Sir,
Dr Haseeb Drabu, the State Finance Minister could have not presented a better budget under the prevailing circumstances. A known economist and from Banking area with good experience, he could understand where he could make concessions and fiscal adjustments and try to present a balanced budget. With insufficient revenues as compared to the requirements of the State, with a total budget of Rs 80313 crores he has taken care of almost all segments of the economy. The employees stand again benefitted in terms of increase in DA and promise of the implementation of the 7th pay commission. They are expected now to be more responsive to public expectations in terms of attending to their problems and issues in the Government offices. Non commercial vehicles have been exempted from the Lakhanpur toll tax.
Vegetable, sugar, medicines, salt, tea etc too have been exempted from this tax giving relief to the general public. Rs 23 crore likely to lose by the State on account of abolition of Lower Munda and Heerpur toll posts shall have to be replenished by other means. The health of the economy of the State cannot be kept going normal by banking wholly on the Central funds and aids. Here the professionalism of Drabu is under real test.
We have to ensure that taxes are scrupulously collected especially in Kashmir division so far as electricity charges are concerned. Panchayats need more funds to improve upon the rural infrastructure especially in backward areas of Jammu division.
Yours etc…
Ramesh Kumar
Jammu
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