Government of Meghalaya

Budget Speech

1998 – 99

By

Shri B. B. Lyngdoh

Finance Minister, Meghalaya

31^st March, 1998

Hon'ble Speaker Sir,

        I rise to present the Budget Estimates for 1998-99.

        We have taken over the reins of Governance at a crucial time when we are on the threshold of the 21^st Century, and entering into the second year of the 9^th Plan and the last two years  of the system laid down by the Tenth Finance Commission. the Budget Estimates 1998-99 do not  merely state the Plans and projects for 1998-99 but also reflect our approach to the development of the State in the next 5 years.

        Last year, we completed 25 years of creation of Meghalaya. Though we have firmly established our political identity, we have a long way to go in achieving our goals of a progressive society capable  of harnessing the full potential of our people and rich natural resources. To achieve this, we require peace, prosperity, health and education. Let us recall the words of Prof. G.G. Swell  in his speech in the Parliament after achieving Statehood, "Meghalaya will be an island of peace and a patch of beauty in the North East". These priorities will be incorporated in the 9^th Plan in order to give a new direction to the Annual Plans starting from 1998-99.

        This will call for sound management of State Finances. It is pertinent to mention here that in the recent past the State enjoyed, a reputation in the Planning Commission of being the best financially managed State. Efficient management of State finances and avoidance of unsustainable deficits by raising additional resources and cutting non-essential  expenditures under Non-Plan Revenue by enforcing strict economy measures will be pursued. This will enable the Government to provide adequate funds for the State Plans and State's share in Central Sector, Centrally Sponsored Schemes and North Eastern  Council schemes and thereby optimize Plan investment particularly in crucial sectors of Health, Education, Agriculture, Power and Rural Development.

        Before presenting the Budget Estimates 1998-99, I will briefly refer to the current status of the National and State economy, review the performance of important Departments and outline the tasks ahead.

NATIONAL ECONOMY  :- Union Finance Minister has indicated in his interim Budget Speech that there has been an over all slow down of the economy in the current year. The Gross Domestic Product growth rate will be about 5% and below 7.5% of 1996-97. The target of restricting the fiscal deficit to 4.5% of the Gross Domestic Product will not be met and the actual fiscal deficit could be in the region of 6% of the Gross Domestic Product. There are worrying signs of slump in agriculture  and industrial sectors. The industrial growth rate during April-Dec.,1997-98 is estimated at less  than 5%, the lowest since reforms began. On the positive side, inflation is likely to average 5% in  1997-98 which may be the lowest in last 12 years and the debt service ratio, the indicator of external economic relations is estimated at below 20%  compared to 24.3% in 1995-96. As far as State finances are concerned, the decision of the Government of India to transfer 77.5% of the total yield from Voluntary Disclosure of Income Scheme (VDIS) in 97-98 is a cause for happiness. We would urge Government of India to adopt a special policy for the North Eastern Region. In this context, we welcome the decision to revamp the North Eastern Council and to create a separate Ministry for the North Eastern Region and we do hope that "the better face" of economic reforms that the Prime Minister has promised would cover the North Eastern Region also.

STATE ECONOMY :- Though predominantly rural with 81.5% of the population  living in the rural areas, the contribution of the primary sector was 32.13%  of the Net State Domestic Product in 1995-96, while secondary sector comprising trade, transport, banking etc contributed 13.51%. The tertiary sector made a significant contribution in 1997-98. During 1991-96, a gradual but somewhat  uneven growth in per capita income has been noticed at current.

        Prices namely  8.50%, in 1991-92, 6.22% in 1992-93, 12.62% in 1993-94, 9.01% in 1994-95 and 6.62% in 1995-96. A similar trend in growth of Net State  Domestic Product has been observed. A major development  in the economy has been the expansion of the Mining sector.  In 1996, the output of coal and limestone was 31.23 lakh MT and 4.36 lakh MT respectively. The picture is different on the employment front as the number of job seekers in the Live Registers of Employment Exchanges is over 27,000 and points to a need for a strategy to restructure the core sectors of the economy and greater productivity.

