Government of Meghalaya

Budget Speech

1991 – 92

By

Shri S. D. Khongwir

Finance Minister, Meghalaya

25^th March, 1991

  Mr. Speaker Sir,

        I rise to present the Budget estimates for the year 1991-92

NATIONAL ECONOMIC SCHEME

2.     The National economy showed a moderate economic recovery during the last year. Crises notwithstanding, the economy of the country registered a sustained rate of growth. A record production of foodgrains in the range of 175.5 million tonnes to 178.5 million tonnes is expected in 1990-91 against 172.7 million tonnes in 1989-90. During 1990-91  Kharif Production is estimated at 101 million tonnes against a target of 95 million tonnes. With favourable weather  conditions, the rabi crop may exceed the target of 81.5 million tonnes. Cash crops like jute, cotton, sugarcane, tea and coffee are likely to record an impressive performance except in case of groundnut where, production is likely to face a short fall. Output of oil sees during the year (November 1989 to October 1990) is estimated at 16.8 million tonnes against 16.7 million tonnes in the preceding year.

3.     The index of industrial production during the first five months (April to August 1990) indicated a higher growth of 12.4 percent against 3.8 percent in the corresponding period of the preceding year. The manufacturing sector also experienced a significant growth of 14.2 percent during the period. The wholesale price index, as in November 1990 registered an increase of 10.2 percent over the corresponding period of the previous year. The consumer prices have increased sharply inspite of the good monsoons  in the past three consecutive years. The inflationary country's trade deficit went up by 40.6 percent over the period of April 1990 to October 1990 notwithstanding the growth rate of exports  to 21.2 percent during the corresponding period of 1989-90.

4.     There has been a marked increase of bank offices in the country, rising from 8,262 in  June 1969 to 59,632 by June 1990, with the aggregate deposit increasing from Rs.1,47,556.52 crores in June 1989 to Rs.1,73,612.80 crores in June 1990, a rise of 17.7 percent. The credit deposit ratio has also increased from 65.46 percent in June 1989 to 66.03  percent in June 1990. The Gross Domestic Product at 1980-81 prices registered a growth rate of 4.5 percent in 1989-90 as against that of 10.4 percent in the preceding year. A real growth rate of 5 percent in Gross Domestic Product is anticipated during the year 1990-91.

MEGHALAYA ECONOMIC SCENE

5.     At the State level, despite the hailstorm in the early part  of the year causing unprecedented landslides and floods, the economic situation  appears to be satisfactory. The State Domestic Product (SDP) at current prices rose from Rs.512.27 crores in 1988-89 to Rs.551.18 crores in 1989-90, showing an increase of about 7.6 percent. Similarly, the per capita income at current prices rose from Rs.3112 in 1988-89 to Rs.3251 in 1989-90, a rise of about 4.5 percent. Food grains production in 1989-90 was 1.51 lakh tonnes as against 1.38 lakh tonnes in the preceding year, an increase of more than 9 percent. Production of potato increased to 1.10 lakh tonnes in 1989-90 as against 0.71 lakhs tonnes in the previous year. Production of rape seed, mustard, mesta, cotton, banana, ginger and citrus fruits was higher in the year as compared to the preceding year.

6.     Industrial development in the State continues to lag behind. There has been no sign of growth of registered factories. However, significant  growth is noticed in the number of small scale units with the total investment in plants and machineries increasing from Rs.608.66 lakhs in 1988-89 to Rs.700.41 lakhs in 1989-90. The number of persons employed in these small units also rose from 7458 in 1988-89 to 8181 in 1989-90. Production of cement increased from 79.8 thousand tonnes in 1989 to 127.76 thousand tonnes in 1990 showing a rise of 60 percent. Production of coal increased by approximately 10 lakh tonnes, limestone by 10,000 tonnes and sillimanite a shortfall of around 370 metric tonnes during the period January to October 1990 compared  to the corresponding period of the previous year. Power generation was 400.23 MKWH in 1989-90 as against 422.89 MKWH in 1988-89.

