&<–2/”>a >nbsp;
MEGHALAYA BUDGET 2017-18
The year 2016-17 was marked by two major national policy developments. Firstly, the passage of the Constitutional amendment, paving the way for introduction of the transformational Goods and Services Tax (GST), the objective of which is creating a common Indian market, improve tax compliance and governance and boost Investment and Growth. Secondly, the demonetization of the two highest denomination notes in the country.
During the year 2015 – 16, the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at Current Market Price was Rs 26,745 crore, as per the quick estimates, which shows an increase of 9.58% over the previous year. The advance estimates indicate that the GSDP for 2016-17 is Rs 29,566 crore, an increase of 10.55 % over 2015-16. The growth of the Tertiary Sector is registered at 11.93%, the Secondary Sector at 9.38% and the Primary Sector at 7.51% over the year 2015-16. The per capita income of the State at current price for the year 2016 – 17 stands at Rs 88,497 as per the advance estimates as against Rs 81,498 in the year 2015-16 showing an increase of about 8.26%.
Several initiatives have been taken up with a view to accelerating growth, providing ecologically sustainable livelihoods and inclusive development, reducing intra – State variations, improving connectivity, bridging Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE gaps, promoting Human Capital development and building skills, tapping emerging opportunities in border trade and market access development etc. I am happy to inform this august House that on several counts, we have been able to make substantial progress as in case of investments in Major District Roads and State Highways, improvement of critical feeders, replacement of semi-timber bridges, internal village connectivity including construction of missing culverts, Black Topping of Rural Roads Schemes (BTRRS), lay bye markets, modernization of rural markets, opening of first ever railhead in Meghalaya, launching of the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme, construction of hostels for rural students, Mission Green, Integrated Water Resource Management, Women Economic Empowerment through Financial Inclusion, etc.
Tax Proposals
- Revise excise duty in various segments of Beer, IMFL/Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) and different categories of IMFL products.
- Revise the license fee for various categories of bonded warehouses.
- Reduce export fee for IMFL products to give a boost to export of IMFL.
- Revise the license fee for “OFF” retail licenses and various types of bar licenses.
- Revise the fee for compounding and blending, reduction and bottling, distillery and brewery.
- Revise upward the VAT on liquor.
- Revise the late closing fees for hotels, restaurants and bars.
- Increase the rate of tax across all slabs under the Meghalaya Passengers and Goods Tax Act.
- Rationalize the tax structure on cigarettes and bidis.
Law and Order:
The staffing strength of police stations and outposts was increased; the first batch of SF-10 battalion, that passed out in October 2016, have been pressed into anti-militancy operations; additional Resources in terms of trained personnel, suitable weaponry, effective Communication equipments etc. were provided; intelligence collection was strengthened; additional Central Paramilitary Forces were mobilised; a Cyber Crime police station to handle cyber related crimes has been set up; new developmental initiatives with involvement of local communities as stakeholders were undertaken; investments were made on improving the road infrastructure and highway patrols have been introduced in all the highways
agriculture and Allied Sectors:
Agriculture, being the key to rural prosperity and Food Security, will continue to play a significant role in the economy of the State. The focus of the Government is on increasing the production and productivity of foodgrains through better cultivation techniques, capacity building and improving water and moisture availability. Latest technical know-how through various schemes such as State Rice Mission (SRM), National Food Security Mission (NFSM), National mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) and other schemes has been put in place and efforts are on to bring fallow lands under other winter crops to augment the incomes of the farmers. The sector has done the State proud by earning national recognition and the highest accolades as the Best Performing State in the form of the ‘Krishi Karman Awards’ for the last three consecutive years for its initiatives and excellent performance in food grains production in individual crops of rice, wheat, pulses and coarse Cereals.
The ‘Mission Organic’ continues to focus on promoting Organic Farming, helping the farmers to tap the growing organic market. Continuous efforts are being made to popularize ‘bio-Fertilizers, compost making’ and ‘bio-control practices’ for plant health management and these efforts are being scaled up through the establishment of village level community managed bio fertilizers and bio agent production units, in collaboration with IBDLP and MGNREGS.
Fisheries-2/”>Fisheries
An investment of Rs 186 crore under the Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission (MSAM) has resulted in the development of 20,338 individual fish ponds, 26 hatcheries, 49 sanctuaries and 3 feed mills in the last 4 years of its implementation.
Sericulture and Weaving
Under the North Eastern Region Textile Promotion Schemes (NERTPS) for both sericulture and handloom sectors, funds to benefit 1,000 sericulture farmers under the Intensive Bivoltine Sericulture Development Project (IBSDP) and 2,300 sericulture farmers for Integrated Sericulture Development Project (ISDP), including 72 handloom clusters, have already been approved. Funds have also been approved for Block Level Clusters under the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP).
