Punjab Finance Minister’s Budget Speech on July 16, 2014

Chandigarh, July 16, 2014: The speech of Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Finance Minister, Punjab presenting the budget for the year 2014-15 to the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, is as under:

“Hon’ble Speaker Sir,

                                I rise to present the Budget for the year 2014-15.

                                I deem it my privilege to present before this august house, the third consecutive Budget of the re-elected Shiromani Akali Dal and Bhartiya Janata Party alliance Government for the year 2014-15.

2.                    We thank the people of India for giving a historic mandate to the National Democratic Alliance under the inspiring and courageous leadership of Shri Narendra Modi ji to lift the country out of vicious circle of low growth and high inflation. As a first step in this direction, the Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley ji presented his first Union Budget on 10^th July, 2014 which outlines various bold steps to revive the stagnant National economy, control inflation and fulfil the aspirations of people of Punjab as indeed of our whole country. We particularly thank Shri Arun Jaitley Ji for announcing that the Amritsar Kolkata Industrial corridor will be completed expeditiously, for including Amritsar under the National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana, and for announcing an IIM to Punjab.

3.                    The Shiromani Akali Dal and Bhartiya Janata Party Government led by our most respected leader Sardar Parkash Singh Badal ji and dynamic leader Sardar Sukhbir Singh Badal ji is making sustained efforts to deal with multifarious problems of the state such as revival of Industrial Sector and imparting fresh impetus to stagnant agricultural economy of the State. The State Government is also combating problems of drug abuse, rising incidence of cancer, safety of women, unemployment among youth and fiscal stress on war footing. Our efforts were not wholly successful in the past due to rather indifferent attitude of previous United Progressive Alliance Government towards the state. We are confident that National Democratic Alliance Government at the Centre will be responsive to the problems of the border state of Punjab.

4.                    I had made certain commitments while presenting the Budgets for 2012-13 and 2013-14. Our Government has implemented the majority of them while action has been initiated on others. I will dwell on them while discussing the Budget proposals of the individual Departments. Mr. Speaker Sir, I will now discuss the economic and fiscal parameters of the state in some detail.

ECONOMIC GROWTH

5.                    As per advance estimates, the growth rate of the State during 2013-14 was 5.25% as against National growth rate of 4.74%. During the year 2012-13, the state achieved growth rate of 4.63% against national average of 4.47%. It is heartening to note that State’s growth rate as compared to National growth rate is improving which is evident from the fact that State’s average growth rate was 5.11% against National average growth rate of 7.80% during 10^th Five Year Plan (2002-2007) and 6.85% against National average of 8.05% during the 11^th Five Year Plan (2007-2012).

6.                    The per capita income of the state at current prices increased from Rs. 84,526 in 2012-13 to Rs. 92,638 showing an increase of 9.60%. The National per capita income at current prices increased from Rs.67,839 during 2012-13 to Rs.74,380 showing an increase of 9.64%.

REVENUE DEFICIT

7.                    The Revenue Deficit of the State for 2012-13 was Rs. 7406.79 crore which was 2.60% of GSDP against the target of 1.2% as per Fiscal Consolidation Path recommended by 13^th Finance Commission and State FRBM Act. It may be noted that the Revenue Deficit of Government of India for 2012-13 is 3.6% of GDP. The Revenue Deficit for 2013-14 (R.E.) is Rs. 5259.06 crore which is 1.66% of GSDP against the target of 0.6%. The Government of India figure for 2013-14 is at 3.3%. The State Government is aware of the importance of achieving revenue balance for the fiscal health of the State. The State has achieved some success in containing Revenue Deficit. The average Revenue Deficit as a percentage of GSDP was brought down from 2.91% during 10^th Plan period (2002-07) to 2.48% during 11^th Plan period (2007-12) despite huge liability of implementation of recommendations of 5^th Punjab Pay Commission w.e.f. 1^st January, 2006.

8.                    But due to historically high level of Outstanding Debt, declining share of state in central taxes, implementation of report of Pay Commission for State Government employees and pensioners on Central Government pattern and payment of instalments of Dearness Allowance to State Government employees and pensioners on Central Government pattern, the state has not able to fully achieve targets of Revenue Deficit as set out in Fiscal Consolidation Path recommended by 13^th Finance Commission and State FRBM Act so far.

9.                    The Revenue Deficit of current fiscal is Rs. 4252.63 crore which is 1.16% of GSDP against the target of achieving revenue balance. The Revenue Deficit of Government of India for 2014-15 is projected at 2.9% of GDP.

FISCAL DEFICIT

10.                 The State has achieved its targets of Fiscal Deficit as laid down in the Fiscal Consolidation Path recommended by 13^th Finance Commission and State FRBM Act. The average Fiscal Deficit as a percentage of GSDP which was 4.18% during the 10^th Plan period has come down to 3.29% during the 11^th Plan period.

11.                 The Fiscal Deficit of the State during 2012-13 was Rs. 9,346 crore which was 3.28% of GSDP against the target of 3.5%. The Government of India figure for 2012-13 is at 4.8% of GDP. The Fiscal Deficit of the State as per 2013-14 (RE) is at Rs. 8,189 crore which is 2.58% of GSDP as against the target of 3.0% as laid down in Fiscal Consolidation Path recommended by 13^th Finance Commission and State FRBM Act and Government of India figure for 2013-14 is at 4.6% of GDP.

12.                 The Fiscal Deficit of the year 2014-15 (BE) at Rs. 10,373 crore which is 2.84% of GSDP as against the target of 3.0% as laid down in Fiscal Consolidation Path recommended by 13^th Finance Commission and State FRBM Act and Government of India figure for 2014-15 is at 4.1% of GDP.

OUTSTANDING DEBT

13.                 The major fiscal problems of the State are attributed to huge level of Outstanding Debt which is the result of prolonged years of militancy in the State and consistent decline in share of State in Central Taxes from 2.450% under 5^th Finance Commission (1970-75) to 1.389% under the 13^th Finance Commission (2010-15).

14.                 The State Government on its own without any major help from Central Government in last ten years has made sincere effort to keep its debt within manageable limits. As a result of these efforts the average ratio of Outstanding Debt to GSDP declined from 46.32% during the 10^th five year plan to 34.44% during the 11^th five year plan.

15.                 The Outstanding Debt of the State as on 31^st March, 2013 was Rs.92,282 crore which is 32.36% of GSDP as against the target of 41.0% as laid down in Fiscal Consolidation Path recommended by 13^th Finance Commission and State FRBM Act. As per 2013-14 (RE), the total Outstanding Debt of the State as on 31^st March, 2014 is estimated at Rs.1,01,970 crore which is 32.16% of GSDP as against the target of 39.8%.

16.                 As per 2014-15 (BE), the Outstanding Debt of the State as on 31^st March, 2015 is estimated at Rs. 1,13,053 crore which is 30.95% of GSDP as against the target of 38.7%.

DEBT SERVICING

17.                 The huge Outstanding Debt of the State leads to heavy expenditure on debt servicing leaving little resources for development of the State. The total debt servicing expenditure for 2012-13 was Rs. 10,505 crore consisting of interest payment of Rs.6,831 crore and repayment of loan at Rs.3,674 crore.

STATE’S OWN TAX REVENUE

18.                 The State is conscious of the need to mobilise its own tax revenues for meeting its committed expenditure as well as for development of the State. The average growth of State’s own tax revenue which was 13.77% during 2002-03 to 2006-07 has improved to 16.43% during 2007-08 to 2011-12. The State’s own Tax Revenues have more than doubled from Rs.9,017 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.18,841 crore in 2011-12. The ratio of State’s own tax revenue to GSDP of the State has improved from 6.05% during the year 2001-02 to 7.92% in 2012-13. This is a significant achievement of our government.