7.     There has been a marked increase in prices of essential commodities like rice, sugar, potato, mustard oil, onion and pulses varying from 2 percent in pulses to 34.2 percent in mustard oil which is causing concern. The number of applicants registered in the Employment Exchange increased from 21,402 in June 1989 to 23,897 in June 1990. The number of educated persons in the Live register increased from10,152 as on 30.6.1989 to 10,750 by 30th June 1990 showing a rise of about 5.9 percent.

STATE ANNUAL PLAN

8.     The Seventh Five Year Plan Came  to an end on 31st March 1990.The Eighth Five Year Plan commenced from first April 1990. The State Annual Plan for the year 1990-91 was approved at  Rs.175 crores. In addition an outlay of Rs.9.45 crores was made available  to Meghalaya under the Regional Plan  of the North Easter Council. It is expected that the total outlays of both the State  and the North Eastern Council Plan would be utilised. Though the Eight Plan is yet to be finalised  at the National level, the State Annual Plan for 1991-92 has been finalised and approved at a total outlay of Rs.210 crores.

9.     Keeping in view the need for Integrated Area planning at District level, the main thrust in the ensuing year of the Eight Plan would be directed towards the strengthening of the process of democratic and decentralised planning  involving progressive participation by the people. Encouragement of productive land development  investment, ensuring long term, tenurial rights to the cultivators, protection  of soil erosion and environment through afforestation, creation of village forest reserves, development of horticulture, sericulture and cash crops would also be emphasised. It is also sought to increase production of food grains, develop Animal Husbandry & Veterinary and allied sectors through transfer of technology from laboratory to the field and exposure of farmers to improve practices and technology.

10.   Emphasis also is being laid on encouragement of agro-based, electronics and minerals based industries where locally available resources could be exploited.

11.   High priority is accorded to the implementation of the National Education Policy 1986 for a need based education with suitable vocationalisation, encouragement of private management of schools and colleges for qualitative improvement of education, health care, supply of drinking water and establishment  of growth centres to resolve congestion in urban areas. It is also proposed to encourage privatisation of road transport.

12.   Under Science and Technology sector, problem areas are sought to be identified to facilitate research and development projects involving appropriate technology and to build up a scientific  temper amongst the people, particularly the student community.

AGRICULTURE

13.   Agriculture plays a predominant role in the economy of the State. Therefore, its objective is to attain self sufficiency in food grains production. An outlay of Rs.831 lakhs for 1991-92 was approved  against an outlay of Rs.755  lakhs in 1990-91. The target for food grains production is fixed at 186.65 thousand tonnes for 1991-92 against 184.20 thousand tonnes for 1990-91. To achieve this objective, steps have been taken to raise the productivity level per unit areas through extensive use of fertilizers, larger coverage of irrigated areas under high yielding and improved varieties of seeds with multiple cropping including demonstration and training, adoption of improved techniques and intensification of plant  protection measures. Food grains production is estimated at 151 thousand tonnes  in 1989-90  as against 138 thousand tonnes during 1988-89. Attempts will also be made in the coming year to increase  the area under maize, wheat, pulses and oil seeds.

14.   In the field of horticulture, production of oranges, pears, stones fruits, pine apples, bananas and other fruits is likely to go up to 2.24 lakhs tonnes by the end of 1990-91 from 1.95  lakhs tonnes in 1988-89. The target for 1991-92 is aimed at 2.43 lakhs tones. The supply of planting materials and the package scheme of crop-cum-subsidy assistance to small farmers for raising horticultural crops and other measures are being continued. The need for providing adequate marketing, storage and processing facilities for these  produce have been stressed upon and the capacity of the existing fruit processing units at Shillong and Dainadubi are proposed to be expanded with requisite modernisation.

15.   The State  Agriculture Marketing Board has taken up the establishment of Principal a Regulated  Market at Mawiong in East Khasi Hills and Garobadha in West Garo Hills District for which land development and other works are in progress. The MECOFED which was entrusted with distribution of fertilizers, distributed chemical  fertilizers worth around Rs.84.44 lakhs till September, 1990.

