries, community farms, minor irrigation, water supply and sanitation, electricity etc have been of immense help in overall human development.

The earmarked outlay during the current year under this sector is Rs.6.70 crore.
 

POWER

With the rapid pace of industrialization in the State, the Demand : supply ratio in the power sector has recently undergone a substantial change. In order to meet the demand of 430 Mega Watts as against an installed capacity of 185 Mega Watts, Electricity Board proposes to take up construction of three transmission lines which will enable drawal of an additional 165 Mega Watts of power from the North Eastern Grid which is surplus.

Out of which 5484 villages in the State, 3077 village have been electrified upto December, 2003. The target under rural electrification during the current year 2003-2004 of 418 villages will be achieved.

Work on the 2 X 42 MW Myntdu-leshka Hydel Power Project has been taken up and an expenditure of Rs. 12 crore has been incurred till date. The Project is expect to be commissioned within 2006-2007.

INDUSTRIES

Accelerated development of Industries as an important alternative to generate employment continues to engage the attention of Government. As of now, the Small Sector has generated 25,870 employment opportunities through 4565 registered industrial units in the State.

Under the Rural Employment Generation Programme, the Khadi Village and Industrial Board is implementing the Margin Money Scheme whereby local entrepreneurs are supported with Margin Money to the extent of 30 per cent of the project cost. The Meghalaya Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation extents technology- upgradation support and also assist the artisans to market their products.

In the Large and Medium Scale Sector, the setting up of over 86 Industrial undertakings in the Industrial Area at Umiam, Byrnihat and Khanapara has generated 6000 job opportunities based on local resources. This sector has a Plan Outlay of Rs. 17.50 crore during the current year.

MINOR IRRIGATION AND COMMAND AREA DEVELOPMENT

Multiple cropping under assured available of water is expected to raised the standard of living of the farmer enhance the economic potential of the State.

Out of the ultimate irrigation potential of 2.18 lakh hectares, the potential created through Minor Irrigation and Command Area Development upto 2002-2003 is only 0.25 lakh hectares representing 11 per cent of the ultimate potential.

The total investment in the Minor Irrigation Sector till the end of the Ninth Plan is Rs. 91 Crore.

The Centrally Sponsored Command Area Development Programme for optimizing productivity in the Command areas will continue to be implemented.

SERICULTURE & WEAVING

The focus in this sector is on generation of self-employment to local sericulture farmers. During the current year, 1095 hectares of individual land holdings were covered with plantations of Eri, Muga and Mulberry.

During the current year, production of Eri and mulberry Silk cocoons has increased to 4.86 lakhs Kgs while Muga cocoons recorded a yield of 384.30 lakh. 2051 sericulture Farmers, Spinners and Reelers were trained along with 670 Handloom Weavers.

Government will continue to take advantage of the Catalytic Development of the Central Silk Board to increase cocoon production in the State. The Central scheme under Handloom Sector will also continue.

MINING

Efforts will continue to replace the destructive quarrying of mines with scientific investigation and exploration. Eight mineral investigation programmes have been conducted for exploration of limestone, quartz, feldspar, dolerite and clay.

The production of coal and limestone during the period April- December, 2002 was 29.60 and 4.87 lakh tonnes respectively. Coal and limestone production during the corresponding period ending December, 2003 were to revenue collected during the aforesaid period is Rs. 37.23 crore and 51.57 crore respectively.

The sectoral outlay during the current year is Rs. 17.60 crore as against an amount of Rs. 0.99 crore during 1972-73.

ROADS & BRIDGES

Roads continue to receive the highest priority of Government. At the time of its creation, the State inherited a total road length of 2786. 68 Kms with a road density of 12 Km/100Sq. Km. The road length has since increase to 7633 Kms and a road density of 34 Km/ 100 Sq. Km. As many as 2876 villages in the State have been connected by roads.

The total investment made in this sector since inception of the State is 1054.80 crore. During the current financial year, the road sector has a revised outlay of 82.50 crore.