19.                 During 2012-13, the State mobilised own tax revenue Rs. 22,588 crore with growth rate of 19.89% over the previous year. For 2013-14 (Pre Actuals), the State’s own tax revenue is estimated is Rs. 24,079 crore with growth rate of 6.60%. For 2014-15 (BE), the State’s own tax revenue is estimated at Rs. 28,480 crore with growth rate of 18.28%.

DEVELOPMENTAL EXPENDITURE

20.                 The Developmental Expenditure i.e. Expenditure on Social and Economic services was at Rs.22,096 crore and Non Developmental Expenditure was at Rs. 19,278 crore during 2012-13. Thus, the percentage of Developmental Expenditure to the total expenditure of the State was 53.40% for 2012-13. For 2013-14 (RE), the total Developmental Expenditure of the State is at Rs. 28,065 crore and Non Developmental Expenditure is at Rs. 21,278 crore. The ratio of Developmental Expenditure to total State Expenditure is expected at 56.88 in 2013-14 (RE). For 2014-15 (BE), the total Developmental Expenditure of the State is at Rs.32,148 crore and Non Developmental Expenditure is at Rs. 23,065 crore.

FOURTEENTH FINANCE COMMISSION

21.                 The 14^th Finance Commission headed by Sh. Y.V. Reddy, visited Chandigarh on 5^th September 2013 to 7^th September 2013 for meetings with State Government, representatives of Local Bodies, Trade and Industry, and Political Parties of the State.

22.                 The State Government led by Sardar Parkash Singh Badal Ji, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Punjab presented a detailed Memorandum highlighting financial position and specific issues of the State before the Commission in a forceful manner. The State Government requested the 14^th Finance Commission that at least 50% of Central Taxes should devolve to the States. The State Government has also demanded that weightage should be given to ST/ SC population of the State and GSDP of the State to make devolution criteria just and fair.

23.                 The State Government also requested the Commission to recommend State Specific Grants of Rs. 9,639 crore for the State for the period 2015-20. The Commission expressed its deep appreciation of the fact that State Government provided all the information required within stipulated timelines and complimented the Government of Punjab and Finance Department in particular for this work. The 14^th Finance Commission is expected to give its report to Government of India in October 2014. The State expects fair dispensation from the Commission.

PLAN SIZE & PERFORMANCE

24.                 There has been significant improvement in size of approved Annual Plan of the State and its implementation since 2006-07. The approved Annual Plan during 2006-07 was Rs.4,000 crore, which increased to Rs.16,125 crore in 2013-14. The implementation of Annual Plan was 65% during 2011-12, 72% during 2012-13 and 73% during 2013-14. The size of the Plan is Rs.20,100 crore in the year 2014-15, an increase of 25% over the previous year’s Plan.

25.                 With a view to focus the efforts of the Government departments on the outcomes from the funds spent on various schemes it has been decided to implement Performance Budgeting for the State Annual Plan from the current year. NABCON, the consulting arm of the apex rural development bank, NABARD is being engaged to prepare a blue print of the scheme. This will enable the Government to effectively monitor the achievement of targeted outcomes for efficient implementation of the state Plan Schemes.

26.                 Sir, I now present the plan proposals for the year 2014-15.

AGRICULTURE

27.                 Punjab being food bowl of India is a harbinger of green revolution in the country and is striving to transform agriculture from sustenance to profitable and from localized to globalized. Agriculture contributes to about 29% of the State’s GDP and provides livelihood to nearly 65% of its population. Punjab has been contributing about 50-60% of wheat and about 35-40% of rice procured by the Government of India for food security of the country for the last four decades.

28.                 I congratulate the farmers for the record production of wheat in the current Rabi season. In Rabi 2014, the production of wheat jumped to 176 lac MT against which 119 lac MT has been procured by the state. The free power supplied to the farmers at a cost of about Rs. 4,778 crore has proved vital in this regard. The State Government invested Rs.36,798 crore for procurement of wheat and paddy in the State in the year 2013-14 and Rs. 17,076 crore for procurement of wheat in the current financial year 2014-15.

29.                 To catalyze the process of improving the sustainability and viability of farming, Progressive Punjab Agriculture Summit was held in the state wherein Agriculture Technologies were showcased and issues related to farmers and farming were debated.  A Group of Experts has been constituted to suggest the ways and means to ameliorate the economic distress of farmers.

30.                 The State Government has provided Rs. 186 crore to SUGARFED to clear the arrears of Cane growers in the State. The State Government is committed to enable the SUGARFED to make full payment to Cane growers in the State in the year 2014-15.

31.                  The State Government has been providing assistance to farmers  who are unable to cultivate their lands properly due to fencing at International Border. I am pleased to inform this August House that the rate of compensation is being raised to Rs. 10,000 per acre w.e.f. 01.01.2014, to be shared equally between the Government of India and the State Government.

32.                 The major strategy of the state is to ensure growth and sustainability of agriculture in the state with a thrust on Conservation of Natural Resources, especially land and water; and Raising the income level of the farmers by increasing the productivity of various crops and reducing the cost of production. For this purpose, the following programmes are proposed to be taken in the field of Agriculture in the current year:-

·         Rs. 500 crore – Strengthening of agriculture and allied sectors under RKVY.

·         Rs. 82 crore –National Horticulture Mission.

·         Rs. 72 crore –National Food Security Mission.

·         Rs. 33 crore –National Mission of Agriculture Extension and Technology.

·         Rs. 27 crore –National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture.

·         Rs. 5 crore –National Oil Seeds & Oil Palm Mission.

33.                 Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has played a vital role in raising productivity levels and ensuring food security for the nation. There is an urgent need to expand the programmes to cover processing and value addition, integration of biotechnology with crop improvement, mechanization using energy efficient machinery, focus on small farmers, crop production/protection for export, bio energy and development of climate resilient technologies. The state government is committed to support the PAU and an outlay of Rs. Rs.310 crore has been provided for this purpose.

34.                 State Government is giving greater emphasis on diversification of agriculture by encouraging crops such as maize, cotton, basmati, soyabean, etc. For this purpose the tax rates on marketing and processing of these crops have been rationalised. To provide maize drying facilities to the farmers, two maize drying units have been installed. 5 more units are proposed to be set up. The Punjab Mandi Board has established 19 specialized Cotton Mandis with all facilities like grading labs, farmer information centres etc. Substantial progress has been made in production of fruits and vegetables in the state. Every year, additional area of approximately 4000 ha per year, is brought under fruits by supplying healthy, disease free plants. A modern AC Fruit and Vegetable market has been set up at Mohali with an investment of Rs.50 crore. A centre of excellence for citrus fruits is being set up in collaboration with Govt. of Israel at Khanaura (Hoshiarpur) at a cost of Rs.10.40 crore and is likely to be completed during 2014-15. It is proposed to set-up a multi product mega food park in 100 acres of land at Ladhowal and the same is being submitted to the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India for approval under their Mega Food Park Scheme.

35.                 The National Horticulture Mission (NHM) is being successfully implemented in the state. Under NHM, a centre of excellence for green house cultivation in collaboration with Government of Israel is being set up on 15 acres of land at Kartarpur, Jalandhar and a centre of excellence for potato is being set up in Ludhiana under Indo-Dutch Agreement at Ludhiana at a cost of Rs.14 crore. It is proposed to modernize all the 536 cold stores in next 3 years by providing capital assistance under NHM.

SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION

36.                 About 73% of irrigated area is under tubewell irrigation and the depleting ground water level is a cause of concern for the state. For conservation of its precious natural resources like water and soil, apart from regular soil and water conservation activities, various steps are being taken by the state government. Early plantation of paddy has been banned and efforts are being made to shift from paddy to alternate crops. To wean the farmers away from burning of paddy straw, machines like happy seeders, rotavators, zero-till-drills, balers and rakes have been provided on 50% subsidy. To improve the water use efficiency, laser land levellers have been supplied to the farmers on subsidy. Specific schemes launched for conservation of ground water are –

·         Rs.20 crore –Judicious use of available water & harvesting of rainwater for enhancing irrigation potential in Punjab

·         Rs.30 crore – Assistance to farmers for underground pipeline
system for canal based irrigation

·         Rs. 40 crore – Micro irrigation

ALLIED SECTORS

37.                 Animal Husbandry plays an important role in the state’s rural economy. This sector has a lot of potential for boosting the agricultural income of the farmers in the state. The allied activities of agriculture like animal husbandry, dairy & fishery have, in recent years, become an independent economic activity. To strengthen the infrastructure for livestock sector, construction of new buildings of veterinary hospitals, dispensaries and upgradation of existing buildings has been undertaken. 3 new veterinary polyclinics are being constructed in Pathankot, Barnala and Fazilka. Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana is playing a leading role in creation of skilled man-power for fishery, poultry, piggery, artificial insemination and dairy. The infrastructure of GADVASU is being strengthened. Special efforts are being made for development of sheep, pig and poultry in the state.

38.                 To improve the breed of cattle and enhance milk production 4.25 lac frozen semen straws have been imported from America & Canada. 50,000 straws of sexed semen were also imported. Besides, a modern cattle breeding farm at Rauni, Patiala is being set up.

39.                 Under Crop Diversification Programme, Rs.4 crore were released during 2013-14 to bring 600 acre of saline and waterlogged area under fish culture by providing 90% subsidy to the fish farmers. During 2014-15, it is proposed to bring 1000 acre saline/waterlogged area under fish culture. A retail-cum wholesale fish market is being constructed at Ludhiana. The important schemes are –

·         Rs. 64 crore – for GADVASU.

·         Rs. 15 crore –Upgradation of veterinary institutions in the state.

·         Rs. 25 crore –National Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme.

·         Rs. 16 crore –National Livestock Management Programme.

·         Rs. 12 crore –National Programme for Dairy Development.

FARM DEBTS

40.                 Rural debts in Punjab estimated to be Rs. 35,000 crore, have assumed the proportions of a grave human tragedy. As per NSSO survey, nearly half the farm households in the country are facing debt burden. The number of indebted farm households in Punjab was 66%, third highest in the country after Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Government of India had announced debt waiver scheme for farmers in 2008-09 but the farmers of the state did not benefit much as there are less number of small and marginal farmers and few defaulters in the state. A mechanism to help farmers come out of the fiscal distress is a must. The state government had earlier commissioned a study on suicide by farmers and farm labour through the three universities in the state. Rs. 94 crore have been distributed during 2012-14 covering 4688 families affected from 2000-2011. The state government is preparing a data bank on suicides to assess the magnitude of problem. The universities have been asked to collect fresh data from March, 2011 to March, 2013.

FOOD & CIVIL SUPPLIES

41.                 Our Government attaches special importance to the welfare of the weaker sections of the society and will ensure that prices of all the essential commodities shall remain within the reach of the common man. To protect the weaker sections against rising prices, we have launched a new- Atta Dal Scheme. In the Annual Plan 2014-15, Rs. 400 crore has been allocated for New Atta Dal Scheme and it is estimated that 8,70,000 MTs of wheat and 75,000 MTs of pulses shall be distributed during current year.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

42.                 The Annual Plan for Rural Development for the year 2014-15 focuses on creation of rural employment and rural livelihood, construction of rural toilets, improvement/remodeling and rejuvenation of village ponds and disposal of sullage water. A plan outlay of Rs.548 crore has been earmarked for rural development for the year 2014-15. The important schemes are -

·         Rs.247.50 crore - National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS).

·         Rs.100.00 crore - Improvement/Remodeling and rejuvenation of village Ponds and disposal of sullage water.

·         Rs.41.18 crore -Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY).

·         Rs.36.25 crore - Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Yojana.

·         Rs.35.90 crore - National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).

·         Rs.27.20 crore - Backward Regions Grant Fund.

·         Rs.20.00 crore - Construction of toilets in rural areas.

43.                 Under National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, the Gram Panchayats have succeeded in enhancing livelihood security to the people in rural areas. Kusla Gram Panchayat of District Mansa has been adjudged as one of the eleven best in the country for work done under NREGS. The outlay of the scheme is Rs.248 crore. The daily wage rates have now been increased from Rs.184 to Rs.200 in the state. The stress shall be on creation of meaningful and productive assets under the scheme.

44.                 Expert Group to review the methodology for measurement of poverty constituted by Planning Commission under the chairmanship of Dr. C. Rangarajan has submitted its report. As per findings of the Expert Group, 11.30% of the total population in the State is below poverty line. In rural areas, the percentage of people below poverty line is 7.40% and in Urban areas it is 17.60%. These poverty ratios are based on per day per capita consumption expenditure of Rs.37.12 in rural areas and Rs.48.71 in urban areas of the State. The poverty ratios worked by this Expert Group are based on better parameters and will help the State to access funding under various central schemes based on poverty ratios.

45.                 A sum of Rs.20 crore has been provided in the Annual Plan 2014-15. Under this scheme, toilets are to be constructed for individual household in the villages. The estimated cost per toilet is Rs.15,000 out of this a sum of Rs.11,500 will be spent under this scheme and Rs.3,500 will be spent under NREGS as labour component. 17,391 toilets will be constructed in the current financial year.

46.                 A master plan for cleaning of 17,255 village ponds in 12,282 panchayats has been framed. There is total 24,405 acre pond area in Punjab and the average cost per acre for re-modelling is Rs.5 lac. Accordingly, an amount of Rs.1,220 crore is required and the project shall be completed in approximately 3 years. In the Annual Plan 2014-15, a provision of Rs.100 crore has been made.

47.                 In the Annual Plan 2014-15, an outlay of Rs.36.25 crore has been provided under RGPSA for construction of 58 new Panchayat Ghars at a cost of Rs. 12 lac each. District Panchayat Resource Centre, Mansa and Fazilka shall be completed with a cost of Rs. 3 crore. The state government has started a training programme of 5 days for elected representatives and officials of PRIs for their capacity building at a cost of Rs. 24 crore. To make them aware about good practices outside their Panchayats, exposure visits for elected representatives and officials of PRIs shall be organized. Information, education and communication activities shall be strengthened to make people aware about government programmes and schemes. State Institute of Rural Development shall be strengthened by establishing a Programme Management Unit at a cost of Rs. 171 lac.

48.                 Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) is being implemented in the State of Punjab to conserve and develop the natural resources of the land like soil and water, vegetation and its proper utilization for agriculture and to enhance the livelihood opportunities of landless community at village level. This scheme was initiated during the year 2009-10 in Punjab. 67 projects have been sanctioned in 13 districts to treat 3,19,976 ha land at a total cost of Rs. 379 crore. An amount of Rs 30 crore has been allocated in 2014-15.

49.                 The state government has notified a policy for providing 5 marla Plots (125 Sq. Yard) to the rural households from the village common land. Houses for BPL families are constructed under the Indira Awas Yojana. During the year 2013-14 Government of India had allocated an amount of Rs. 142 crore for the construction of 19531 houses for BPL families. From the year 2013-14, Government of India has revised the rate for providing assistance of Rs. 70,000 for construction of new house and Rs. 15,000 for upgradation of houses. An amount of Rs 41 crore has been allocated for 2014-15.

WATER SUPPLY & SANITIATION

50.                 Presently, 98% of rural population has been covered with supplies of potable drinking water. Moreover 8,000 habitations get 70 lpcd service level.

51.                 The state government has notified Punjab State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Policy - 2014. The main aim of the policy is to provide (a) 100% coverage of all households in rural areas of Punjab with at least 70 lpcd of portable water, supplied through 24x7 piped and metered individual water supply connections and (b) to ensure that 100% rural households have access to and use safe sanitation facilities that do not contaminate the environment, particularly ground water. The important allocations in Annual Plan 2014-15 are –

·         Rs.200 crore – for Punjab Rural Water Supply and Sanitation project          with World Bank Assistance;

·         Rs.100crore – for National Rural Drinking Water Supply Programme        (NRDWP) ;

·         Rs.27 crore –for Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA).