16.   The National Watershed Development Project on Rain Fed Agriculture is being implemented in seven Water-shed areas under a Central Sector Scheme with Agriculture Department as the Nodal Agency.

IRRIGATION

17.   During the current year, implementation of the Rongai Valley Irrigation Project, launched in 1989, continued. It is proposed to take up survey and investigation for three additional Medium Irrigation Projects during the next years. It is also proposed to augment the irrigated area in the State through minor irrigation works, for which an allocation of Rs.555 lakhs has been provided during the year 1991-92. Thyme utilisation of the potential created is sought to be improved through Command Area Development Programmes.

CO-OPERATION

18.   The Cooperative movement in the State has yet to become vibrant and self reliant. Consequent on the efforts made, the functioning of different types of  Cooperative  Societies has shown improvement. More efforts are needed to make them effective in promoting economic activities. Disbursement of loans through Cooperative Channel was Rs.107.17 lakhs in respect of long and medium term loans and Rs.36.85 lakhs for short term loans, for the period ending 31-3-90. Steps have been taken for the implementation of the loan waiver scheme which is likely to benefit about 68,000 members of the Cooperative Societies. Inspite of absence of tie-up arrangements with National level Cooperative Organisations in respect of marketing, the MECOFED has been procuring agricultural and minor forest produce including jute and cotton in collaboration with the Jute Corporation and the Cotton Corporation of India.

19.   Implementation of the Crop Insurance Scheme continues. With the implementation of the Integrated Cooperative Development Project (ICDP) in East Khasi Hills, a perceptible improvement in the functioning of the Societies in the Project area is seen. To supplement State Plan efforts, are under preparation by the Consultancy firms, and on acceptance by National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), these will be taken up in a phased manner. In a seminar on Cooperative  Development in the North Eastern States held in Shillong in May 1990 and attended by Ministers of Cooperation of four State Level Cooperatives including Cooperative Banks, recommendations were made for removal of common problems of cooperative backwardness of the region. Follow  up actions on the above recommendations have been initiated.

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY & VETERINARY

20.   The Department plays an important role in the development of the economy of the State and continues to provide supplementary income particularly to the rural community. The outlay for this sector is being stepped up from Rs.261 lakhs in 1990-91 to about Rs.304 lakhs in 1991-92.

21.   Emphasis is being given for effecting improvement in the productivity of milch cattle, pigs, poultry, goats and other livestock and also to increase the availability of improved breeding  stock. Cross breeding of local cattle with exotic dairy breed is being extended to interior villages by the use of frozen semen technology. The Regional Pig Breeding  farm at Kyrdemkulai has been functioning to its full capacity and has so far produced 400 piglets during 1990-91 . With a view to popularising broiler chick production in the State, farms are being set up at Kyrdemkulai.

22.   To provide health cover facilities for livestock and poultry in the Sate, 53 dispensaries, 52 veterinary aid centres and 15 mobile veterinary dispensaries have been established so far. To check ingress of  cattle with rinderpest and other contagious diseases from neighboring states,  2 check posts are proposed to be set  up. .Health  cover programmes were continued and will be intensified in the ensuing year.  

FOREST

23.   Forest plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance, checking soil erosion and preserving its fertility. Indiscriminate felling of trees has caused serious damage to the forest wealth of the State. To remedy this situation, programmes of afforestation along with protection and conservation of the existing forest areas have been taken up. To ensure joint involvement of the State Government and the District councils in the effective implementation of Forest Protection Laws, the Meghalaya Forest  Authority Ordinance, 1991 has been recently promulgated. During the previous year, 8000 hectares were brought under plantation and an area of 8375 hectares. is proposed to be brought under plantation in 1991-92. The  facilities at Lum Nehru Park at Umiam created in 1989-90 are being developed  further to cater to the increasing needs for community recreation.

24.   Coordinated air pollution control is being pursued to mitigate the hazards of pollution especially in the urban area.    

