by Punjabnewswire4u
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 20
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 20
Chandigarh, March 20-
Realizing the dream of the New Punjab as envisioned by
the Punjab Chief
Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal, the state Finance Minister Mr Parminder Singh Dhindsa today presented the Tax-Free annual budget for the year 2013-2014, with a focused approach on pro-people and development oriented policies besides above all the concept of ‘inclusive growth’ to further propel the state in the orbit of high growth trajectory.
Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal, the state Finance Minister Mr Parminder Singh Dhindsa today presented the Tax-Free annual budget for the year 2013-2014, with a focused approach on pro-people and development oriented policies besides above all the concept of ‘inclusive growth’ to further propel the state in the orbit of high growth trajectory.
Presenting his second budget in the Vidhan Sabha, Mr
Dhindsa said that this was not just a statement of accounts of the government
but was indeed a vision document through which
we have set forth the roadmap for cherishing our aspirations. The
Finance Minister observed that the SAD-BJP
alliance government has succeeded in freeing the state from the shackles of a
dark and depressing legacy and have put
it firmly on the road to economic recovery and
eventually of resurgence. He further mentioned that they have laid emphasis on
inclusive growth and on making Punjabis
excel at the highly competitive global economy. He said, “The path is not easy. There are challenges on every front.
But our goals are big. Our approach is
concrete and our resolve firm. With all this, we are assured of the whole hearted cooperation of the people
of this great land of the Gurus, the
saints and the seers”.
The Finance Minister further said that the current budget
presented a vision of a Punjab on the high road to world-class infrastructure including international connectivity,
four-lane and six-lane super express
highways besides access to state of the art amenities of modern living. Mr Dhindsa said the state government was
constantly emphasising to make Punjab cities and villages completely clean and pollution-free adding that to
integrate this with their vision for a
power surplus Punjab. He said that it
also encompassed a detailed outline of how the state government remains committed to the welfare of the weakest of the weak
and the poorest of the poor.
Mr Dhindsa pointed out that the state government had
charted course for the bright future of Punjab’s enterprising youth, preparing the ground for their gainful employability
and a creative and constructive
expression to their famed energy through ventures such as sports. “We are working to rid the state of challenges
posed by modern day evils such as drug
addiction through a systematic creation of alternatives for them” added the Finance Minister.
The Budget envisages higher growth rate, health and
reduced fiscal deficit and a major across the board package of relief and
incentives to all sections of society from women, children, youth and the
elderly and the poor, including the homeless, and enhanced national and
international connectivity and four lane expressways to connect all major
cities in the State.
The State achieved the target of 6.73% which exceeded the
target of 5.9% for economic growth in 11th plan. The National economy grew at
5% in 2012-13.
The per capita income increased @ 13.68% in 2012-13
against National growth rate of 11.67%.
The debt to GDP ratio was brought down from 44.04% during
the 10th plan (2002-07) to 32.11% during the 11th plan period (2007-12) against
the total outstanding debt of GoI which is 49.80% of National GDP at the end of
March 2012 (R.E.)
The state has successfully achieved the fiscal target of
3.28% against national average fiscal deficit of 5.7% of GDP. Target of 3.50%
laid down by 13th Finance Commission.
Under the leadership of the Deputy Chief Minister Mr
Sukhbir Singh Badal, the collection of VAT has shown Rs 5136 Crore in 2007 to
Rs 14,900 Crore in 2012-13 likely to be increased to Rs 20,000 Crore in
2013-14.
A first in the country, Rural Rapid Police Response
Service will be launched for providing Police assistance to the poorest of the
poor villages within 20 minutes of a phone call on a dedicated number.
In other first of its kind initiative in the country, the
entire state of Punjab would be brought under, the 'Night Policing' in 2013-14
for improving the safety and security of its citizens. Safe City - Amritsar and
Ludhiana would be covered under project "Safe City" in 2013-14. The
Government would spend Rs 135 Cr on this project. This shows the government's
commitment to maintenance of peace and Law & Order in the State. For this
the outlay of Home Affairs will be more than doubled - from Rs 165.20 Crore to
Rs 333.05 Crore with an increase of 101.60%.
“All senior secondary students in government schools
securing 80% or above marks will get an annual scholarship of Rs. 30,000 under
a new Dr. Hargobind Khurana Scholarship Scheme. All BPL families would get 30,000
Medical Insurance for each member under a new Bhagat Puran Singh Health Welfare
Scheme. All government hospitals will provide free medicines to the poor in the
state. All BPL families will get free Life Insurance for Rs 75,000 cover. All
children belonging to these families will get a monthly stipend of Rs 200
each,” says the budget presented by Finance Minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa
this morning.