·         Rs.14 crore – for Installation of 561 Reverse Osmosis (ROs) system to            provide minimum drinking water in various districts of Punjab – RIDF-XIX.

URBAN DEVELOPMENT

52.                 Under the Punjab Urban Development Mission, the State Government is committed to provide 100% civic amenities in the urban areas of Punjab. The State is currently executing works to provide basic civic amenities like Water Supply, Sewerage, Sewerage Treatment Plants, Street lights, Solid Waste Management, Roads & Flyovers, Parks and parking spaces, to the extent of Rs.3,800 Crore. In the next 3 years, the State intends to provide 100% requirement of these basic amenities to the extent of Rs.7,500 Crores. Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board has been restructured comprehensively with the aim to put it on professional pedestal and for bringing qualitative changes in the delivery system.

53.                 Under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), the major new projects which will be implemented during 2014-15 are a) Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS), Amritsar with a cost of Rs. 495.54 crore; Sewerage network and Sewerage Treatment Plant south-east zone, Amritsar with a cost of Rs.89.27 crore and Integrated Solid Waste Management, Ludhiana with a cost of Rs.97.85 crore.

54.                 The outlay in the Annual Plan 2014-15 for Urban Development is Rs.1218 crore for the following schemes –

·         Rs.827 crore – for Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM);

·         Rs.270 crore – for National River Conservation Programme (NRCP);

·          Rs.60 crore – for Amritsar sewerage project funded by JICA;

·          Rs.26.50 crore – for National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM);

·         Rs.25 crore – for Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY).

55.                 The state is developing New Chandigarh on an area of approximately 15,000 acres on the concept of smart city. As New Chandigarh is located in close proximity to Chandigarh it is being planned to ensure it finds a place among the best planned cities in the world. The city, in the foot hills of Shiwaliks, will be a green/eco city with approximately 30% of the area as green area. The city will be a self contained city and will not be a satellite town of Chandigarh and will act as a counter magnet to Chandigarh. The city will have a unique and world class medical and educational infrastructure.

56.                 Medicity on an area of approximately 250 acre land is being developed by state government with an approximate project cost of Rs. 700 crore. This Medicity will comprise of world class multi-speciality hospitals along with medical colleges and medical research institutes. 50 acres of land has already been allotted to Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre under the Department of Atomic Energy, Govt. of India. Restof the land will soon be made available to medical hospitals and institutes of repute.

57.                 To develop the human resource in the state, an education city is being planned on an area of approximately 1600 acre with a cost of Rs. 4,000 crore. This education city will have educational facilities of international standards from school age to research level including branch campuses of leading international universities. It will also be conceived as a forum where universities share research and forge relationships with businesses and institutions in public and private sectors.

58.                 Our government is taking initiative to provide houses to the economically weaker section (EWS) in the state. It is mandatory for the private builders to reserve fixed area, in their respective projects, for EWS which is to be handed over to the concerned authorities free of cost for the construction of houses for weaker section. The state government is committed to construct one lac EWS houses in the next three years. More than 300 acre of land for the construction of these houses is already with the Development Authorities. Besides, the Municipal Committees and Corporations in their respective jurisdiction will provide land for EWS houses. In addition to this, fiscal and physical incentives have been provided for the promotion of affordable housing in the private sector.

59.                 To generate employment in the state, an IT city on an area of approximately 1700 acre in close proximity to International Airport at SAS Nagar is being developed by GMADA. Land has already been allotted to 20 leading IT companies and 23 more applications, received from the IT companies for allotment of land, are under process. I am happy to announce here that 50 acre of land has been allotted to IT giant INFOSYS, which has already started the process of developing its campus. Mr. N. R. Narayana Murthy, Chairman of INFOSYS, has announced the creation of 5,000 jobs in the next three years with an ultimate goal of 25,000 jobs. The IT city will generate more than 50,000 jobs in the coming years. Amritsar will also be developed as IT and Knowledge Hub. Software Technology Parks of India is establishing STPI facilities and State-of the Art incubation facility at Amritsar. The state government has transferred 3 acre of land costing Rs.3 crore for establishment of this Institute.

IRRIGATION

60.                 Our government has accorded high priority to revamping the canal network in the state. The main focus is to reduce dependence on underground water and utilize surface water for irrigation purposes by increasing the canal capacity, lining of unlined water courses and construction of low cost dams in hilly areas. Plan allocation of Rs.1,285 crore has been earmarked for irrigation in the year 2014-15. The important schemes are-

·         Rs.100 crore - for relining of Rajasthan feeder project (Project Cost is Rs.952 crore to be completed in 4 year from 2014-18).

·         Rs.100 crore – for relining of Sirhind feeder project (Project Cost is Rs.614 crore to be completed in 4 year from 2014-18).

·         Rs.20 crore –for rehabilitation of first Patiala feeder and Kotla branch (Project Cost is Rs. 199 crore - Rs. 120 crore already spent).

·         Rs. 121 crore – for completion of remaining 14 km of Kandi canal Phase-II project.

·         Rs. 100 crore – for construction of Shahpurkandi Dam Project (Project Cost is Rs. 2286 crore including power component to be completed in three year from 2014-17).

·         Rs. 460 crore – for construction/lining of water courses.

·         Rs. 193 crore – for anti-water logging and flood protection.

·         Rs.200 crore – for construction of field channels of Kotla Branch Part-II (project cost is Rs.950 crore to be completed in 3 years from 2014-17).

61.                 The state government will focus on the completion of Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) Projects. The projects under implementation are Kandi Canal Stage-II, Rehabilitation of first Patiala Feeder and Kotla Branch and Shahpurkandi Dam Project. A sum of Rs.329 crore has been spent on Kandi Canal Stage-II and out of total length of 70 km, construction is complete upto 56 km. The remaining 14 km length will be completed during the current year. With the completion of this project, irrigation facilities shall be provided to 29,527 ha. area of 218 villages. Work on first phase of Patiala feeder is complete and Kotla branch is in progress. On completion of this project, irrigation facilities to additional 68,624 ha. area shall be provided. The work of Shahpurkandi Dam Project has been allotted in January, 2013 and construction was started in April/May, 2013. The work of relining of Rajasthan Feeder and Sirhind Feeder Project will start in March/April, 2015.

62.                 A sum of Rs.700 crore was spent under Command Area Development and Water Management Programme during the last five years and 6,035 km of water courses were lined. An outlay of Rs.460 crore has been earmarked for this important Programme for the year 2014-15 and with this 3,200 km of water courses will be lined.

63.                 A sum of Rs.465 crore has been allocated for NABARD projects involving lining of canals and construction of channels and distributaries, installation of 280 deep tube-wells in Kandi area and other anti water logging activities in the state. During the current year an amount of Rs. 100 crore shall be spent on upgradation of irrigation infrastructure and to address the problem of water logging.

64.                 A sum of Rs.8552 crore shall be invested by the Punjab Govt. on improving the Irrigation Infrastructure in Punjab in next three years.

·         Rs. 3000 crore shall be spent in next three years on modernization of Canal System, benefiting 9.21 lac acre area in Punjab.

·         Rs. 2762 crore shall be spent for lining of water course for providing uninterrupted, efficient and fair distribution of Canal water to farmers.

·          A sum of Rs. 960 crore shall be spent in next three years to tackle the problem of water logging in Mukatsar Sahib, Fazilka, Faridkot and Ferozepur District to reclaim 2 lac acre area.

·         An expenditure of Rs. 130 crore shall be incurred in next three years for digging of 280 Tubewells in Kandi area, benefiting 34500 acres. These Tubewells shall be maintained and operated by the Executing agency for 7 years, to ensure uninterrupted supply to the farmers.