State Government will continue to accelerate the development of the road network. The Jadukata Bridge at Ranikor has been completed at a cost of Rs. 10.78 crore. The Shillong-Nongstoin-Tura State Highway is being widened in phases. The Shillong Bye-Pass is being established. 

TRANSPORT

Road transport plays a very important role in the development of the State. Government will continue in its efforts to free the National and State Highways of obstructions caused by existing of a large number of Toll and check gates..

The 50 seater Indian Airlines service linking Shillong with Kolkata was commissioned on April 3, 2003. Construction of the runway of the 12.21 crore Baljek Airport, is nearing completion. Selection of a suitable site for construction of a helipad in Shillong is in progress. Feasibility for setting up of the railway project at Depa is being considered by the Cabinet Sub-Committee. The Helicopter service will continue.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

The programme for popularization of Science and Technology will continue. Schemes like State- level and Block -level Science and Environment Fair, National Children's Science Congress etc have been implemented during the current year.

Technology Initiation, Demonstration, Experimentation and Popularization programme involving the construction of a Bio-Resource Centre are being taken up during the current year.

Preliminary works for construction of the Shillong Science Centre in the NEHU Campus have started. The project will be funded by the National Council for Science Museums, Kolkata.

The outlay for this sector during the current year is Rs. 0.63 crore.

TOURISM

Tourism is a catalyst for generating employment. The involvement of private entrepreneurs in tourism - related activities will be encouraged. During the current year, emphasis has been given to completion of ongoing schemes to expand and improve the tourism infrastructure.

Government will endeavour to upgrade existing infrastructural facilities and take adequate steps to promote the State as a tourist destination.

CIVIL  SUPPLIES

The Public Distribution System is operated through a network of Fair Price Shops. Government will take adequate steps to streamline and strengthen the system. In line with the commitment given by the Union Finance Minister in Parliament on February 3, 2004, the AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) has been extended to cover 23 percent of the BPL families in the State against 15.33 percent earlier.

The Consumer Courts in the State will be further strengthened. 410 cases have been disposed out of 455 cases registered with these Courts.

AUTONOMOUS  DISTRICT  COUNCILS

Government will continue to support the Autonomous District Councils in the execution of their responsibilities. The ongoing programme for providing grants-in-aid for civil works and developmental activities will continue. Besides, the amount of Rs.4.39 crore under the award of the Eleventh Finance Commission, a plan outlay of Rs.5 crore has been provided for the three District Councils during the current year.

EDUCATION

Education will continue to receive high priority.

While 15 Government Higher Secondary Schools, 21 Secondary Schools, 4 Public Schools and 4 colleges are under the direct management and control of Government, 38 Higher Secondary Schools, 517 Secondary and 25 colleges in the State are supported by the Government with grants-in-aid.

The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) enjoins upon Government the need to ensure that all children within 14 years of age are provided with free and compulsory education. To ensure effective functioning of this scheme at the grassroot level, 39 Block Resource Centres, 184 Cluster Resource Centres and Village Education Committees in all the Villages have been formed during the year. 667 LP Schools have been provided grants-in-aid for teachers' salary. 32 LP Schools have been upgraded to Upper Primary School level. 570 elementary school teachers have been trained during 2003-2004 in different institutes of the State. Repair of 2888 Lower Primary Schools and construction of 772 toilets and 5 The Midday Meal scheme will continue to be implemented in all Government and Government-Aided LP Schools.

The total Literacy Campaign and the Post Literacy Project will be revived. Existing Grant-in-aid to the non Gover5nment institutions will continue. Science education will continue to be strengthened. The State will continue to sponsor students for various technical courses. Government will continue to augment Technical Education. Two new Polytechnics at Jowai and Tura are being set up with World Bank Assistance. Polytechnic classes have been started at Tura and Jowai in temporary accommodation pending completion of construction of the Polytechnic buildings.