PLANNING :- An outlay of Rs. 2700.00 crores was proposed for the 9^th Five Year Plan of Meghalaya which is still under active consideration of the Planning Commission. In the first year of the 9th Plan, 1997-98  an outlay of Rs. 382.00 crores was originally fixed. However, due to resource constraint, the revised outlay will be Rs. 260 crores. The tentative plan outlay for 1998-99 is Rs. 400.00 crores. the tentative intersectoral outlay is indicated in Annexure-I.

AGRICULTURE :-  Since agriculture continues to be the main stay of our people, its development is the most critical factor in the economic growth of the State. The target  of food  grains production for 1998-99 is 1.85 lakhs Mt against the anticipated production of 1.77 lakh Mt. for 1997-98. The target for potato production is 2.25  lakhs Mt. during 1998-99. Development of Commercial crops like ginger, cotton, jute, mesta and mushroom as well as horticulture  have been stressed  and a separate Directorate for Horticulture has been set up. The National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed areas (NWDPRA)  is being implemented in 8 Micro-Watersheds in all districts under a Central Sector Scheme covering 4,000 hectares. The Meghalaya State Agricultural marketing Board has set up two Principal Regulated markets at Mawiong and Garobadha. The transactions at Mawiong have begun in a promising manner. The market at Garobadha has been commissioned in October, 1997.    

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND VETERINARY :- The Department will continue to create and upgrade infrastructure for increasing production of meat, milk and eggs. The production target for 1998-99 has been fixed at 29,000 Mt of meat, 660,00 Mt of milk and 81 millions eggs.

        To generate additional employment, besides providing training to people, incentives in the form of subsidy are given for implementation of dairy, poultry and piggery schemes for rural farmers, dairy farming and broiler production schemes for educated unemployed youth. All these schemes will continue in 1998-1999.

COOPERATION :- The growth of cooperative movement has a critical role in promoting agriculture and allied activities. During 1997-98, new cooperative Societies have been registered. The cooperative financing institution like Meghalaya Cooperative Apex Bank has been brought under the purview of the Prudential norms for Non-Performing Assets and provisioning for Bad Debts with effect from 31.3.97. It has, however, been able to maintain last year's record of recovery of current overdues and Credit Deposit Ratio (34.87%) in the current year, while in the consumer sector a turnover of Rs. 564.95 lakhs could be achieved by cooperatives last year. Procurement of cotton in the current season has been started by Garo Hills Cooperative cotton Ginning and Oil Mills Ltd. in association with Cotton Corporation of India, cooperatives of other types like transport, dairy, handloom, women cooperatives etc are also making slow but steady progress. Schemes for the Ninth Five Year Plan have been formulated for achieving sustainable growth giving priority to credit, marketing, processing, dairy, handloom and women cooperatives in that order. Some new schemes are also proposed to be taken up during the Ninth Plan, of which cleansing of balance sheet of State Cooperative Bank/Urban Bank is the most notable means for neutralizing the adverse effect on the cooperative system as a result as a result of application Non-Performing Assets norms.

FOREST AND ENVIRONMENT :- An area of 26,917 hectares  has been afforested through various afforestation schemes. The areas afforested were either degraded forest or abandoned jhum lands. The activities towards  wildlife conservation, social forestry development, protection of forest resources, maintenance of plantation, etc have been taken up. Under the Minimum Needs  Programme, during the first four years of the eighth plan period, free distribution of 364.31 lakhs seedlings to the people have been undertaken and the likely area to be planted by the seedlings will be 18216 hectares approximately. Development  activities and protection of wild life in the national park and sanctuaries will continue to be intensified in 1998-99.

SOIL CONSERVATION  :-  Conservation of soil and  water resources is vital for sustainable development as it protects the soil cover against erosion caused by rainfall and felling of  trees and thereby helps the farmers to obtain higher yields. To achieve these objectives, the Soil Conservation Department has been implementing several schemes to wean away the farmers from  shifting  (jhum) cultivation, water shed management  schemes and for afforestation  of degraded land. In addition, the Department has been promoting cultivation of cash crops and land development works.