In its war against Cancer, Punjab Government has decided
to provide State of the Art treatment for Cancer patients in all the three medical
colleges in Amritsar, Patiala & Faridkot and a Super-Specialty Cancer
Hospital at Bathinda - fund of Rs 300 Cr is being created for this purpose.
The Budget reveals a major Nanhi Chaan initiative to
empower women. A part of this includes a Rs 30,000 per annum Nannhi
Chhaan Scholarship Scheme for poor girl students of 15.40 lac Blue Card Holder
families in professional courses. All Government ITI's in the state will
provide Free Professional Education for girls. The initiative also covers a subsidy
of Rs. 17,500 per cattle for women dairy entrepreneurs . For a
notional 20 cattle dairy farm costing approx 27 lac, a women dairy entrepreneur
will get a subsidy of about Rs 11 lac.
The government also announced a series of bold and
innovative schemes to inspire, mobilise and help the youth of the state to
compete with the best in the global market.
To give a boost to industrial investment in the State,
the Government will shortly announce a new Industrial Investment Policy.
Other measures include
·
A world class Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Center for Excellence in Sports
will be set up at Mohali with 4 regional campus at Bathinda,
Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Amritsar for promotion of 10 important sports to
promote do-or-die Punjabi spirit in sports. Sportspersons will receive free
coaching from International level foreign and Indian coaches, with free
boarding and lodging facility to be funded by the govt.
·
Youth to get Employability allowance of Rs 1000 per month for vocational
studies.
·
Sports will be a compulsory subject in all schools.
·
Free Tablet Computers for Class XI students will be given within this
year.
·
Rs 30,000 Stipend for all medical interns.
The Budget focuses on the poor with an outlay of 37% of
the total budget on the welfare of SCs, STs and backward classes alone.
The budget announces a major scheme to build one lakh
houses for the poor homeless under a scheme be known as Mukh Mantri Avas Yojna.
For the first time in the country, a scheme has been
launched to provide all citizens an insurance cover of Rs 1.50 lakhs at a
nominal premium by extending the Bhai Ghanayiya Sehat Sewa Scheme.
All government employees in the state will enjoy
insurance cover under cashless insurances. The L.T.C. will be restored for them
from 1.4.2013.
In view of the stagnation in the farm sector, the
Government has stepped up its outlay for Crop Husbandry & Agriculture
23.53% - to 449 Cr. The Punjab Agricultural University will receive an amount
of Rs 300 Cr.
Punjab will be moving with rapid strides towards its goal
of becoming a Power Surplus State. In addition to the conventional energy, 1300
MWs additional power will be generated from non-conventional and renewable energy
resources. For this, PEDA will be made an Authority for increased efficiency
with a mandate to implement energy saving schemes & projects in all govt.
department and mandate to generate power from Municipal Solid Waste.
Infrastructure Development receives a major boost with an
increased outlay of 32.39% - from 1208.51 Cr to 1600.00 Cr.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT 2013-14
AGRICULUTRE
The support to PAU increased from ` 124 crore in 2011-12 to ` 270 crore in 2012-13 and will be further increased to ` 300 crore in the year 2013-14. Arrears of Pay Commission for employees of PAU to be settled in the first quarter of 2013-14.
FARM DEBTS
` 30 crore given to Revenue Department in 2012-13 for relief of ` 1 lac each to the families of farmers who committed suicide from 2000 to 2006 and 2886 families covered.
` 66 crore earmarked for 2013-14 for relief of 2 lac each to all the 4688 affected families upto 2010.
WATER SUPPLY & SANITATION
All remaining 927 villages to be covered with Water Supply Sanitation at a cost of ` 393 crore by 2013-14.
IRRIGATION
Kandi Canal – The remaining 14 km of length out of 70 km length of Kandi Canal Stage – II to be completed by 2013-14 at a cost of ` 156 crore.
Work on ` 2286 crore Shahpur Kandi Dam Project to start in May 2013. Work already allotted.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
1300 MWs additional generation from non-conventional sources.
Punjab Energy Development Agency to be converted into a regulatory authority for with a mandate for implementing all renewable energy and energy efficiency schemes and projects in all government departments apart from generating power from municipal solid waste..
Government to stamp out the menace of paddy stubble burning by supplying baler at subsidized rates to the farmers. To begin with 500 balers will be supplied at a 25 % subsidy in the year 2013-14.