SOIL CONSERVATION

25.   Soil erosion caused by denudation of forest cover is of great concern to the Government. Land use practices such as jhum and ill-managed steep slopes cultivation, deforestation, wild-fires, extensive grazing are factors responsible for soil erosion. To overcome this problem, the Department  undertook schemes for providing irrigated land for permanent cultivation with other backup programmes and supply of inputs  like improved seeds, manure and fertilisers. Under the State Plan and Central Sector Schemes, special emphasis is proposed to be given for extending facilities of supply of  drinking water, provision of link roads, re-clothing  the barren jhum  slopes with vegetative, fodder, pasture, cash and horticultural plantation to wean away jhumias from wasteful  cultivation and simultaneously to protect the soil from erosion. Treatment  of 10 critical mini watersheds is also proposed during 1991-92.

26.   The outlay for State Soil Conservation programme during 1991-92 is fixed at Rs.600 lakhs against Rs.450 lakhs in the  previous year. In addition central sector schemes for next years is fixed at Rs.125 lakhs.

FISHERIES

27.   With a view to boosting fish production in the State, fish production in the State, fish culture schemes have been taken up at Task, Ward's lake and Nogorpara Bheel sanctioned by the North Eastern Council (NEC). These schemes will further be developed. Fishery development in water reservoirs at Kyrdemkulai and Nongmahir, as approved by the NEC, is proposed. To popularise pisciculture, financial assistance as well as training in modern  practices is being provided.

SERICULTURE AND WEAVING

28.   Sericulture and handloom weaving are important cottage industries in the State. Efforts have been made to promote these industries for the benefit of the rural people. The main thrusts to step up production and productivity. For this purpose, better silk worms food plants, seed worms, appliances and disinfectants are supplied to the rearers. Farmers are also trained in new techniques of rearing. Training and other programmes will be continued and improved. In addition  four block plantations, one for mulberry and Eri and  three for Muga, one chowki rearing centre and one spinning centre are proposed to be established in  1991-92.

29.   In handloom weaving, establishment of demonstration cum production centres has been initiated. The Design and Research Centre attached to the Handloom Training Institute will provide training for improvement in designs. Provision of post loom  facilities like dyeing and printing has been made.

POWER

30.   The work at Umiam stage-IV hydro electric project is in progress. the project could not be commissioned by the end of 1990 as scheduled  due to several unforeseen constraints. It is however expected to be commissioned by the end of  1991. Under the rural electrification  programme 2206 villages had been electrified till November 1990 covering a total population of about 64 percent.

31.   The Science and Technology Cell has developed two types of chulahs, one fixed and the other portable. The Cell has also conducted a number of workshops and carried out research oriented programmes. These programmes are proposed to be continued and intensified in 1991-92. An outlay of Rs.55 lakhs has been approved  for the year 1991-92.

ROADS & BRIDGE

32.   Against an outlay of Rs.30 crores in 1990-91 the road sector has an outlay of Rs.36 crores in 1991-92. Priority will be accorded for completion of the spill over schemes of the Sixth and Seventh Plans. While taking up new schemes, emphasis will be given to villages  which have rich agriculture, mineral and other resources and where land  is available free of cost. During the Seventh Plan the road length of the State increased to 5,580 kms including 2,362 kms of surfaced road with road density of 24.90 per 100. sq.kms as on 31-3-90.

TRANSPORT

33.   Road transport plays a vital role in the economic development of the State which depends entirely on this mode. The Meghalaya Transport Corporation, with a fleet of 189 buses is operating  on 53  routes, connecting different places in the State and the towns of neighboring States, apart from  providing limited subsidised  transport to school going children at Shillong. The State Government  and the Working Group of the NEC have identified schemes for ropeways during the Eighth and Ninth Plan period. Joint check gates, in collaboration with other departments, are proposed to be established at Byrnihat and Dainadubi which will go a long way in helping to check violation of traffic rules, evasion of taxes and to control the illegal movement of timber and other forest produce. Provisions for roadsides  amenities like parking places, retiring rooms etc. are proposed to be made.

MINING & GEOLOGY

34.    The Department of Mining and Geology is entrusted with the  work of investigation of mineral deposits in the State and with the collection of royalty and cess on major minerals of the State. The Meghalaya Mineral Development Corporation has been able to export coal to Bangladesh and earn foreign exchange to the extent of Rs.3 crores. The Corporation is also exploring the possibility of exporting limestone to Bangladesh.