COMMUNITY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT :- The Community and Rural Development Department continues to play an important role in the process of accelerating the economic and social development of rural areas with a view to increase the income levels and quality of life of the rural people. The important programmes of the Department are Integrated Rural Development Programmes, Jawahar Rozgar Yojana, Employment Assurance Schemes, and National Social Assistance Programme (old age pension), Integrated Rural Development Programme has been given a high priority with an outlay of Rs. 400 lakhs during 1998-99.

        To generate additional gainful employment to the unemployed and under employed persons in rural areas, besides Jawahar Rozgar Yojana, Employment Assurance Scheme is being implemented as Centrally Sponsored Scheme to  provide 100 days of assured employment during the lean agricultural seasons to the rural poor people. Special rural works programmes and construction of rural roads programmes have been taken up earnestly.

INDUSTRIES :- To promote growth of industries, the State has adopted a policy of providing infrastructure and package of incentives. The tentative annual Plan outlay for 1998-99 is Rs. 1100.00 lakhs. The allocation for large and medium industries and small scale industries are Rs. 900.00 lakhs and Rs. 200.00 lakhs respectively

        The major effort will be to develop the Infrastructure or setting up of industries by concentrating on the Export Promotion Industrial Park at Byrnihat and the growth centre at Mendipathar in East Garo Hills.

        Priority would also be given on generating employment. The Department has provided  funds for training schemes which would  assist entrepreneurs in acquiring  skills for setting up of their own small ventures. The employment for educated unemployed youth will be continued through various Central Schemes such as the Prime Minister's Rozgar Yojana.

MINING AND GEOLOGY :- The Department efforts towards exploration of economic minerals are continuing. During 1997-98, exploration  programmes have been taken up including exploration of ground water potential and geo-technical studies. During 1998-99, a tentative outlay of Rs. 150.00 lakhs has been proposed. Mineral investigations under North Eastern Council scheme during the 9th Plan  period would continue.

SERICULTURE AND WEAVING  :- Sericulture and Handloom Weaving are the two important cottage industries of the State which play an important role in uplifting the rural economy. The  Department has organized 62 Block plantations, 9 numbers of chowky rearing centres and 5 Eri spinning centres have been set up  to arrange for supply of chowky weavers and for training of local spinners respectively. During 1998-99 the Department propose to intensify the raining programmes to the educated unemployed youth under the Entrepreneurship Development Training Programme for self employment. The Department will take up a project for modernization of handloom to enhance the output of quality fabrics at the private  weavers level for raising weaver's income. The Department  also intend to implement the integrated muga and eri project  and also the Micro-Sericulture Project of the Central Silk Board to promote the silk industry in the State.

POWER DEPARTMENT  :-  The tentative Plan outlay of the Meghalaya State Electricity Board for the year  1998-99 is Rs. 5611 lakhs.

        During the 9th Plan Meghalaya State Electricity Board proposes to take up renovation and modernization  of its existing generating units with the  Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund from Japan. Construction  of 2x18 MW  Leishka Hydel Electric Project will be taken up for which the Project Report  has been  prepared. The construction of 132 kv S/C  line from Umiam-Umtrew Stage IV Hydel Electric Project to State Border towards Guwahati has been practically completed and may be commissioned soon. hep

        Harnessing of Non-conventional sources of energy especially solar energy is continuing in the State.

TOURISM  :- Tourism, which has vast employment potential in the State, will continue to receive due priority from the Government particularly in the field  of development of tourist infrastructure and tourist spots. Based on the report  of the Task Force  commissioned by the Government of India, a strategy for tourism development has been prepared. A new Yatri Niwas at Jowai and a Tourist Lodge at Nongstoin are awaiting  sanctions of the Government of India. Persistent efforts by the Department for upgradation of the Airport at Umroi have resulted its inclusion in the Prime Minister's package for the North East. A Hotel Management  Institute  is being set up by the Government of India in Shillong to create a pool of trained personnel for management of hotels and tourism industry. As a significant step the Government has declared tourism as an industry to attract investment.

TRANSPORT :- The Meghalaya Transport Corporation is continuing its operation on 39 routes covering the distance of 5265 Kilometers with a fleet of 191 Buses. During the year 1996-97 the Corporation has carried 14.23 lakh passengers and covered 45.80 lakhs Kilometres. The revenue earning of the Corporation in 1996-97 was Rs. 396.68 lakh as against Rs. 366.94 lakh in 1995-96.