AGRICULUTRE
The support to PAU increased from ` 124 crore in 2011-12 to ` 270 crore in 2012-13 and will be further increased to ` 300 crore in the year 2013-14. Arrears of Pay Commission for employees of PAU to be settled in the first quarter of 2013-14.
FARM DEBTS
` 30 crore given to Revenue Department in 2012-13 for relief of ` 1 lac each to the families of farmers who committed suicide from 2000 to 2006 and 2886 families covered.
` 66 crore earmarked for 2013-14 for relief of 2 lac each to all the 4688 affected families upto 2010.
WATER SUPPLY & SANITATION
All remaining 927 villages to be covered with Water Supply Sanitation at a cost of ` 393 crore by 2013-14.
IRRIGATION
Kandi Canal – The remaining 14 km of length out of 70 km length of Kandi Canal Stage – II to be completed by 2013-14 at a cost of ` 156 crore.
Work on ` 2286 crore Shahpur Kandi Dam Project to start in May 2013. Work already allotted.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
1300 MWs additional generation from non-conventional sources.
Punjab Energy Development Agency to be converted into a regulatory authority for with a mandate for implementing all renewable energy and energy efficiency schemes and projects in all government departments apart from generating power from municipal solid waste..
Government to stamp out the menace of paddy stubble burning by supplying baler at subsidized rates to the farmers. To begin with 500 balers will be supplied at a 25 % subsidy in the year 2013-14.
INDUSTRY
New Industrial Policy to be announced for boosting the business environment in the state. It will focus on inclusive growth, mapping inherent advantages of the state and would lay out the blue print for industrial revolution in the next 25 years.
Mohali and Amritsar to be developed as IT and knowledge hubs. Land measuring 1688 acres has already been acquired in Mohali.
ROAD TRANSPORT
851 crore earmarked for 2013-14. All remaining major national highways to be four lanned.
10 crore as Financial Assistance to PRTC.
INFRASTRUCTURE
1600 crore to be spent on infrastructure by PIDB. Some of the important proposed works are – Sidhwan canal bye-pass Ludhiana, Ropar bye pass, 9 high level bridges and 18 railway over bridges.
CIVIL AVIATION
Civil Enclave at Air Force Bathinda completed and commercial flights to be started in 2013-14.
Commercial flights already started at Sahnewal at Ludhiana in 2012-13. Proposal to construct civil enclave at Air Force Station at Adampur for domestic flight.
CULTURE
Memorials - Land for Jang-e-Azadi at Kartarpur already arranged. Land for Shaheed Udam Singh Memorial at Sunam is under acquisition. The process to set up memorials as tribute to Guru Ravi Dass Ji at Khuralgarh (Hoshiarpur), Bhagwan Balmiki Ji at Amritsar, Baba Moti Ram Mehra Ji at Fatehgarh Sahib, Swami Vivekanand Ji, Swami Girja Nand Ji at Kartarpur and Baba Jeewan Singh Ji to be started at a cost of ` 50 crore. ` 20 crore budgeted for 2013-14.
GREENING PUNJAB
90 crore earmarked for Mission for Green Punjab in the year 2013-14.
EDUCATION
Sharp improvement in Educational Development Index (EDI) from 13th position in the year 2005-06 to 1st position in the year 2010-11.
The outlay of ` 2100 crore fixed for 2013-14 under the plan including the central share.
` 30 crore earmarked for supply of free tablets /Akash to 1.5 lac class XI students.
A new Adarash School to be set up at Talwara at a cost of ` 5 crore.
20 crore for furniture in al primary schools. Model Schools - Proposal to set up 1000 model schools in Public Private Partnership. The state government and Panchayats to contribute 5 acres of land to the private developer for free education to all the students of that village or atleast 20% of the students from the poor families or whichever is higher. Fee to be charged from the remaining students.
Brilliant poor students – Scholarships of ` 30,000 per annum for two year senior secondary education to about 2700 students securing 80% or more marks in matriculation examination from government schools in the state.
New Industrial Policy to be announced for boosting the business environment in the state. It will focus on inclusive growth, mapping inherent advantages of the state and would lay out the blue print for industrial revolution in the next 25 years.
Mohali and Amritsar to be developed as IT and knowledge hubs. Land measuring 1688 acres has already been acquired in Mohali.
ROAD TRANSPORT
851 crore earmarked for 2013-14. All remaining major national highways to be four lanned.
10 crore as Financial Assistance to PRTC.