·         Rs. 1500 crore shall be spent for completion of Shahpur Kandi Dam Project creating potential of irrigation of 12350 acre, beside improving the irrigation potential of already covered 9.59 lac acre in Majha area of State.

·          Rs. 200 crore shall be spent on low Dams in Kandi area in next three years, thereby creating irrigation potential of 10000 acre.

·          

65.                 The State Government will provide Rs. 30 crore for cleaning of various canals in the State in the financial year 2014-15.

POWER

66.                 Power sector with an outlay of Rs.3,200 crore constitutes 16% of the total Plan. The major allocations are:

·         Rs. 1,150 crore - for transmission;

·         Rs. 750 crore - for generation;

·         Rs. 1250 crore - for distribution;

·         including Rs. 500 crore - for Re-structured Accelerated Power Development Reforms Programme; and Rs. 50 crore – for providing 24 hour urban pattern power supply to left out dhanis.

67.                 The state government during its last tenure launched an ambitious plan to make Punjab a power surplus state. Three Thermal Power Projects of 3,920 MW generation capacity were allotted to private developer in 2007-09. Fulfilling commitment 1^st unit of Rajpura Thermal Power Plant (700 MW) was commissioned in February, 2014 and the second unit of 700 MW has been commissioned on 10^th July, 2014.  The first unit of 660 MW of Talwandi Sabo (1980 MW) was commissioned on 3^rd July, 2014, and the remaining two units would become functional within this year.  While the 540 MW Goindwal Sahib Thermal plant has been synchronised on oil, it could not become functional because of lack of availability of coal.  However, with the Government of India agreeing to provide tapering linkage to it in June, 2014.  This plant is also likely to be functional soon.   These plants are being developed by private developers. The construction of 206 MW Shahpur Kandi Dam has also started in April, 2013 and is expected to be commissioned in October, 2016. We are thus on target to making Punjab a power surplus state.   

68.                 Under Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY), the work of providing electric infrastructure to rural households including single point connection to 80,400 BPL families has been completed. The state has brought down its T&D losses to 16.95% during 2013-14 from 20.12% during 2009-10 and aims to bring it down to 15% by the year 2015-16. Re-structured Accelerated Power Development & Reforms Programme (R-APDRP) aims to use Information Technology for improving the service quality and reducing the Transmission and Distribution losses. The programme has been allocated Rs.500 crore in 2014-15 and is being implemented in 47 towns having a population of more than 30,000 each.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

69.                 The state has fixed ambitious target under New and Renewable Energy Policy 2012, which incentivizes solar and biomass based technologies and energy conservation measures, thereby, working towards sustainable energy sources. A total capacity addition of 2400 MW is targeted to be achieved by the year 2022. The following projects of capacity 617 MW are operational in the state:-

·         Mini Hydel Projects = 134.95 MW

·         Biomass Power Projects = 62.5 MW

·         Co-generation power projects = 401.59 MW

·         Waste to Energy project=1 MW

·         Solar Power projects=18.02 MW

70.                 PEDA is successfully implementing Biogas Development & Solar Water Heating Programme under which 1.6 lac biogas plants and 29 Lac Litre Per Day Solar Water Heating Systems have been installed. Besides, 6,500 Solar Street Lights and 1,950 Solar Water Pumps have also been installed in the state. Solar Power Projects of 250 MW are under execution and scheduled to complete during 2014-15.  We have also successfully partnered the completion of 7.5 MW solar plant on a single roof which is the largest such plant in India.  The state is shortly going to notify net-metering guidelines on solar power which will provide a major thrust to the Solar Rooftop programme in the state.

INDUSTRY

71.                 The industrial scene of Punjab is dominated by small scale industry. There are approximately 1.54 lac registered Micro, Small, Medium and Large Industrial units in the State employing about 13.40 lac persons. These units produced industrial goods worth about Rs.1,67,000 crore in 2012-13 including items such as hosiery goods, bicycles & cycle parts, automobile parts, sewing machine parts, yarn and textile, hand tools & machine tools, sports goods and leather goods.

72.                 To accelerate industrial and economic growth, the state govt. has notified incentive package under Fiscal Incentives for Industrial Promotion 2013. The package provides benefits on VAT & CST, stamp duty, property tax and electricity duty exemptions, besides additional incentives for specific sector such as food processing, textiles and information technology. Punjab Bureau of Investment Promotion (PBIP) will act as a nodal agency to carry out the objectives of the package and to resolve and provide time bound clearance of all new investment in the state.

73.                 As part of investment campaign, Progressive Punjab Investor Summit was organized on 9^th & 10^th December, 2013 at the Indian School of Business, Mohali. This summit has attracted investment of about Rs.65,000 crore in textiles and engineering, information technology, agro and food processing, tourism, health, bio-sciences, infrastructure sectors. This investment would generate a number of jobs in these sectors.

74.                 Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI) at Banur, District SAS Nagar (Mohali) is being set up at a cost of Rs.150 crores. The state government has provided 8 acres of land free of cost for establishment of this institute.

ROADS & BRIDGES

75.                 A sum of Rs.3024 crore is proposed to be spent on road infrastructure in the year 2014-15 including an investment of Rs.1291 crore through PIDB. The major allocations are -

·          Rs.1017 crore for construction and upgradation of roads

·          Rs.115 crore high level bridges

·         Rs.159 crore ROBs/RUBs

·         Rs.500 crore – rural link roads and upgradation of rural roads

·         Rs.150 crore under Punjab State Road Sector project for strengthening of 150 km roads

·         Rs.70 crore towards Centre Road Fund for upgradation of existing road infrastructure

·         RsRs.302 crore under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana

·         RsRs.711 crore for National Highways

TRANSPORT

76.                 Rs.383 crore are proposed to be spent for Transport sector including an investment of Rs.357 crore through PIDB. Theproposals planned for 2014-15 -

·         Modernisation and upgradation of PRTC -sRs.25 crore

·         Replacement of 265 ordinary buses of PUNBUS and introduction of 25 HVAC buses and 10 super integral coaches -  Rs.75 crore

·         Computerisation of Punjab Roadways – Rs.3.50 crore

CIVIL AVIATION

77.                 Chandigarh International Civil Air Terminal at Mohali will be commissioned by Dec., 2014.

78.                 Civil Airport at Sahnewal near Ludhiana - 7.5 acre of land handed over to Airports Authority of India for works which will help to land flights even during low visibility conditions. 322 acres of additional land is being acquired for the extension and up-gradation of this airfield to handle bigger jet aircrafts.

79.                 Construction of the building of Civil Enclave, Bathinda on the site is complete and ready for commissioning. Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India has accorded their approval for starting two civil commercial flights from Indian Air Force station Bhisiana near Bathinda. 40 acres of land with the cost of Rs.3.55 crore at Village Virk Kalan in Distt. Bathinda has been handed over to Airports Authority of India for the construction of Civil Air Terminal.

ART & CULTURE

80.                 The state government is committed to conserve, preserve and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the state. Shaheed-e-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh Museum, Khatkarkalan was upgraded at a cost of Rs.16.51 Crores. The outlay for Tourism is Rs.215 crore including an investment of Rs.70 crore through PIDB. The important outlays include Rs.83 crore for development of tourist infrastructure including  Gobindgarh Fort and Rs.70 crore for Memorials of -

·         Jang-e-Azadi Memorial at Kartarpur, Jalandhar;

·         Guru Ravidass Memorial at Khuralgarh, Hoshiarpur;

·         Bhagwan Balmiki Ji at Amritsar;

·         Shaheed Udham Singh Ji at Sunam;

·         Baba Moti Mehra Ji at Fatehgarh Sahib;

·         Swami Vivekanand Ji;

·         Girja Nand Ji at Kartarpur;

·         Baba Jiwan Singh Memorial at Anandpur Sahib.