35.    In the field of Primary education, the Government while continuing with its management, has decentralised its administration both at the District and Sub-Divisional levels. the pattern of school education in the State has been restructured and the curriculum revised within the framework of the National Pattern of Education and the National Core Curriculum as laid down under the National Policy of Education, 1986. During the current year, the Government initiated steps to improve the infrastructure for education in the State through several measures including upgrading of selected High schools to Higher Secondary level, extending financial assistance to 750 existing primary schools for creating additional classrooms and assisting 90 school-less villages in setting up Primary Schools. The quality of education is sought to be standardised and improved by prescribing  a new  academic calendar  and by strengthening teachers' training facilities. At the same time it is proposed to intensify the adult education programme.

HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

36.    The Department has been endeavouring to reach the goals set under the National Health Policy to develop a Health Care Delivery System for the benefit of the people. During the 7th plan period, 30 additional Sub-Centres were made functional, bringing the total to 62 PHCs  and 246 Sub Centres (SC). During the year 1990-91  construction of one  Community Health Centres (CHC) 4 PHCs and 50 Sub Centres is expected to be completed. The Maternity and Child Health and Family Welfare Programmes continue to be the cornerstone of preventive Health Care effort. Under these  schemes, the immunization of children and expectant mothers continues.

37.    To improve the quality of Immunization Scheme, it is proposed to set up a Testing  Centre for testing of field samples of oral polio vaccines. During 1991-92  and in the remaining 8th Plan period, this Centre will also act as a nucleus for the establishment of a Tissue Culture Laboratory. The Regional Blood Bank which started functioning at Shillong in May, 1990 has been strengthened with additional equipment and laboratory facilities. The Pasteur Institute has taken steps to gear up the production of different vaccines to meet the requirements of the North Eastern Region.

PUBLIC HEALTH ENGINEERING

38.    The programme of providing safe drinking water continues to be an important objectives of the Government. Out of the total number of 4902  villages in the State, 3306 villages had been covered under the scheme till March 1990. Waster supply to a total of approximately 4000 villages is likely to be achieved by March 1991. A target of 600 villages has been proposed in the ensuing year.

39.    In the Urban sector, Phase I of the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme, with a capacity of supplying 50 lakh gallons per day has been completed except for a few zonal reservoirs at Mawlai. During the current  year, works on the feeder line from Upper Shillong to Motinagar and Malki are in progress. Project report on the new distribution system for Shillong has been received and works in some areas have already been taken up. So far 1448 rain water harvesting structures have been constructed in 100 villages. Similar programmes will be continued during 1991-92

TOURISM

40.    Efforts to develop the Tourism potential of the State continue. The construction of the Restaurant-Cum-Rest House at Cherrapunjee and the Drive-in-cum-Restaurant at Nongpoh were completed. They are expected to be commissioned soon. Construction of a Tourist Lodge at Siju, Tourist Bungalows at Baghmara, Ranikor and Nongstoin, wayside amenities at Khliehriat  and Anogiri and a Yatrinivas at Shillong are proposed to be taken up. Private entrepreneurs will be encouraged to build up tourism infrastructure. Adventure tourism such as trekking and river rafting is proposed to be developed

HOUSING

41.    With the adoption of the State Housing Policy, special thrust has been directed towards providing houses to the houseless people of the economically weaker sections (EWS) and low income groups, especially in rural areas. During the period from 1988-1990, 2400  beneficiaries had been covered. In 1990-91, 1150 cases have been proposed which are expected to be achieved. 2700 beneficiaries are proposed during 1991-92. The Department has also given grant-in-aid in the shape of C.I. roofing to houseless (EWS) villagers. Under this programme, 300 families have been covered in 1990-91  and 3600 families are proposed to be covered during 1991-92. The Department has also provided grant-in-aid of roofing materials to 612 EWS families affected by cyclone and other natural calamities during 1990-91.