INFRASTRUCTURE
1600 crore to be spent on infrastructure by PIDB. Some of the important proposed works are – Sidhwan canal bye-pass Ludhiana, Ropar bye pass, 9 high level bridges and 18 railway over bridges.
CIVIL AVIATION
Civil Enclave at Air Force Bathinda completed and commercial flights to be started in 2013-14.
Commercial flights already started at Sahnewal at Ludhiana in 2012-13. Proposal to construct civil enclave at Air Force Station at Adampur for domestic flight.
CULTURE
Memorials - Land for Jang-e-Azadi at Kartarpur already arranged. Land for Shaheed Udam Singh Memorial at Sunam is under acquisition. The process to set up memorials as tribute to Guru Ravi Dass Ji at Khuralgarh (Hoshiarpur), Bhagwan Balmiki Ji at Amritsar, Baba Moti Ram Mehra Ji at Fatehgarh Sahib, Swami Vivekanand Ji, Swami Girja Nand Ji at Kartarpur and Baba Jeewan Singh Ji to be started at a cost of ` 50 crore. ` 20 crore budgeted for 2013-14.
GREENING PUNJAB
90 crore earmarked for Mission for Green Punjab in the year 2013-14.
EDUCATION
Sharp improvement in Educational Development Index (EDI) from 13th position in the year 2005-06 to 1st position in the year 2010-11.
The outlay of ` 2100 crore fixed for 2013-14 under the plan including the central share.
` 30 crore earmarked for supply of free tablets /Akash to 1.5 lac class XI students.
A new Adarash School to be set up at Talwara at a cost of ` 5 crore.
20 crore for furniture in al primary schools. Model Schools - Proposal to set up 1000 model schools in Public Private Partnership. The state government and Panchayats to contribute 5 acres of land to the private developer for free education to all the students of that village or atleast 20% of the students from the poor families or whichever is higher. Fee to be charged from the remaining students.
Brilliant poor students – Scholarships of ` 30,000 per annum for two year senior secondary education to about 2700 students securing 80% or more marks in matriculation examination from government schools in the state.
HIGHER EDUCATION
` 152 crore earmarked for upgradation of infrastructure in government colleges and establishment of new post graduate degree colleges.
TECHNICAL EDUCATION
Proposal to set up 2500 skill development centres in the state under PPP mode, with each centre covering about 4-5 villages in the next 5 years. 250 skill development centres to be set up in the current year.
` 152 crore earmarked for upgradation of infrastructure in government colleges and establishment of new post graduate degree colleges.
TECHNICAL EDUCATION
Proposal to set up 2500 skill development centres in the state under PPP mode, with each centre covering about 4-5 villages in the next 5 years. 250 skill development centres to be set up in the current year.
Institute for Training of Trainers in Technical Education
to be set up at Lalru.
EMPLOYMENT GENERATION
Marine Academy at Rup Nagar for training 600 students from science background for jobs in Navy to be set up at a cost of ` 10 crore.
Employability Allowance - The scheme for providing an employability allowance of ` 1000/- per month to the students of higher education for pursuing vocational/technical courses to be continued in the year 2013-14. Applications have already been invited for 2012-13 and allowance would be disbursed.
SPORTS & YOUTH SERVICES
Centres of Excellence – The state government to develop 5 centres of excellence in the sports at Bathinda, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Amritsar and Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar for promotion of 10 important sports. 400-500 boys and girls to be trained for participation in international events in every centre.
These players will be given coaching by the international/national coaches and government to bear all expenditure of boarding & lodging. A sum of ` 100 crore to be spent in the year 2013-14, ` 40 crore from the budget and ` 60 crore from the sports fund.
LABOUR
100 crore to be spent for construction of labour sheds and Ren Basera /night shelter in Municipal Corporations and Class A towns and for vocational education and free cycles to students for class IX onwards.
HEALTH
The total plan outlay ` 1000 crore. Sharp improvement in IMR and MMR during the last five years.
Cancer and Drug De-addiction - State of the Art Cancer treatment facilities to be established at a cost of ` 300 crores in the 3 Government Medical Colleges at Amritsar, Patiala and Faridkot and at the 2 district head quarter of Sangrur and Bathinda. 5 state level drug de-addiction centres to be developed at Amritsar, Patiala, Faridkot, Bathinda and Jalandhar. 31 more de-addiction centres to be set up at remaining district head quarters and sub divisional level.