PUBLIC WORKS :- An adequate and efficient surface transport infrastructure is essential for development of the economy. The State has a total road length of 6707.094 Km with a road density of 29.90 Km/100 Sq.Km. which is below the prescribed norms of 40 Km/100 Sq.Km in Hill areas. Of 5629 numbers of villages, 2486 numbers have been connected by road.  To link the uncovered villages, higher allocation  under Basic Minimum Services is required.

        During 1997-98 which is the first year of the Ninth Plan, this sector has an approved outlay of  Rs. 6420.00 lakhs. A tentative outlay of Rs. 7500.00 lakhs for 1998-99 has been proposed.

        The schemes under National Highway for the current year include (i) Improvement -26.00 Km (ii) Widening - 24.00 Kms and (iii) Construction of  6 nos. of Bridges.

        Under the Medium Irrigation and Flood Control scheme, a tentative outlay of Rs. 450.00 lakhs and Rs. 300.00 lakhs has been proposed  for 1998-99 respectively. Construction of barrage under Rongai valley irrigation project  is in progress. The  target expected to be completed in 1999-2000. Three numbers of flood protection works have been taken up in 1997-98.

        The Building Wing of Public Works Department has taken up a total number of 457 schemes with a budget allocation of Rs. 1271.00 lakhs during 1997-98.

PUBLIC HEALTH ENGINEERING  :- Under Urban Water Supply Schemes, the construction of Dam at river Umiew at an approximate cost of Rs. 36.00 crores has been started in October, 1997. Augmentation of Tura Phase II Project is likely to be commissioned by 1997-98.

        Provision of safe and potable drinking water supply to the population is an extremely important ingredient in the quality of life. Of 7678 numbers of habitations, 5531 numbers are fully covered, 1874 numbers are partially covered and 511 are yet to be covered. An outlay of Rs.2975,00 lakhs has been made during the current year and  of which Rs. 1100.00  lakhs,  is earmarked under Basic Minimum  Services. Besides, Rs. 568.00 lakhs are available under Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme.

URBAN AFFAIRS  :- Works for construction of parking lot opposite Meghalaya Cooperative Apex Bank and  near Laitumkhrah  Market at Shillong are likely to be completed soon. Land for construction of parking lot near Khasi Hills District Council Office has been acquired and work being initiated during 1998-99. Efforts are being made to construct a parking lot-cum-shopping complex at Old Civil Hospital, Khyndai Lad.

        The new Shillong Township Project is in progress and external aid is being sought through the Government of India for funding the project. A new scheme, Swarna Jayanta Shahari Rozgar Yojana is being introduced from 1st January, 1997.

HOUSING  :- With the adoption of the Meghalaya State Housing Policy on 29.4.88 special effort has been made to assist the Economically Weaker Section/Low Income Group houseless people especially in the rural areas. A loan-cum-subsidy scheme for the Economically Weaker Section/Low Income Group people was implemented from 1988-89 to 1993-94. Government is also providing Grant-in-aid under Basic Minimum Services programme of rural housing scheme in the form of three bundles of C.G.I  sheet to poor rural houseless who are  willing to construct structures   upto roof level. The scheme has been implemented since 1981-82 under which 8708 families were covered upto 1996-97. During 1998-99 a tentative outlay of Rs. 700 lakhs is made for housing sector

HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE :- To Government has accorded high priority to the upgradation, expansion  and consolidation of health infrastructure for ensuring full coverage of the rural population by the  Primary Health Centre system and during 1997-98 construction of 8 Community Health Centres, 22 Primary Health Centres and 10 Health Sub-Centres have been completed. Once these are made functional, the State will have 21  functioning Community Health Centres, 103 Public Health Centres and 436  Health Sub-Centres in the State. In terms of the recommendation of the Shukla Commission, 15 additional Community Health Centres are to be established of which construction  of 6 Community Health Centres has been projected in 1997-98. During the current  year, several schemes such as the establishment  of a State Institute for training of health workers and para-medical  personnel, a centre for research and adaptation of traditional and local system of medicines have been  taken up. Construction of the Out Patient Department complex at Shillong Civil Hospital have been completed and will be commissioned soon. A centrally Sponsored Scheme on Reproductive and Child Health Project has been sanctioned under the World Bank Aided programme with an outlay of Rs. 32.70 crores which will be implemented over a  period of 5 years from 97-98. An allocation of Rs. 317 lakhs has been made in 97-98 under this  project which will provide improved health care, child health care and maternity facilities  to upgrade the health cover of women in reproductive age and the children particularly in the  rural areas. The National Aids Control Programme has  been implemented as well as the National Iodine Deficiency and Disorder Programme. The Orthopedic  and Rehabilitation Centre at  Shillong Civil Hospital will be upgraded in a phased manner with  the assistance from the North Eastern Council. It may  be mentioned that though some of the indicators of effectiveness of health programme such as life expectancy, crude birth and death rates show improvement, there is a lot to improve in the quality of health services being made available  to our population. The Department will  direct its efforts to this vital aspects.

SOCIAL WELFARE  :- Implementation of scheme for Welfare  of women, children, physically  handicapped, Juvenile delinquents, aged and infants are the main activities of Social Welfare Department.

        There are 30 Integrated Child Development Services Projects implemented in 30 Community Development blocks through 2025 Anganwadi centres. Two more projects at  Ranikor and Trikrikilla Community Development Blocks have been sanctioned by Government of India. 835 needy children are provided with food, clothing, shelter and education through 24 voluntary organizations. Three training centres  for self employment of women at Shillong, Tura and Jowai continue to impart training  to 105 women  in various trade. Under Integrated Child Development Service  scheme 102,862 beneficiaries have been covered under special nutrition programme. These schemes will be intensified in 1998-99.

EDUCATION :- Education will continue to receive high priority of the Government. The proposed outlay for 1998-99 is Rs. 3500.00 lakhs out of which the Basic Minimum Services component is Rs. 2400.00 lakhs for universal primary education.

        The strategy of the Annual Plan is to achieve the basic objectives of the 9th Plan to provide (a) free elementary education and compulsory education to all children below 14 years of age (b) access to secondary education and improvement in its quality and (c) consolidation of the existing facilities on higher education, adult education, and teachers training. On technical education and teachers training. On technical education  side,  the only polytechnic in the State will receive more allocation for improving and modernizing the existing facilities so that the infrastructure is fully utilized. To streamline the administration of education and to equip it for the challenges of the 21st century the Department have reorganized the Directorate of  Public  Instructions by establishing three Directorates viz. Directorate of Higher and Technical Education, Directorate of Elementary and Mass Education and the Directorate of Education, Research and Training.

SPORTS AND YOUTH AFFAIRS :- The Department have various  schemes for promotion of sports and games and to develop sports infrastructure at village, Block and State levels in a phased manner. During 1997-98, 170 numbers of Sports Association/Clubs have been  given financial assistance (i) for conduct of  sports in different disciplines (ii) for improvements of play ground in all  districts (iii) for participation in the National, Regional and State level competitions. The second phase of construction of the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports complex at Polo Ground, Shillong has been started and is expected to be completed within 1998. To ensure participation of youth in constructive activities. Chief Minister's Youth Development Programme has been implemented through the Deputy Commissioners.

ARTS AND CULTURE :- The Department of Arts and Culture has taken steps to build infrastructure  for preserving and promoting the arts and culture of the different communities of Meghalaya. The new Museum at Shillong has been commissioned. A project to build cultural complexes at Shillong and Tura is under way. In 1997, the Department hosted the Annual Art History Congress  meet at Shillong. Research infrastructure is being strengthened. The Department is also considering an innovative project  for preserving traditional art forms by declaring leading exponents of these art forms as 'living heritage'.

DISTRICT COUNCIL AFFAIRS  :-  The Government  ahs been providing aid to District Councils for construction of village roads, footpaths, Councils' own office, bridges and markets. As total amount of Rs. 450.00 lakhs has been provided in 97-98 for these works and the same amount has  been proposed in 98-99.

