Jharkhand State Budget 2016-17 publicized

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das presented Rs 63,502 crore budget for 2016-17 with strong focus on agriculture, curbing tax evasion and women.

• As per annual financial statement, from the total budget outlay, Rs 26,437.34 crore was non-plan and Rs 37,065.35 crore was under plan.

Here is the division of budget among different sectors

Key Highlights of Budget
State Budget of 2016-17 proposed to construct 71 new Smart Police Stations in 16 extremist-hit districts, CCTV surveillance in Ranchi and Dial 100 for police assistance.

• Free LED solar study lamps for school students.
• Multi-purpose examination halls to ensure regular studies.
• Grants to the poor and the needy to visit religious or other tourist destinations in the state or the country.
• The government will also start a pension scheme for the HIV/AIDS victims at a rate of Rs 600 per month.
• 90% subsidy for solar pump.

For Women:

• Training will be provided to 2,000 women from the SC/ST and OBC categories for driving light three-wheelers and four-wheelers. Loans will be easily available to buy vehicles.
• Widow pension of Rs. 600 would be given to women above 40.
• Working women’s hostels are to be constructed in six cities.

For Agriculture:

• Setting up of “single window system” in all blocks of the state, beginning with 100 in the first phase.
• Solar pumps, lift irrigation and organic farming will also be promoted.
• Awareness will be created among farmers to use power tillers in place of tractors due to their efficiency and effectiveness.
• MLA’s local area development fund has been increased to Rs 4 crore from Rs 3 crore. They will utilize them only for irrigation projects.