Punjab State Cancer and Drug de-addiction Treatment Fund to be set up for mobilizing ` 300 crore every year by way of levies on sale of property and construction works undertaken by government departments and its agencies and increase in VAT on tobacco products.
Medical Insurance for Poor People - All 15.40 lac Atta Dal families to be covered under Medical Insurance with a cover of ` 30,000. The cost of premium for non BPL families will be borne by the government. A sum of ` 20 crore has been earmarked in the year 2013-14 for this purpose.
Free Medicines - The Health Department has already started free supply of 270 essential drugs and consumables free of cost in all government hospitals. These facilities will be extended to the 3 government colleges in the year 2013-14.
Health Insurance for government employees -The state government will launch a cash-less health insurance scheme for all its 6 lac employees and pensioners in the year 2013-14. Scheme to be compulsory for new employees and pensioners while it will be voluntary for the existing employees and pensioners.
Bhai Kanihya Insurance Scheme with a cover of Rs. 1.50 lac is at present available to only members of Cooperative Societies and the cost of premium is borne by the members themselves. The scheme would be opened to all the residents of the state who are willing to contribute to the premium.
MEDICAL EDUCATION
Stipend of medical interns doubled from ` 4500 to ` 9000 per month. The honorarium of House Surgeons in government hospitals and medical colleges has been increased from ` 4800 to ` 21,000 per month and it will be further increased it to ` 30,000 per month from 2013-14.
URBAN DEVELOPMENT
495 crore has been earmarked for 2013-14 for the important scheme of Urban Development Department.
Local Government Department has finalized an ambitious plan of ` 8888 crore for providing 100% basic civic amenities to the urban townships.
Houses for Poor - The state government will construct 1 lac houses under the next 2 years for the poor families. The contribution of the state government would be in the shape of land and monetary support. Government has adequate land pool in urban areas from the 10% land earmarked for EWS in Housing Projects. Panchayats to provide free land and ` 100 crore proposed for purchase of land in villages where there is no panchayat land. Part of the cost of the house to be borne by the beneficiary for which a loan on concessional terms would be arranged from HUDCO/NHB.
SOCIAL SECURITY
Total allocation of ` 1118 crore for the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development.
Old Age and other pensions to be extended to 21.55 lac beneficiaries.
Financial assistance for spinal injury centre at Mohali increased from ` 2 crore to ` 5 crore.
Atta Dal scheme for providing subsidized wheat and dal to 15.40 lac families to be continued in the year 2013-14 at an estimated cost of ` 350 crore.
Effective implementation of Aam Admi Bima Yojna - Aam Admi Bima Yojna to be implemented by Health Department where an insurance scheme for BPL families is already being implemented. About 7.8 lac families to be benefited.
EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN
Mai Bhago Vidya Scheme for providing bicycles to class IX students to be continued with an outlay of ` 50 crore.
Bebe Nanaki Ladli Beti Kalyan Scheme for girls born after 1/4/2011 in Atta Dal families has been launched. Outlay for 2013-14 is ` 62 crore. The girl child to get fix allowance of ` 2100 at the time of birth, after full immunization and admission to class I & IX, besides scholarship of ` 100 from class I-6 and ` 200 from class 7-12. A sum of ` 20,000 to be invested by Government with LIC for this purpose at the time of birth of girl child.
Scholarship for professional courses – Girls belonging to Atta Dal families and pursuing professional courses like medical, nursing, dental, engineering and poly-technics and not covered under any existing scholarship scheme to get a scholarship of ` 30,000 per annum for the entire duration of the course. A sum of ` 10 crore earmarked in the year 2013-14.
Girls to get free education in government ITIs with effect from 2013-14. They will get a relief of ` 3000 per annum.
WELFARE OF SCs AND BCs
The outlay increased from ` 435 crore to ` 596 crore
The outlay for Shagun Scheme increased from ` 108 to `152 crore. All pending cases of previous years to be settled in the first quarter of 2013-14.
Safe City – Amritsar and Ludhiana will be covered under the 'Safe City' Project in 2013-14. The concept involves mapping all the city areas, installation of CCTV cameras and Sensors and use of information technology. The total cost will be about of ` 135 crore.
Night Policing – Government will roll out ‘Night Policing’ all over the state in the year 2013-14 for improving the safety and security of citizens. Police will patrol all national highways, major state high ways, corporation towns during the night. 1000 vehicles and 700 motor vehicles to be deployed costing ` 10 crore.
Non Lethal Weapons – Police to procure bore pump action rifle for rubber bullets, water canons, polycarbonate lathis and shields, body amour for police jawans in order to minimize the use of force and injury in crowd control and law and order situation. Total cost ` 13 crore.