BORDER AREAS  :- To improve the economic conditions of the people residing in the Border areas, who have been facing hardships due to disruption of traditional trade with Bangladesh, several schemes through different Departments have been taken up. Under agriculture loan-cum-subsidy schemes an amount  of Rs. 19.00 lakhs have been proposed in 1998-99 for supply of small tractors, power tillers and power pumps. A drip irrigation project for horticulture at an estimated cost of Rs. 15.00 lakhs during 1988-99 will be implemented. In addition to this, a substantial amount has been projected under Education, Cooperation, Roads and Bridges for overall improvement of social and physical infrastructure of the border areas.

FOOD & CIVIL SUPPLIES AND CONSUMERS AFFAIR :- Government has fulfilled its promise of supplying subsidized food grains to the people of Meghalaya. At present rice, wheat (atta) and levy sugar are distributed to the consumers through a net work of 582 fair price shops in urban areas and 3276 fair price shops  in rural areas. Special kerosene oil is distributed both by the agents appointed  by oil companies and the sub-agents appointed by Deputy Commissioners and Sub Divisional Officers. Various control orders have been issued under the Essential commodities Act. The Consumers Protection Act have been implemented  in the State from the year 1987.  The Department have constituted the State Consumer Protection Council and consumer disputes, redressal agencies at the State and the District  level. 60 cases of consumer dispute have been registered with the State Commission and 185 cases with the District forum. Of these 34 and 144 cases have been disposed of by these bodies respectively. Under the mobile shops scheme 14 vans are used as mobile shop for distribution of essential commodities in the interior areas.

POLITICAL AND HOME (POLICE) :- During 1997, the law and order situation remained largely peaceful, barring a few incidents of communal disharmony at Nongmynsong, Shillong during February-April, 1997; at Thum village, Shella in November-December, 1997 and at Mohandraganj in October, 1997 which  were firmly brought under control by the administration with the cooperation of the local people. The Government will continue its efforts to maintain social harmony and prevent breach of peace. A monthly review of anti infiltration work is being carried out which yielded a good result. About  2869 Bangladeshi nationals have been detected and deported during the year. There are reports of an increase in cases of extortion, dacoity and burglary. To effectively contain this menace, Highway and City Mobile patrols in all Districts have been introduced.

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION :- The activities of General Administration Department have increased with the implementation of various schemes, viz., setting up of the Meghalaya House at Guwahati, construction of 2nd Meghalaya House at Calcutta and the construction of Integrated Office Complex at Nongpoh, construction of administrative building at Old  Transport compound at Shillong, construction of 3rd Secretariat Building (2nd  Phase and 3rd Phase), construction of residential quarters for officers and staff in Shillong etc. A tentative outlay of Rs. 400.00 lakhs has been allocated for 1998-99.

HOME (JAIL) :- The Planning Commission has extended plan assistance  of Rs. 150.00 lakhs during 1997-98. Proposals for strengthening and upgrading the security system in all the District Jails in phased manner will be taken up. Strengthening of the medical care and jail services will continue. The Central Government have allocated Rs.113.00 lakhs on sharing basis during 1996-97 for modernization of prison administration. However, the central fund of Rs.11.00 lakhs only has been utilized. The unspent balance has been revalidated by the Government of India and being utilized during 1997-98. The Government also proposed construction of District jails at Nongstoin, Nongpoh and Baghmara during the 9th Plan.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCE MOBILISATION :- During the official level discussions with Planning Commission the State's resources for Annual  Plan 1998-99 were assessed at Rs. 301.54  crores. Normally this is followed by a meeting at the level of Deputy Chairman Planning Commission and the Chief Minister to finalise the Plan size including additional Resource Mobilisation by the State. Because of Elections to Lok Sabha, this exercise could not be done and may take place soon and hence the outlay of Annual Plan 1998-99 at Rs. 400.00 crores reflected  in the Budget Estimates is tentative and subject to finalisation by the Planning Commission. to have an Annual Plan size of Rs. 400.00 crores, the Government will have to mobilize additional resource and carry out economy measures to bridge the resource gap. Once the actual quantum of Additional Resource Mobilisation is decided, proposals will be prepared by the concerned departments for presentation in the next session of the Assembly when there will be a full discussion on the Budget. I would like to mention that by adopting Additional Resource Mobilisation, the Government would like to convey to the Central Government that it will be making earnest efforts to raise resources for development and to reduce the degree of dependence on the centre.