COMMUNITY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

42.    Programmes of the Community & Rural Development are aimed not only at reducing poverty and improving the quality of  life in the rural areas but also to provide avenues for public participation in the creation of durable community assets. The outlay approved for 1991-92 is Rs.328 lakhs against Rs.258 lakhs in the previous year.

43.    The Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP), the National Rural Employment Programme (NREP), the Rural Landless Employment Guarantee Programme (RLEGP), the Jawahar Rozgar Yojana (JRY) will continue to be implemented depending on the Central Government continuation of the programmes. The State Institute of Research and Training in rural Development (SIRD) has become operational  and a number of training programmes have been taken up. These  will be continued. The programme of assistance to Small and Marginal farmers for increasing agricultural production will be continued as a centrally sponsored scheme.

INDUSTRIES

44.    In the industrial sector, the Siju Cement and the Lumshnong Paper Grade Lime projects are under process. The Package Scheme of Incentives laid down in the Industrial Policy of the State has yielded encouraging response. Development of small scale and cottage industries continues to be emphasised. In the Khadi and Village  industrial sector, innovative schemes like cotton khadi centres at Marngar and Saipung and Silk Khadi centre at Dainadubi were started. Khadi Bhandars were opened at Nongpoh and Jowai.

45.    In the Handicrafts sector, 313 trainees  were given training in knitting, embroidery and carpentry. The infrastructure facilities in the industrial areas at Umiam and Byrnihat have been further  developed. Efforts are being continued to provide common service facilities and workshops in the industrial estates at Shillong, Williamnagar, Nongstoin and Jowai. Government will continue to assist private sector in establishing industries under the promotional programmes for entrepreneurs.

SPORTS AND YOUTH AFFAIRS

46.    Creation of necessary infrastructure for development of sports and games and other youth welfare activities is being continued. During 1990-91 construction of an indoor stadium and a basket ball court at NSCA at Shillong, a multipurpose stadium hall at Hawakhana and renovation of Crinoline swimming pool have been taken up.

47.    During 1991-92, construction  of a swimming pool at  Tura  and indooor stadium halls, one each at Williamnagar, Nongstoin, Mawlai, Madan Laban and Laitumkhrah, are proposed to be taken up. Identification  and nurturing of potential sports  talents will  be continued  and they will be encouraged to take part in sports competitions outside the State. Sports and coaching camps are being conducted in various disciplines in different parts of the State. Financial assistance is also accorded to State, district and divisional sports associations.

FOOD AND CIVIL SUPPLIES

48.    Meghalaya is deficit in food production. Efficient functioning of the Public Distribution System is imperative for providing minimum requirements of essential commodities to the people  at reasonable prices. Strengthening and streamlining of the Public Distribution System has been carried out. Till date, 3241 Fair Price Shops have been established, out of which 2689 are located in rural areas, including areas bordering  Bangladesh, and 552 in urban areas. In addition three Mobile Fair Price Shops are functioning in the rural areas. The number of such shops will be augmented. To check malpractices in the Public Distribution System (PDS), the Consumer Protection Movement at various  levels has been encouraged. Seminars  were organised to arouse civic consciousness regarding quality and prices of goods distributed through the PDS.

SOCIAL WELFARE

49.    Implementation of the schemes for welfare of women, children, the handicapped, the infirm and the delinquents continues through 49 voluntary organisations with the financial assistance of the Government. The twenty Integrated Child Development Service Schemes will continue. Six more  such projects sanctioned by the Government of India are expected to be operational soon. Financial assistance is also provided to Special Educational Institution run by a voluntary organisation for Spastic children at Shillong and to the Institute for the Blind at Tura. The four voluntary organisations working for prevention of drug abuse, alcoholism and other social evils, are also assisted financially and professionally. Under the Supplementary Nutrition Programme, around 85,200 children and pregnant and lactating mothers were benefited during the current year.

SURVEY

50.    Since Meghalaya does not have Land records, measures for cadastral survey in the State in close cooperation with the District Council Authorities have been taken up. In order to settle interstate boundary disputes between Assam and  Meghalaya, necessary reconnaissance and primary traverse surveys have been initiated.