Saanjh Kendra – Big welcome to Saanjh Kendra by public. 94 Saanjh kendras have been set up at Sub Divisional level and 81 at police station level. Additional 147 Saanjh Kendra to be set up at police stations level at a cost of ` 14 crore.
A sum of ` 40 crore has been budgeted in the year 2013-14 and the remaining funds required for these 4 projects costing ` 180 crore to be covered from police modernization fund and the in the subsequent years.
DEFENCE SERVICES WELFARE
War Memorial to be set up at Amritsar at a cost of ` 10 crore.
Following benefits to ex-servicemen in 2013-14
- Financial assistance to the ex-servicemen of World War-II or their widows who are over the age of 65 years and are not drawing any pension or financial assistance from any other sources will be doubled from ` 1000/- to ` 2000/- per month.
- The war jagir of ` 5000/- given annually to the parents of soldiers who had served during 1962, 1965 and 1971 will be doubled to ` 10000/- per year.
- A sum of ` 50 lac has been given as corpus fund for the welfare of Gallantry Awardees and their families.
- The annuity being paid to all Gallantry Awardees namely Paramveer Chakra, Mahaveer Chakra, Veer Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra will be increased by 20%.
- Punjab Defence Relief Fund to get ` 2 crore Financial assistance from the budget.
BORDER AREAS
Government to give ` 3,000 per annum per acre for 19000 acres of land situated across the border fence in the 6 border districts. A sum of ` 6 crore has been earmarked for this purpose.
GOVERNANCE REFORMS
The 2nd Punjab Governance Reforms Commission started working from March 2012. In its new tenure, Commission will analyse the civil and criminal justice system, procedures for industrial development, regulatory framework for NRI Affairs, Health and Medical Education, Education, Technical Education, Employment and Fiscal Management. Commission has already recommended coverage of 87 new services under Right to Service Act and introduction of Rapid Rural Response System
The treasuries have been computerized and all payments from 1/4/2013 to be through ECS and no cheque to be issued. Important activities of Excise and Taxation Department and Transport Department computerized resulting in big convenience to the public.
Enrolment under UID, Phase II is in under progress and all payment to be disbursed through Direct Cash Transfer Scheme.
TAX PROPOSALS
Children – Feeding bottle, nipple, pencils, water bottle, erasers, sharpeners, geometry box and colors and crayons used for children to be exempted from VAT. At present the tax rate is 5.5%.
Senior Citizen – Sticks and other walking support, intra ocular lens & hearing aids for elderly which attract VAT of 5.5% at present to be exempted from the VAT.
Women – Comb, hair pin, hair clippers, kahi-dasta, roller and rolling pins (Chakla Belan) alongwith Madhani & lemon squeezers which also attract VAT of 5.5% at present to be exempted from VAT.
Poor – Donne, Pattal, Mat, Brooms, Pawa, Chota toka – VAT to be reduced from 5.5% to 0%.
VAT on soft drinks to be increased from 13 to 20.5% bringing an additional revenue of ` 80 crore every year.
VAT on cigarettes to be increased from 20.5% to 50% bringing an additional revenue of ` 100 crore every year. The increased revenue will go to Cancer Fund.
The Department of Excise and Taxation will announce a voluntary compliance scheme for VAT and excise duty for the year 2013-14.
MEDIA
Insurance scheme for accredited correspondents with cover of ` 5 lac which is under implementation since 2010, will be extended to all 4000 yellow card holder journalists.
GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES
LTC, which was suspended in 2012-13, will be restored wef 1/4/2013.
EMPLOYMENT GENERATION
Marine Academy at Rup Nagar for training 600 students from science background for jobs in Navy to be set up at a cost of ` 10 crore.
Employability Allowance - The scheme for providing an employability allowance of ` 1000/- per month to the students of higher education for pursuing vocational/technical courses to be continued in the year 2013-14. Applications have already been invited for 2012-13 and allowance would be disbursed.
SPORTS & YOUTH SERVICES
Centres of Excellence – The state government to develop 5 centres of excellence in the sports at Bathinda, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Amritsar and Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar for promotion of 10 important sports. 400-500 boys and girls to be trained for participation in international events in every centre.
These players will be given coaching by the international/national coaches and government to bear all expenditure of boarding & lodging. A sum of ` 100 crore to be spent in the year 2013-14, ` 40 crore from the budget and ` 60 crore from the sports fund.