Soil and Water Conservation:
At present, 84 projects under the Integrated Watershed Management Programmes (IWMP) are being implemented under this approach. The Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme with 42 projects will continue to be implemented in 2017-18 to encourage multi Cropping activities and scientific conservation of Water Resources, with a focus on coordinated land development in river valleys.
Young people registered as Green and Social Volunteers have rallied around the “GRAMODAYA” or “Rise of the Village initiative”, a statewide mega-football event that is the largest grassroots level football tournament with a total of 712 matches across 178 sub-watersheds in all the 11 districts. This initiative seeks to bring together people from all walks of life in rural Meghalaya on to a common platform to celebrate rural life and the spirit of oneness.
Housing:
Under the “Chief Minister’s Housing Assistance Programme”, three bundles of roofing materials will be provided for the Economically Weaker Section and an assistance for dwelling houses will be provided to the Lower Income Group families.
A development outlay of ` 60 crore is proposed for this sector in 2017-18
Urban Development:
The major projects which are likely to be completed soon, are the Multi Purpose Utility Centre at Mawkhar, construction of additional 112 dwelling units at Nongmynsong, Solid Waste Management Project at Tura and Nongpoh, Short Term Scientific landfill Site Work at Marten, Shillong and Solid Waste Management Programme in the Greater Shillong Planning Area covering areas outside the Shillong Municipal jurisdiction.
The major projects in which works are in good progress are Augmentation of Public Transport in Shillong, Construction of Ancillary Infrastructure (Depot) for 240 additional buses at Mawiong and Upper Shillong, Improvement of Road within Mairang Town and Nongpoh Town, Construction of RCC Bridge to connect Gangdrak Dare at Tura, Construction of Road from Shamshan Ghat to Reservegittim at Tura, Road Network Project in New Shillong Township and Construction of Parking Cum- Commercial facility near Inter District Bus Terminus at Akhonggre.
Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, 10 statutory towns have been selected and beneficiaries have been identified to take up work on construction of individual household toilets, community toilet as well as improvement of solid waste management in the towns. The Government has also initiated works on up-gradation of Shillong under the Smart Cities Mission of Government of India.
Health and Family Welfare:
The Government had proposed to set up two medical colleges, with a view to bridge the shortage of doctors and health functionaries in the State. Setting up of the Medical College in PPP mode at Shillong will commence once the existing T.B Hospital is shifted to the new site at New Shillong Township. The land for another proposed Government Medical College at Tura has been donated by the people and the same will be taken up with the Government of India for funding support. The construction of the Cancer Wing in the Shillong Civil Hospital is in advanced stage and will benefit the cancer patients in the State.
To promote cleanliness, hygiene and infection control practices in public health care facilities and to inculcate a behavior related to clean Environment, the State Health Facilities are participating in the KAYAKALP competition and received Awards under the Scheme.
To help students conquer the challenge of Learning science and mathematics at an early age, the Government had initiated the Jodo-Gyan project, which would be rolled out to more districts in 2017-18. The mid day meal will also continue to be served at all primary and upper primary schools to encourage students to stay in school.
The “Supporting Human Capital Development project” has progressed well with infrastructural work progressing at rapid pace. The bidding process for teachers training, ICT classrooms and furniture has also been initiated. A total of 117 aided schools would benefit directly from the project.,
The budget of Meghalaya is a reflection of the priorities of the State Government. It is aimed at improving the Quality Of Life of the people of Meghalaya and promoting economic growth and development.
The budget allocates a significant amount of funds for the development of agriculture and allied sectors. This includes schemes for the promotion of Horticulture-2/”>Horticulture, fisheries, and Animal Husbandry. The government is committed to making Meghalaya a leading state in agriculture and allied sectors.
The budget also allocates funds for the development of infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and power. This is aimed at improving connectivity and promoting economic growth. The government is committed to providing a world-class infrastructure to the people of Meghalaya.
The budget also allocates funds for the development of the social sector, such as education, health, and family welfare. This is aimed at improving the quality of life of the people of Meghalaya. The government is committed to providing quality education, healthcare, and other social services to the people of Meghalaya.
The budget also allocates funds for other sectors, such as tourism, Industry, and IT. This is aimed at promoting economic growth and development in Meghalaya. The government is committed to making Meghalaya a leading state in tourism, industry, and IT.
The budget of Meghalaya is a comprehensive and well-balanced budget. It is aimed at meeting the needs of the people of Meghalaya and promoting economic growth and development. The government is committed to implementing the budget and making Meghalaya a better place to live.
In addition to the above, the budget also includes the following features:
- Promotion of Entrepreneurship: The budget allocates funds for the promotion of entrepreneurship, such as schemes for the setting up of start-ups and small businesses. This is aimed at creating jobs and promoting economic growth.