BORDER AREAS DEVELOPMENT

51.    Keeping in view the special requirements of the people in areas bordering Bangladesh, the Government have undertaken various schemes for improving the economy of the area with particular emphasis on infrastructural development. Programmes so far undertaken by the Government in the direction include development of transport and communications, supply of agricultural inputs for increasing agricultural productivity, regular  supply of essential commodities and providing marketing facilities for their produce.

PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION

52.    The Programme Implementation Department  has been assigned the key role in monitoring the overall plan schemes of various departments. Public Enterprise Cells have also been set up in the Department to monitor the functioning of the State Government Public Undertakings. the Planning commission has set up the Meghalaya State Unit of NICNET  at Shillong with NIC  centres in all the five District Headquarters. A Computer Cell is also functioning in the Department.

DISTRICT COUNCIL

53.    With a view to expanding the developmental activities of the District Councils, the State Government  have channelised additional funds amounting to Rs.150.41 lakhs during 1990-91. A provision  of Rs.195 lakhs under Plan and Rs.39.11 lakhs  under Non-Plan  has been made for 1991-92. Government also propose to undertake cadastral  survey of all un-surveyed lands in the State with the involvement of the District Councils.

URBAN AFFAIRS

54.    The Urban Affairs Department is responsible  for orderly growth, development and proper management of the urban areas of the  State. The problems of Urbanisation are reflected through traffic congestion, emergence of slums and the growing  strain on civic infrastructure. The master plan for Shillong was approved and notified in October, 1990 and those for Tura and Jowai are in the process of finalisation. Development plans for other towns  of Nongstoin, Williamnagar, Khanapara and Byrnihat have been initiated. Measures for adoption and implementation of the Assam Town  and Country Planning  Act 1959 and the Slims Clearance  Act 1959  in the entire State have been taken up. The Shillong Development Authority, set up in March 1989, has been entrusted with the enforcement and implementation of the Shillong Master Plan.

PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

55.    The Schemes of "Youth Parliament" will be continued in different schools and colleges in the State. The scheme is useful in making the students aware of the functioning of the democratic and parliamentary system in the country.

ELECTIONS

56.    The summary revision of the electoral rolls for assembly constituencies as on 1st January 1991 has been started with the publication of a draft roll on 17th December, 1990. The work was completed by 7th February 1991, in accordance with the programme fixed by the Election Commission.

LABOUR

57.    Various Acts and Rules framed under the Indian Factories Act and Indian Boilers Act are being enforced to ensure the safety, welfare and health of the workers. Under the minimum Wages  Act, the minimum rates of wages have been laid down for agricultural labourers, workers engaged in construction and maintenance of roads and buildings etc.

WEIGHT AND MEASURES

58.    The Department of Weights and Measures is the legal authority for implementation of the provisions of the Meghalaya  Weights and Measures  Acts and Rules for the protection of the consumers. With the introduction of the new Weights and Measures Act, 1985 and the rules, 1989, measures have been taken  to protect the interest of the consumers.

ARTS AND CULTURE

59.    The activities in this field are being expanded. The District Museum at Tura has been established and a State Level Cultural complex is proposed to be set up in Shillong.

60.    Sir, I have broadly indicated in brief the outline of the policies and programmes of the Government for 1991-92 . The Plan Supplement will provide details of the various schemes and programmes proposed to be taken up during the year. I would now like to present a brief account of the Actuals  for 1989-90 and the revised estimates for 1990-91 before  I mention about the Budget Estimates for 1991-92.

ACTUALS 1989-90

61.    During 1989-90 receipts on all accounts amounted to Rs.2076.47 crores, while the expenditure was of  the order of Rs.2068.79 crores resulting in a surplus  of Rs.7.67 crores. Together with the negative opening cash balance of Rs.35.86 crores,  the year closed  with a deficit of Rs.28.19 crores. However, at the end of the year, the State  Government had an amount of Rs. 63.46 crores invested in the Government of India Treasury bills.

