Odisha CM gives 2.5 out of 10 to Interim Budget

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday gave 2.5 out of 10 to the Interim Budget. Though he welcomed the tax benefits planned for the middle and lower income groups, he was disappointed with the lack of initiatives for landless poor, sharecroppers, MSMEs and social security.

"I also welcome the direct benefit transfer proposed for small and marginal farmers on lines of our KALIA Scheme. However, it would have benefitted the farmers more if the quantum of assistance is equal or more than our scheme," said the Chief Minister. Also, there is nothing for landless poor, sharecroppers and farmers in distress, he added.

Some initiatives taken towards MSME sector is encouraging. However, this does not suffice to meet the needs of employment generation in the country, said Patnaik. "I am deeply disappointed with the National Social Security Scheme (Old Age Pension) and other pensions have not been revised at all. The state is covering 48 lakh beneficiaries with Rs 500 per month while Centre is giving Rs 200 per month for 20 lakh beneficiaries only," he said.