·         Rs.60 crore for infrastructure development of destinations and circuits

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT

81.                 Punjab State Council for Science and Technology is the nodal agency for promoting environment improvement, natural resource conservation and popularization. PSCST demonstrated concept of energy efficiency in Institutional and Government buildings in the state. As a result, Pushpa Gujral Science City (PGSC) has been awarded 2nd National Energy Conservation Award 2013.

82.                 The state government has taken steps to prevent burning of paddy straw in fields. The preparation of policy for management and utilisation of paddy straw is in process. Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (PSCST) has sensitized brick industry for large scale mechanisation of manufacturing of resource efficient bricks which has resulted in commissioning of 3 mechanized plants in the state.

83.                 Punjab Biotechnology Incubator, a State Government Undertaking, an integral part of the Knowledge City being developed in SAS Nagar, Mohali is operational for the Testing, Certification of Agri, Food, Environmental and Allied Sectors. A Laboratory for testing of Rice/Basmati Rice is being set up.

EDUCATION

84.                 Punjab has been ranked among the top 10 Indian States in the just released school education statistics, improving its position from 13th in 2012 to 6th in 2013.

85.                 The plan allocation for school education has been increased from Rs.1,275 crore in 2013-14 to Rs.1,859 crore in 2014-15, which includes Rs.85 crore to be provided by PIDB. The important allocations including central share are-

·         Rs.898 crore –Sarva Siksha Abhiyan programme.

·         Rs.300 crore –Mid-Day Meal scheme.

·         Rs. 260 crore –ICT Project to impart computer education from        class 6^th to 12^th.

·         Rs.121 crore –Rashtriya Madhyamik Sikhsha Abhiyan (RMSA).

·         Rs.26 crore –Recurring charges of 21 model schools and 21 girl hostels in educationally backward blocks.

·         Rs.21 crore –Sakshar Bharat Mission.

·         Rs.18 crore –Vocational education programme.

·         Rs.10 crore –EDUSAT Project.

·         Rs.10 crore –Scholarship to brilliant students.

86.                 The government has accorded top priority to recruitment of teachers. As many as 42,850 new teachers have been recruited since the year 2007 till date and the state government is in process to recruit 13,698 teachers during 2014-15.The government has also decided to fill the backlog of 167 posts of visually impaired JBT/ETT teachers and 4,445 vacant posts of different cadres in privately managed recognized aided schools. The state aims to achieve 100% GER, 100% NER, Zero dropout and 100% retention by the end of 12^th Plan. The literacy rate of the state has improved to 76.7% against all India level of 74.04% as per 2011 census.

87.                 To encourage our young children further for academic excellence, Dr. Hargobind Khurana Scholarship scheme was launched on 1^st August, 2013. A total of 3288 brilliant students who have scored at least 80% marks in class 10^th examination, have been selected for annual scholarship of Rs.30,000 per student. An outlay of Rs.10 crore has been provided for this scheme in the Annual Plan 2014-15.

88.                 In order to provide quality education to poor and meritorious students of government schools, the state has set up 6 residential schools with a capacity of 500 students each in the districts of Amritsar, Bathinda, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Mohali and Patiala. These schools will impart free education in English medium to meritorious students of class 11^th and 12^th who have secured 80% and above in the class 10 of government schools. The classes will start in these schools w.e.f. 1^st August, 2014.

89.                 The state is implementing Mid Day Meal scheme in 20,369 schools for approximately 18 lac students. All school students at elementary level and all SC students at secondary level get free books from the government.      

90.                 6,487 schools have been covered under the ICT Project for imparting computer education to students of 6^th to 12^th classes. Under EDUSAT programme, 2,789 Receive Only Terminals (ROTs) have been installed in all government senior secondary and high schools. 2,983 EDUSAT libraries have been setup in senior secondary and secondary schools. Through these libraries students studying in government schools from class 6^th to 12^th can view and listen to lectures mixed with multimedia content of their choice.

HIGHER EDUCATION

91.                 Punjab Higher Education Council has been constituted to plan, implement, monitor and take quality initiatives for making Higher Education relevant to the needs of the students. Rashtriya Uchchttar Shiksha Abhiyaan (RUSA) would be implemented with a view to attain higher levels of access, equity and excellence in the state higher education system with greater efficiency, transparency, accountability and responsiveness. An amount of Rs.100 crore has been provided for different activities under this programme like upgradation of 4 existing degree colleges to model degree colleges, setting up of 2 new model colleges, 2 new professional colleges and vocationalization of higher education in 13 government colleges. The state government released Rs. 148 crore to Punjabi University Patiala, Punjab University Chandigarh and Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar during 2013-14. An amount of Rs.161 crore has been provided for this purpose during 2014-15.

SPORTS

92.                 The outlay for the department is Rs.33 crore for the year 2014-15, the important schemes are –

·         Rs.13 crore – Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan Scheme for developing play ground facilities in 1233 villages.

·         Rs.2 crore - Gymnasium equipment in the memory of Sahibzada Jujhar Singh and for sports equipment in the memory of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh.

·         Rs.3 crore –For organizing National/International sports event(s).

·         Rs.3 crore –Rural Youth/Sports Clubs.

·         Rs.7 crore –National Service Scheme.

93.                 The state government is making earnest efforts to promote sports in the state. With a view to provide more sports facilities, a Comprehensive Sports Policy has been implemented. As per this policy, the Cash Incentives provided to the gold medallists of Olympics, Asian and Commonwealth Games have been increased to Rs.2.25 crore, 26 lacs & 16 lacs respectively. Significant enhancement has been made for silver and bronze medallists also. The government has decided to create 125 posts for sportspersons from the state who win medals in Olympics, Asian and Commonwealth.

94.                 An International Standard Hockey Stadium has been constructed at a cost of Rs.41.50 crore at Sahibazada Ajit Singh Nagar. Besides this, 6 Hockey Stadiums and 10 Multipurpose Stadiums have been constructed/ renovated at a cost of Rs. 200 crore.

95.                  The Govt. is committed to provide latest sports infrastructure to the sportspersons of the state. An 8-lane Synthetic Athletic Track would be laid at Multipurpose Stadium, Bathinda at a cost of Rs.6.48 crore and a Synthetic Football Ground would be laid at Mahilpur, District Hoshiarpur at a cost of Rs.5.45 crore.

96.                 To encourage the traditional game of Circle Kabaddi, 4^th Kabaddi World Cup was organized in the state from 30^th November to 14^th December, 2013 in which 11 men and 8 women teams participated. The Champion Team in Men Section was given a Prize Money of Rs.2 crore. The total Prize Money in this tournament was Rs.6.92 crore. The Govt. of Punjab would continue promoting traditional games of the state.

97.                 With the view to prepare a sizeable pool of elite athletes and to groom them as medal prospects at National and International Competitions, the Govt. of Punjab has decided to establish Punjab Institute of Sports (PIS) at SAS Nagar. For this purpose, an amount of Rs. 50 crore would be spent from the 'Dedicated Sports Fund'. With PIS at the apex level, Centres of Excellence in selected Sports disciplines would be set up in the State. The admitted players would be provided nutritious diet, medical aid, sports equipment, education, transport and scientific training under expert Indian & foreign coaches.

GREENING PUNJAB

98.                 Hon’ble Chief Minister launched Green Punjab Mission in 2013-14. Under the Mission, a sum of Rs.50 crore has been spent and plantation over an area of 3,700 ha done. The Mission would be strengthened in the coming years with contribution from the public, industry, boards and corporations of the state government. For rehabilitation of waterlogged and degraded areas through bio-drainage, agro forestry and other plantation activities, a three year project at a cost of Rs.90 crore has been initiated.