Pay Revision  and upgradation of administration under the Tenth Finance Commission 

Award :- A major decision of the Government in 1997-98 has been to implement the Pay Revision with effect from 1.1.96 based on the recommendation of the Third Meghalaya Pay Commission and improvement made thereon  by the Empowered Committee appointed by the Government. This  has benefited all Government Employees including teachers of Government Aided Institutions. The Government has released installments of Dearness Allowance due upto 1.7.97. Since the Tenth Finance Commission left the cost of Pay Revision and Dearness Allowance to the States, the State has to bear the entire cost which may run into Rs. 80 crores approximately in 1997-98 and Rs. 133 crores in 1998-99 including Dearness Allowance. This will put a severe pressure on the States Finances and points to the need for raising additional resources and austerity measures.

        From  1997-98 , the State has taken up schemes funded by the Tenth Finance Commission for upgradation of administration. This includes construction of Yojana Bhavan adjacent to Main Secretariat Building, Police Outposts, extension of Third Secretariat etc and computerization  of Treasuries. I attach much importance to the last scheme for which Rs. 50 lakhs has been provided. In  1997-98, Rs. 20.00 lakhs has been placed with the National Informatics Centre for procurement of Computer hardware. I am happy to State that computerization has already been introduced at Shillong South Treasury. Once all the treasuries are covered, the Finance Department would be able to monitor transactions on daily basis particularly large payments which is essential for sound financial management.

ACTUAL 1996-97 :- During 1996-97 receipt on all accounts were Rs. 4310.96 crores while the expenditure were of the  order of Rs. 4299.27 crores resulting in the surplus of Rs. 11.69 crores, together with the negative cash balance of Rs. 70.87 crores, the year closed with a deficit of Rs. 59.19 crores.

REVISED ESTIMATES 1997-98 :- The year 1997-98 opened with a negative cash balance of Rs. 59.18 crores. The Revised Estimates for  1997-98 shows a total receipts of Rs. 4734.90 crores on all accounts and a total expenditure of Rs. 4748.66 crores leaving a deficit of Rs. 13.76 cores and together with a negative opening balance of Rs. 59.18 crores, the year is estimated to close with a negative balance of Rs. 72.94 crores.

BUDGET ESTIMATES 1998-99  :- I now come to the Budget estimates for 1998-99. The year 1998-99 is expected to open with a negative cash balance of Rs. 72.94 crores. The Revenue Receipts are placed  at Rs. 961.85  crores and the Revenue  Expenditure is estimated at Rs. 910.92  crores, thus leaving a surplus of Rs. 50.93 crores. Outside the revenue account, the receipts are  estimated at Rs. 3921.91 crores  and the expenditure is estimated at Rs. 4065.11 crores resulting in a deficit of Rs. 143.20 crores  and thus the surplus of Rs. 50.53  crores on the revenue account will  be wiped out and the deficit will stand reduced to Rs. 92.27 crores. However taking into account the negative opening cash balance of Rs. 72.94 crores, the year will close with the estimated deficit of Rs. 165.21 crores. The broad details are indicated at Annexure-II

        With  these words, Sir I present the Budget Estimates for 1998-99 before this august House  for consideration and approval. However, to enable the Government to carry on with its duties and defray  expenditure from the first day of the financial year 1998-99, I propose that the House may grant a Vote-on-Account.

Jai Hind/Khublei/Mitela

ANNEXURE - I

STATEMENT SHOWING THE TENTATIVE  SECTORAL ALLOCATION UNDER 'STATE PLAN' FOR  1997-98

                                                                                                           (Rs. in Lakhs)   

ANNEXURE - II

THE FINANCIAL POSITION FOR THE YEAR 1998-99  WITH THOSE OF THE  PREVIOUS YEARS. 

 Rs. in lakhs

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