- Investment in research and development: The budget allocates funds for investment in research and development, such as schemes for the setting up of research labs and centers of excellence. This is aimed at promoting innovation and economic growth.
- Support for the arts and culture: The budget allocates funds for support for the arts and culture, such as schemes for the promotion of traditional arts and crafts. This is aimed at preserving the rich cultural heritage of Meghalaya.
- Protection of the environment: The budget allocates funds for the protection of the environment, such as schemes for the afforestation and conservation of forests. This is aimed at ensuring Sustainable Development in Meghalaya.
The budget of Meghalaya is a progressive and forward-looking budget. It is aimed at meeting the challenges of the 21st century and making Meghalaya a developed state. The government is committed to implementing the budget and making Meghalaya a better place to live.
The Meghalaya budget is a financial plan for the state of Meghalaya in India. It is prepared by the state government and presented to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly for approval. The budget is a statement of the government’s revenue and expenditure for the coming financial year. It also includes proposals for new taxes and spending.
The Meghalaya budget is divided into two parts: the Revenue Budget and the expenditure budget. The revenue budget shows the government’s expected revenue from taxes, fees, and other sources. The expenditure budget shows the government’s planned spending on various items, such as salaries, pensions, and development projects.
The Meghalaya budget is prepared by the Finance Department of the state government. The Finance Department collects data on the state’s revenue and expenditure from various sources, such as the state treasury, the state tax department, and the state planning department. The Finance Department then uses this data to prepare the budget.
The Meghalaya budget is presented to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly by the Finance Minister. The Finance Minister gives a speech explaining the budget and its proposals. The members of the Legislative Assembly then debate the budget. After the debate, the Legislative Assembly votes on the budget. If the budget is approved, it becomes law.
The Meghalaya budget is an important document for the state of Meghalaya. It sets out the government’s plans for the coming financial year. The budget is also a statement of the government’s priorities. The budget is important for businesses and individuals in Meghalaya because it shows how much Money the government will have to spend on various items, such as salaries, pensions, and development projects.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Meghalaya budget:
What is the Meghalaya budget?
The Meghalaya budget is a financial plan for the state of Meghalaya in India. It is prepared by the state government and presented to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly for approval. The budget is a statement of the government’s revenue and expenditure for the coming financial year. It also includes proposals for new taxes and spending.When is the Meghalaya budget presented?
The Meghalaya budget is presented to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in the first week of February every year.Who prepares the Meghalaya budget?
The Meghalaya budget is prepared by the Finance Department of the state government.What are the main features of the Meghalaya budget?
The main features of the Meghalaya budget are:The revenue budget shows the government’s expected revenue from taxes, fees, and other sources.
- The expenditure budget shows the government’s planned spending on various items, such as salaries, pensions, and development projects.
- The budget is prepared by the Finance Department of the state government.
- The budget is presented to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly by the Finance Minister.
- The members of the Legislative Assembly then debate the budget.
- After the debate, the Legislative Assembly votes on the budget.
If the budget is approved, it becomes law.
What are the benefits of the Meghalaya budget?
The benefits of the Meghalaya budget are:The budget sets out the government’s plans for the coming financial year.
- The budget is a statement of the government’s priorities.
- The budget is important for businesses and individuals in Meghalaya because it shows how much money the government will have to spend on various items, such as salaries, pensions, and development projects.
The Meghalaya budget is presented by the:
(A) Chief Minister
(B) Finance Minister
(C) Governor
(D) Speaker of the Legislative AssemblyThe Meghalaya budget is for a period of:
(A) One year
(B) Two years
(C) Three years
(D) Five yearsThe Meghalaya budget is divided into:
(A) Revenue budget and Capital Budget
(B) Revenue budget and expenditure budget
(C) Capital budget and expenditure budget
(D) Revenue budget, capital budget, and expenditure budgetThe revenue budget of Meghalaya includes:
(A) Taxes
(B) Non-taxes
(C) Loans
(D) All of the aboveThe capital budget of Meghalaya includes:
(A) Expenditure on assets
(B) Expenditure on loans
(C) Expenditure on grants
(D) All of the aboveThe expenditure budget of Meghalaya includes:
(A) Revenue Expenditure
(B) Capital Expenditure
(C) Both revenue and capital expenditure
(D) None of the aboveThe main sources of revenue for Meghalaya are:
(A) Taxes
(B) Non-taxes
(C) Loans
(D) All of the aboveThe main items of expenditure for Meghalaya are:
(A) Salaries and wages
(B) Interest payments
(C) Subsidies
(D) All of the aboveThe Meghalaya budget is prepared by the:
(A) Finance Department
(B) Planning Department
(C) Economic Affairs Department
(D) All of the aboveThe Meghalaya budget is approved by the:
(A) Legislative Assembly
(B) Council of Ministers
(C) Governor
(D) President of India