HEALTH

99.                 Our Government has accorded top priority to upgradation of infrastructure in terms of man power, civil works and equipment in the hospitals. A sum of Rs. 1022 crore is proposed to be spent (CS Rs. 624 crore: SS+ Rs. 398 crore) in 2014-15. The important schemes are:-

·         Rs. 600 crore - For providing affordable and accountable health care services to the community

·         Rs. 40 crore - For providing emergency response  services (108-Ambulance Services) medical helpline (104) in the State.

·         Rs. 25 crore - For treatment of cancer patients under CM Cancer Relief Fund.

·         Rs. 15 crore - Medical Insurance for the poor people.

·         Rs. 50 crore - Creation of cancer and drug de-addiction treatment infrastructure.

·         Rs. 25 crore - Social security for unorganized workers.

·         Rs. 40 crore - To provide awareness among masses and also treatment of HIV/AIDS affected people.

100.              The state has recorded an impressive performance in regard to important health Indicators. The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) declined by 16 points from 44 in 2006 to 28 in 2012. The state has been awarded an amount of Rs.107 crore and Rs.109 crore respectively during 2012-13& 2013-14. Neonatal Mortality has come down from 28 in the year 2008 to 19 in 2010. Very few States have been able to achieve this. The Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) declined from 192 in 2004-06 to 155 in 2010-12. The child sex ratio has also improved from 798 in 2001 to 857 in 2012.

101.              NRHM has been extended to National Health Mission by including National Urban Health Mission and non communicable diseases. An amount of Rs. 600croreis proposed to be spent in 2014-15. Under the progressive plan prepared by the state, it has been proposed to upgrade infrastructure worth Rs. 111 crore. This includes one District Hospital, two SDH, 11 CHCs, and, 33 PHCs (in urban areas). Rs. 60crorehas been earmarked for generic drug supplies and Rs.5crorehas been earmarked for upgradation and strengthening of Pharmacies in hospitals. Special emphasis has been given for deployment of additional manpower.

102.              In step towards providing responsive healthcare services in the year 2011-12, the state introduced Emergency Medical Response Services by deploying 240 fully equipped ambulances (108- Ambulance Services) all over the state. A sum of Rs.39crorehas been earmarked for 2014-15. Nearly 8.10 lac lives have been saved so far.

103.              In another major initiative, the government has launched the 104 medical helpline to provide 24x7 medical advice/information, complaints/ grievances redressal, counselling services to persons suffering for HIV/AIDS, STI/RTI, drug addiction, depression and also track pregnant mothers and children for providing all ante-natal and post natal services. Rs.1 crore has been earmarked for setting up of a Call Centre for this purpose.

104.              Apart from this, the Bhagat Puran Singh Sehat Bima Yojna has been launched to provide healthcare to blue card holder families. This scheme alongwith other health insurance schemes like Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna, and Aam Aadmi Bima Yojna, will substantially mitigate the hardship caused to poor families on account of medical expenses. Rs. 40 crore have been allocated for 2014-15 for these schemes, through which 5.23 lacs BPL families and 15.40 lac Blue Cardholder families will be provided free medical treatment up to Rs. 30000/-.

105.              Rs. 36 crore has been earmarked for treatment of persons affected with HIV/AIDS and generating awareness. Rs. 4 crore has been earmarked for providing funds to Punjab State Blood Transfusion Council for making access to safe blood and promotion of voluntary blood donation programme.

106.              Cancer is a major problem in the state. The state government has taken several measures for treatment of cancer patients. Chief Minister Cancer Relief Fund provides assistance of Rs. 1.5 lac for treatment of cancer in various government and empanelled private hospitals. Financial assistance of Rs. 173 crore has been given to 15256 cancer patients so far, and an outlay of Rs. 25 crore has been provided under this scheme this year. Infrastructure for treatment of cancer in all the three government medical colleges is being upgraded at a cost of Rs 250 crore. A 100-bedded advanced Cancer Diagnostic Treatment & Research Centre at Bathinda at a cost of Rs.60 crore will be operationalized soon. A Radiotherapy centre with an outlay of Rs. 50 crore is being constructed in Civil Hospital, Sangrur in collaboration with TMC Mumbai, which is also in the process of setting up a state of the art Cancer Hospital and Reseach Centre at Medicity. Tertiary Cancer Centres are being set up at Hoshiarpur and Fazilka at a cost of Rs 90 crore.

MEDICAL EDUCATION

107.              The outlay has been increased from Rs. 136 crore in 2013-14 to Rs.200 crore in 2014-15. The important projects are -

·         Rs.100crore- Up-gradation of infrastructure in Government Medical, Dental and Ayurvedic Colleges/ Hospitals.

·         Rs.100crore- Setting up of AIIMS like institute in the state.

SOCIAL SECURITY

108.              An allocation of Rs.1,528 crore has been earmarked for the Department of Social Security Women & Child Development in the year 2014-15 including -

·         Rs.684crore - for disbursement of Old Age and other pensions to 20 lac beneficiaries. Besides 2 lac beneficiaries belonging to BPL families would receive additional pensions under National Social Assistance Programme.

·         Rs.62.50 crore-for empowerment of girl child under Bebe Nanaki Ladli Beti Kalyan Scheme, Mai Bhago Vidya Scheme, (free bicycles to girl students) and Scholarship to Poor Girls for Admission in Professional Courses.

·         Rs.15.78 crore-for the National Mission for Empowerment of Women including Indira Gandhi Matritve Sehyog Yojana

·         Rs.614 crore-for Integrated Child Development Services to provide supplementary nutrition to cover 15 lac children and pregnant mothers and construction of buildings of Anganwadi Centres in the state.

·         Rs.34 crore-for Rajiv Gandhi (SABLA) scheme to provide nutrition to the adolescent girls and promote awareness about health, hygiene, family and child care.

·         Rs.24 crore-for Integrated Child Protection Scheme for the protection of rights of children.

WELFARE OF SCs AND BCs

109.              Welfare of SCs, BCs and Minorities is the top priority of the state government. The outlay under this head has been increased from Rs.596 crore in the Annual Plan 2013-14 to Rs.819 crore in the Annual Plan 2014-15. The important schemes are-

·         Rs.278 crore-for Multi-Sectoral Development programmes for minorities including scholarships to minority students and infrastructure development of minority concentration blocks.

·         Rs.255 crore-for the development of Scheduled Castes including scholarships to SC’s students.

·         Rs.75.40 crore- for development of Backward Classes including scholarships to BC’s students.

·         Rs.90 crore-for Shagun @ Rs. 15000 per beneficiary to SC/BC/Christian Girls/Widows/Divorcee and daughters of widows of any caste at the time of their marriage.

·         Rs.50 crore- for Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana for infrastructural development in SC villages

·         Rs.20 crore- for attendance scholarship to SC/BC/EWS primary girl students.

·         Rs.10 crore- for vocational training in ITI’s for SC students.

·         Rs.10 crore-for houses to houseless SCs in rural and urban areas.

110.              The State Government will also provide Rs. 10 crore as Share Capital to Punjab State Scheduled Castes Land Development & Finance Corporation and BACKFINCO each in the year 2014-15.

SCHEDULED CASTES SUB PLAN

111.              State Government has taken a major policy decision by declaring the Directorate of Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCSP) the nodal department for the effective implementation of plan schemes earmarked for the SC population. 32% of the plan outlay equal to the percentage of SC population in the state is earmarked for the SCSP in the Annual Plan 2014-15. Out of the total plan size of Rs.20,100 crore, a sum of Rs.6,432 crore has been earmarked for SCSP.

HOME

112.              An amount of Rs.293.67 crore has been allocated in Annual Plan  2014-15. The important schemes are as under -

·         Rs 200 crore-for Infrastructure Facility for Judiciary.

·         Rs. 36.67 crore-for Modernisation of Police & other Forces.

·         Rs. 50 crore-Police Training

·         Rs. 5 crore-for Setting up Suvidha centres.

·         Rs.2 crore-for Prevention of Crime and Improvement of Police Public Relations

113.              During the year 2013-14 crime situation in the state remained under control. Terrorist activities have been kept under effective surveillance. The Police recovered large quantities of illicit arms as well as drugs and narcotics during the year 2013-14.