ARTS & CULTURE

Preservation, documentation, research, promotion and development of the rich cultural heritage of the State is the responsibility of this sector. Accordingly, the approach to the Tenth Plan lays emphasis on building up the basic infrastructure for promotion and preservation of cultural heritage and art forms spreading out these activities to encourage modern creative streams and literature.

Work on the State Cultural Complex at Brookside, Rilbong is nearly complete. Computerisation of the State Central Library and the District Libraries of Jowai, Nongstoin, Tura and Williamnagar is in progress. the scheme for digitization of Museum objects at the Williamnagar Sangma Museum is making commendable progress and the scheme for Heritage protection ids being implemented under the Eleventh Finance Commission Award.

SPORTS & YOUTH AFFAIRS

While 35 Sports Infrastructure projects were completed during the Ninth Plan, 12 such projects were completed during 2002-2003. Construction works for 14 ongoing projects are expected to be completed during the current year.

Government acknowledges the laurels earned by promising Sportspersons of the State in National and International fora. Government will make sincere attempts to create enabling infrastructure for adequate development of Sports in the State

Government have embarked upon a number of schemes for upliftment Sports activities in the State. These include resumption of works on the Jawaharlal Nehru Complex, Shillong and the setting up of a Sports Centre of Excellence.

HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE

Government stands committed to provide and strengthen health care services for the welfare of the State and its people particularly in the rural areas. Though there have been a marked improvement in terms of investment, infrastructure, manpower management etc, a considerable area of concern is the inadequate availability of specialised manpower, skill-upgradation, diagnostics and preventive measures.

The upgradation of the Shillong Civil Hospital to a 600 bedded Hospital and Tura Hospital to a 200 bedded Hospital is in good progress.

The construction of the Meghalaya Institute of Mental Health and Neurological Sciences (MIMHANS) is likely to be completed by the end of the current year. The Trauma Centre at the Civil Hospital Shillong is now operational.

Focus on National Health Programmes with emphasis and intensification on Malaria, Blindness, AIDS Control and T.B. is being made through wide public Health Awareness campaign and Health Education. A full - fledged Cancer Detection Centre will be set up in the State.

WATER  SUPPLY & SANITATION

Government will continue to endeavour to provide at least one source of drinking water supply to the habitations in the State. The total investment made in this sector since the inception of the State is Rs.410 crore. Under the sanitation programmes, a total of 21,221 and 250 sanitary units were installed in individual households and Schools, respectively.

   184 non-covered and 196 partially covered habitations along with 100 rural schools will be covered with safe drinking water during the current year.

Under the Prime Minister's special programme, installation of 506 hand pumps, revival of 506 traditional water sources and provision of water supply to 648 Primary Schools are being taken up. 90 percent of the cost will be borne by the Government of India and 10 percent by the beneficiaries concerned.

Work on the dam of the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme (G. S. W. S. S.) has been completed. The  Water Distribution Network under this scheme is expected to be completed in all respects by September, 2004. The augmentation scheme for Baghmara town under Central sector Accelerated Urban Water Supply Programme (A. U. W. S. P.) has been started. An augmentation scheme for Cherrapunjee town and the nearby rural habitations has been taken up during the current year.

Measures for meeting the water scarcity of Shillong Town during the dry months of April to June have been taken up as a short term measure to meet the water shortage till the Shillong Water Distribution Network is completed.

The total outlay for this sector during the current year is Rs.37.88 crore.

URBAN  DEVELOPMENT

Government's efforts towards planned development of all urban areas in the State will continue. To this end, emphasis has been given to the provision of adequate civic infrastructure for improved quality of urban life.

Construction of the Parking cum Shopping Complex near the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council Complex is likely to be completed during the current financial year.

The Parking cum Shopping Complex at Police Bazar, Shillong has been commissioned. Constructed at a cost of Rs.7 crore, this Complex has a capacity for parking of 215 light vehicles.

Implementation of the Environmental Improvement of Urban Slums (E. I. U. S.), National Slum Development Programme (N. S. D. P.) and Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (S. J. S. R. Y.) will continue.