LABOUR
100 crore to be spent for construction of labour sheds and Ren Basera /night shelter in Municipal Corporations and Class A towns and for vocational education and free cycles to students for class IX onwards.
HEALTH
The total plan outlay ` 1000 crore. Sharp improvement in IMR and MMR during the last five years.
Cancer and Drug De-addiction - State of the Art Cancer treatment facilities to be established at a cost of ` 300 crores in the 3 Government Medical Colleges at Amritsar, Patiala and Faridkot and at the 2 district head quarter of Sangrur and Bathinda. 5 state level drug de-addiction centres to be developed at Amritsar, Patiala, Faridkot, Bathinda and Jalandhar. 31 more de-addiction centres to be set up at remaining district head quarters and sub divisional level.
Punjab State Cancer and Drug de-addiction Treatment Fund to be set up for mobilizing ` 300 crore every year by way of levies on sale of property and construction works undertaken by government departments and its agencies and increase in VAT on tobacco products.
Medical Insurance for Poor People - All 15.40 lac Atta Dal families to be covered under Medical Insurance with a cover of ` 30,000. The cost of premium for non BPL families will be borne by the government. A sum of ` 20 crore has been earmarked in the year 2013-14 for this purpose.
Free Medicines - The Health Department has already started free supply of 270 essential drugs and consumables free of cost in all government hospitals. These facilities will be extended to the 3 government colleges in the year 2013-14.
Health Insurance for government employees -The state government will launch a cash-less health insurance scheme for all its 6 lac employees and pensioners in the year 2013-14. Scheme to be compulsory for new employees and pensioners while it will be voluntary for the existing employees and pensioners.
Bhai Kanihya Insurance Scheme with a cover of Rs. 1.50 lac is at present available to only members of Cooperative Societies and the cost of premium is borne by the members themselves. The scheme would be opened to all the residents of the state who are willing to contribute to the premium.
MEDICAL EDUCATION
Stipend of medical interns doubled from ` 4500 to ` 9000 per month. The honorarium of House Surgeons in government hospitals and medical colleges has been increased from ` 4800 to ` 21,000 per month and it will be further increased it to ` 30,000 per month from 2013-14.
URBAN DEVELOPMENT
495 crore has been earmarked for 2013-14 for the important scheme of Urban Development Department.
Local Government Department has finalized an ambitious plan of ` 8888 crore for providing 100% basic civic amenities to the urban townships.
Houses for Poor - The state government will construct 1 lac houses under the next 2 years for the poor families. The contribution of the state government would be in the shape of land and monetary support. Government has adequate land pool in urban areas from the 10% land earmarked for EWS in Housing Projects. Panchayats to provide free land and ` 100 crore proposed for purchase of land in villages where there is no panchayat land. Part of the cost of the house to be borne by the beneficiary for which a loan on concessional terms would be arranged from HUDCO/NHB.
SOCIAL SECURITY
Total allocation of ` 1118 crore for the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development.
Old Age and other pensions to be extended to 21.55 lac beneficiaries.
Financial assistance for spinal injury centre at Mohali increased from ` 2 crore to ` 5 crore.
Atta Dal scheme for providing subsidized wheat and dal to 15.40 lac families to be continued in the year 2013-14 at an estimated cost of ` 350 crore.
Effective implementation of Aam Admi Bima Yojna - Aam Admi Bima Yojna to be implemented by Health Department where an insurance scheme for BPL families is already being implemented. About 7.8 lac families to be benefited.
EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN
Mai Bhago Vidya Scheme for providing bicycles to class IX students to be continued with an outlay of ` 50 crore.
Bebe Nanaki Ladli Beti Kalyan Scheme for girls born after 1/4/2011 in Atta Dal families has been launched. Outlay for 2013-14 is ` 62 crore. The girl child to get fix allowance of ` 2100 at the time of birth, after full immunization and admission to class I & IX, besides scholarship of ` 100 from class I-6 and ` 200 from class 7-12. A sum of ` 20,000 to be invested by Government with LIC for this purpose at the time of birth of girl child.
Scholarship for professional courses – Girls belonging to Atta Dal families and pursuing professional courses like medical, nursing, dental, engineering and poly-technics and not covered under any existing scholarship scheme to get a scholarship of ` 30,000 per annum for the entire duration of the course. A sum of ` 10 crore earmarked in the year 2013-14.
Girls to get free education in government ITIs with effect from 2013-14. They will get a relief of ` 3000 per annum.