REVISED ESTIMATE 1990-91

62.    The year 1990-91 thus opened with a negative cash balance of Rs.28.19 crores and a positive balance of Rs.63.46 crores in the Government of India Treasury bills account. The total receipts during the year on all accounts inclusive of the holdings in Treasury bill  are estimated at Rs.2197.35 crores, while  the expenditure is estimated at Rs.2181.66 crores resulting in a surplus of Rs.15.69 crores. This surplus will reduce  the negative opening balance of Rs.28.19 crores thus leaving a negative closing balance of Rs.12.50 crores.

BUDGET ESTIMATE 1991-92

63.    The year 1991-92 is expected to open with a negative cash balance  of Rs.12.50 crores. During the year, the receipts  and expenditure on revenue account are estimated at Rs.405.69 crores  and Rs.382.37 crores  respectively leaving a surplus  of Rs.23.32 crores. Outside the revenue accounts,  the estimated receipts and expenditure are Rs.1842.90 crores and Rs.1935.94 crores  respectively, leaving a deficit of Rs.93.04 crores. But, the  surplus of Rs.23.32 crores on revenue account will reduce the deficit  to Rs.69.72 crores.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCE MOBILISATION AND MEASURE TO COVER DEFICIT

64.    To reduce estimated deficit  to the extent  possible, the following measures to raise additional resources are proposed.

(i)      Amendment of the Indian Partnership Act, 1932  to increase  rate of fee  for registration  of deeds of partnership. 

(ii)     Upward revision of the rates of taxes, under the Meghalaya Professions, Trades, Callings  and Employment  Taxation Act.

(iii)    Enhancement of the rates of tax under the Meghalaya (Sales of Petroleum and Petroleum Products including  Motor  Spirit and Lubricants) Taxation Act.

(iv)    Enhancement of the lump sum rate of tax under the Meghalaya Passengers and Goods Taxation Act  and upward revision of the rates prescribed for penalties and for the composition fee.

(v)     Increase of the betting tax and the license fee for bookmakers under the  Meghalaya Amusements and Betting Tax Act.

(vi)    Introduction of  a new  legislation to prescribe the slabs of rates of turnover tax based  on charges for luxuries.

(vii)   Increase the availability fee and gallonage fee on IMFL and beer.

(viii)  Amendment  of the Meghalaya Motor Vehicles Taxation Act by a Bill for increase of  rate of tax on vehicles used for transportation of goods only and increase of tax on vehicles and introduction of a one time tax  on personalised vehicles.

65.    The above measured are expected to yield an additional revenue of about Rs.2 crores. As in the current year, a number of measures aimed at improving financial discipline and control with particular focus  on non-plan expenditure will continue to be enforced. Simultaneously, efforts would be taken up to cut wasteful expenditure and to improve productivity through a realistic assessment of man power requirements of different departments and restricting expenditure only to essential items. It would be ensured to the extent possible, that investment of plan funds takes place in productive schemes yielding a maximum return in terms of economic growth, apart from generating resources  Government will also endeavour to identify areas in each sector where the management of the schemes can be suitably streamlined to meet the above objective. I am confident that the support and cooperation of the Members of this August House in our efforts to improve the  finances of the State would be forthcoming.

66.             With these words, Sir, the Budget Estimates for 1991-92 is presented to this August House for consideration and approval. But, in view of the fact that the present session will be of a short duration, Hon'ble Members will not be in a position to deliberate fully. However, to enable the Government to carry on with its duties and responsibilities and defray expenditure  for the first three months of the next financial year. I propose that the House may grant a vote-on-Account.

JAI HIND

ANNEXURE  I

STATEMENT SHOWING THE SECTORAL ALLOCATION UNDER 'STATE PLAN FOR 
1990-91 AND 1991-92

ANNEXURE -II

THE FINANCIAL POSITION FOR THE YEAR 1991-92 WITH THOSE OF THE PREVIOUS YEARS.

** The difference of Rs.6.07 lakhs between the closing balance of 1988-89 and the opening balance of 1989-90 is due to belated adjustment on account of opening of non-banking treasuries at Sohra and Resubelpara during 1989-90, which  was made by Shillong Treasury during the same year.

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