The Special Urban Works Programme which, like the S. R. W. P. in rural areas, is implemented with the direct involvement of the beneficiary community will continue.

The approved outlay during the current year is Rs.23.30 crore.

CHIEF  MINISTER'S  SPECIAL  URBAN  DEVELOPMENT  FUND

The fund has been created for funding schemes of critical public importance which are identified by the Chief Minister in consultation with public representatives.

The schemes which are implemented through the Municipal Board do not have any provision for individual beneficiaries.

INFORMATION  &  PUBLIC  RELATIONS

The programmes under this sector involve dissemination of information to create public awareness about the various government departmental programmes.

A Documentary film has been produced and an official website of the State has been launched during the current year. Other programmes include participation in Trade Fairs at the State and National level and bringing out of Government publications.

LABOUR  &  EMPLOYMENT

The total number of job seekers registered upto September, 2003 is 10,434. Of the 36,263 job seekers in the Live Register, 45 were placed in employment during the year.

48 candidates attended the training conducted by the Coaching - cum - Guidance Centre, Shillong during the year.

SOCIAL  WELFARE  7  NUTRITION

Major programmes under this sector include the welfare of Women, Children Physically Handicapped, Juvenile Delinquents and the Aged and Infirm.

Vocational training and scholarships to 46 and 1106 physically handicapped and financial assistance to 83 aged and destitute persons were given during the current year. 2,29,639 rural and 10,580 urban beneficiaries have been covered under the Supplementary Nutrition programme.

The 32 ICDS Projects in the State are functioning through a network of 2218 Anganwadi Centres.

Three Childrens' Homes have been established under the Juvenile Justice Act at Shillong and Tura. The three centres for self-employment of Women at Shillong, Tura and Jowai will continue to impart annual training to 105 women stipendiaries in weaving, tailoring and embroidery.

The project for "Development of Nutrition Surveillance System" which is being implemented in collaboration with the National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad will continue.

GENERAL  ADMINISTRATION

The Meghalaya House at Vellore is expected to be made fully functional within the current year. The Yojana Bhavan and the Multiple Complex Administrative Building at Lower Lachumiere are expected to be completed.

Government has decided to construct the second Meghalaya House on the land allotted by Government of India at Vasant Vihar, New Delhi. The flats for residential quarters at Dwarka, New Delhi will soon be taken over. Government will develop the land at Hengrabari, Guwahati allotted by the Government of Assam for construction of a new Meghalaya House.

BUDGET  ACTUALS  2002 - 2003

The year 2002 - 02 opened with a deficit of Rs.10.22 crore. While the total receipts during the year including receipts under Public Accounts amounted to Rs.11,167.74 crore, the corresponding expenditure was Rs.11,162.38 crore resulting in a closing deficit of Rs.4.86 crore.

REVISED  ESTIMATES  2003 - 04

The revised estimates for the current year reflects an opening deficit of Rs.4.86 crore. While the estimated receipts during the year including receipts under Public Accounts is likely to be Rs.14,428.04 crore, the corresponding expenditure is expected to reach Rs.14434.32 crore resulting in an anticipated closing deficit of Rs.11.14 crore. However, the fiscal reform measures which are being implemented are likely to significantly improve the position.

BUDGET  ESTIMATES  2004 - 05

As stated earlier, the estimates for 2004 - 2005 have been kept at the same level as the revised estimates, 2003 - 2004. The estimates provide for an opening deficit of Rs.11.14 crore, a total receipt of Rs.14.428.04 crore and an expenditure of Rs.14.434.32 crore resulting in a closing deficit of Rs.17.42 crore.

CONCLUSION

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the circumstances which necessitated this Interim Budget for 2004 - 2005 have already been stated. I am sure that the Interim Budget proposals will receive the fullest support of this august House, till such time that I am in a position to present a regular budget for the year 2004 - 2005 during the re-assembled budget session.

With these words, I commend the Interim Budget proposals for consideration of this august House.

KHUBLEI

MITELA

JAIHIND