WELFARE OF SCs AND BCs
The outlay increased from ` 435 crore to ` 596 crore
The outlay for Shagun Scheme increased from ` 108 to `152 crore. All pending cases of previous years to be settled in the first quarter of 2013-14.
Safe City – Amritsar and Ludhiana will be covered under the 'Safe City' Project in 2013-14. The concept involves mapping all the city areas, installation of CCTV cameras and Sensors and use of information technology. The total cost will be about of ` 135 crore.
Night Policing – Government will roll out ‘Night Policing’ all over the state in the year 2013-14 for improving the safety and security of citizens. Police will patrol all national highways, major state high ways, corporation towns during the night. 1000 vehicles and 700 motor vehicles to be deployed costing ` 10 crore.
Non Lethal Weapons – Police to procure bore pump action rifle for rubber bullets, water canons, polycarbonate lathis and shields, body amour for police jawans in order to minimize the use of force and injury in crowd control and law and order situation. Total cost ` 13 crore.
Saanjh Kendra – Big welcome to Saanjh Kendra by public. 94 Saanjh kendras have been set up at Sub Divisional level and 81 at police station level. Additional 147 Saanjh Kendra to be set up at police stations level at a cost of ` 14 crore.
A sum of ` 40 crore has been budgeted in the year 2013-14 and the remaining funds required for these 4 projects costing ` 180 crore to be covered from police modernization fund and the in the subsequent years.
DEFENCE SERVICES WELFARE
War Memorial to be set up at Amritsar at a cost of ` 10 crore.
Following benefits to ex-servicemen in 2013-14
- Financial assistance to the ex-servicemen of World War-II or their widows who are over the age of 65 years and are not drawing any pension or financial assistance from any other sources will be doubled from ` 1000/- to ` 2000/- per month.
- The war jagir of ` 5000/- given annually to the parents of soldiers who had served during 1962, 1965 and 1971 will be doubled to ` 10000/- per year.
- A sum of ` 50 lac has been given as corpus fund for the welfare of Gallantry Awardees and their families.
- The annuity being paid to all Gallantry Awardees namely Paramveer Chakra, Mahaveer Chakra, Veer Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra will be increased by 20%.
- Punjab Defence Relief Fund to get ` 2 crore Financial assistance from the budget.
BORDER AREAS
Government to give ` 3,000 per annum per acre for 19000 acres of land situated across the border fence in the 6 border districts. A sum of ` 6 crore has been earmarked for this purpose.
GOVERNANCE REFORMS
The 2nd Punjab Governance Reforms Commission started working from March 2012. In its new tenure, Commission will analyse the civil and criminal justice system, procedures for industrial development, regulatory framework for NRI Affairs, Health and Medical Education, Education, Technical Education, Employment and Fiscal Management. Commission has already recommended coverage of 87 new services under Right to Service Act and introduction of Rapid Rural Response System
The treasuries have been computerized and all payments from 1/4/2013 to be through ECS and no cheque to be issued. Important activities of Excise and Taxation Department and Transport Department computerized resulting in big convenience to the public.
Enrolment under UID, Phase II is in under progress and all payment to be disbursed through Direct Cash Transfer Scheme.
TAX PROPOSALS
Children – Feeding bottle, nipple, pencils, water bottle, erasers, sharpeners, geometry box and colors and crayons used for children to be exempted from VAT. At present the tax rate is 5.5%.
Senior Citizen – Sticks and other walking support, intra ocular lens & hearing aids for elderly which attract VAT of 5.5% at present to be exempted from the VAT.
Women – Comb, hair pin, hair clippers, kahi-dasta, roller and rolling pins (Chakla Belan) alongwith Madhani & lemon squeezers which also attract VAT of 5.5% at present to be exempted from VAT.
Poor – Donne, Pattal, Mat, Brooms, Pawa, Chota toka – VAT to be reduced from 5.5% to 0%.
VAT on soft drinks to be increased from 13 to 20.5% bringing an additional revenue of ` 80 crore every year.
VAT on cigarettes to be increased from 20.5% to 50% bringing an additional revenue of ` 100 crore every year. The increased revenue will go to Cancer Fund.
The Department of Excise and Taxation will announce a voluntary compliance scheme for VAT and excise duty for the year 2013-14.
MEDIA
Insurance scheme for accredited correspondents with cover of ` 5 lac which is under implementation since 2010, will be extended to all 4000 yellow card holder journalists.
GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES
LTC, which was suspended in 2012-13, will be restored wef 1/4/2013.
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