114.              Continuing with its commitment to improve the delivery of services to the citizens of the State, the Punjab government took the initiative of setting up a unique toll-free Punjab Police Helpline ‘Dial 181’, which was launched by Sardar Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, on August 22, 2013. DIAL 181 Punjab Police Helpline provides round-the-clock response, support and assistance to women, children, senior citizens, NRIs and other citizens. Since the launch of the Police Helpline by the Punjab Police on August 22, 2013, over 2,80,000 calls have been received at the Helpline from people of the State. Under the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & System (CCTNS), all Police Stations are getting connected.

115.              A new office of NRI & Women Wing has been opened at S.A.S. Nagar. The NRI Wing is the nodal authority at the State Level for monitoring inquiries/investigations involving NRIs and Women.

116.              Traffic Education has been assigned a high priority. Traffic education cells have been setup in the districts to bring awareness about traffic rules and regulations. It is also proposed to introduce traffic education as a subject in the schools to educate the children about road safety.

117.              In an endeavour to ensure a safe environment to the people of the State and make our largest and prestigious cities ‘safe’, Ludhiana and Amritsar, would be developed as ‘Safe Cities’ on the pattern of New York City by deploying the latest and most sophisticated crime prevention technology solutions.

118.              The ‘Safe City’ Project involves installation of smart cameras, various types of sensors, and Automatic License Plate readers at all city entry and exit points, important traffic junctions, shopping malls, etc.  The implementation of the ‘Safe City’ Project over the next 12-15 months at a cost of about 150 crore rupees would revolutionise policing and public safety operations in the State bringing it on par with the most modern cities in the world.

DEFENCE SERVICES WELFARE

119.              An amount of Rs. 33.71 crore has been allocated in Annual Plan 2014-15 against the approved outlay of Rs. 26.33 crore in the financial year 2013-14 for the Defence Services Welfare for the following programmes -

·         Rs 30 crore - for setting up of a international standard War Memorial complex at Amritsar

·         Rs. 2 crore - for construction of new/old Sainik    Rest Houses.        

·         Rs.1.50 crore - for pre-recruitment training for wards of ex-servicemen and others.

Governance Reforms

120.              E-governance is essential to bring in efficiency and at the same time, make Citizen-Government interface more friendly and transparent. The focus shall be on development of core infrastructure and back-end automation/computerization for effective delivery of citizen services through electronic governance and to push governance reforms & accountability in its administrative structure at all levels.

121.              e-District Projecthas been successfully implemented with automated back-end process for delivery of 47 services in 2 Pilot districts of Kapurthala and SBS Nagar. Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister has launched horizontal roll-out of this project from Mansa district for remaining 20 districts.

122.              Web-Suwidha Project has been implemented in all DC/ SDM offices. Under the Project, there will be Web-enablement of Suwidha software that is already implemented in all Suwidha Centres, for anywhere access of the application and centralized monitoring of citizen service delivery. All 2112 Common Service Centres are already operational and providing Business to Citizen (B2C)/Government to Citizen (G2C) services to the citizens. Government services will be provided through this network under e-district roll-out programme.

123.              The State Government has signed Tri-Partite agreement with GoI to create National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN). The survey for NOFN Punjab is in progress. There is a plan to connect all the Panchayats.

124.              Under Punjab Right to Service Act, 2011, 80 more services have been notified in addition to existing 69 services.

BORDER AREA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

125.              Under the Border Area Development Programme, an amount of Rs.40 crore is proposed for 19 border blocks of six districts for upgrading infrastructure relating to education, health, agriculture and allied infrastructure in social sector for the year 2014-15, against Rs. 35.26 crore for the year 2013-14. Apart from this, Rs. 62.50 crore are proposed for upgradation of power, road connectivity, health infrastructure and water supply & sanitation.

AADHAAR AND DIRECT BENEFIT TRANSFER

126.              The state government is successfully implementing the programme of Aadhaar for providing Unique Identification Number to the entire population. At present, 2.59 crore residents out of total 2.77 crore population have been enrolled. 34 schemes have been taken up for Direct Benefit Transfer in 5 pilot districts of Gurdaspur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Jalandhar and Barnala. An amount of Rs. 25 crore has been disbursed through Aadhaar Payment Bridge to 1.12 lac beneficiaries under 7 schemes of the departments of Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes and Social Security and Women & Child Development.

127.              Our government has started the disbursement of pensions at the doorsteps of beneficiaries through Electronic Benefit Transfers (EBT) in collaboration with the commercial banks. This scheme is in operation in the districts of Ludhiana, Mukatsar, Mansa and Fazilka. The state is set to enrol all the beneficiaries under state schemes through a targeted programme for UID and the account of beneficiaries would be Aadhaar enabled. This should check the possible forgery and impersonation in social security schemes and will weed out the fake beneficiaries.

Excise and Taxation

128.              The Punjab Government has introduced a number of Trader Friendly and Welfare Schemes viz.,

·         Punjab Small Traders Rahat Scheme, 2014

·          Online Refund Disbursal and Star Rating Scheme

·         Voluntary Disclosure Scheme

·         Single Stage Taxation

·          Annual Award Scheme

·         Social Security Scheme for Business Community of Punjab

·         Revival Package for Iron & Steel Industry

Skill development

129.              Mr Speaker Sir, I will now turn to one of our highest priorities in the coming years, which is the skill development of our youth in the State. The Government will strengthen and upgrade the existing skill training infrastructure and will partner with reputed private training partners towards meeting the skill development requirements of the State. The Department of Technical Education and Industrial Training will be renamed as the Department of Technical Education and Skill Development and similarly the Board of Technical Education and Industrial Training would be renamed as the Board of Technical Education and Skill Development to ensure necessary focus and co-ordination of various Skill Development schemes and initiatives in the State.

130.              It is envisaged to revamp and empower the State Skill Development Mission under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Chief Minister with three tiers at State, District and Block level. The Mission will be single point within the Government to formulate and steer various skill development schemes. The Mission will bring necessary synergy, oversight and effective co-ordination in the implementation of the skill development schemes across the departments.

131.              The State Government shall make efforts towards skilling approximately 3 lacs youth at a cost of over Rs 500 crore during the current year 2014-15 utilizing the training capacity of various government and private institutions as well as engaging with other reputed private training providers. The Department-wise efforts shall be as follows:

(Rs. in crore)

132.              The State Government will also partner with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in the implementation of various schemes and initiatives for skill development in the State.

133.              The State Government in partnership with the leading Corporate houses, has already set up Construction Development Centre (L&T), Driving and Automotive Skill Centre (Tata Motors) at Muktsar and Training Centre in Retail Marketing (Bharti-Wall Mart Ltd.) in Amritsar.

134.              The State Government has also set up a Foreign Employment and Information and Training Bureau for guidance and placement of candidates in foreign countries, which would impart training to 10,000 aspiring candidates during 12^th Plan.

135.              The State Government has further signed MOU with M/s Tata Sons towards improving and upgrading of 6 ITIs. The State Government also proposes to set up a Multi Skill Development Centre in partnership with private sector at Ludhiana with a training capacity of 10,000 candidates per annum. The MSDC will be set up in accordance with the global standards and will be a training cum production centre.

Drug addiction

136.              The state government is committed to eradicate drug menace in an effective manner. To address the issue of inadequate infrastructure in the state for cancer and drug addiction treatment, the state government has enacted the Punjab State Cancer and Drug Addiction Treatment Infrastructure Act, 2013. Rs.109 crore have been collected for creation of cancer and drug de-addiction treatment infrastructure. The state is in the process of operationalisation of five state-of-the-art 50-bedded drug de-addiction centres at Bathinda, Faridkot, Patiala, Jalandhar and Amritsar at a cost of Rs 25 crores. Apart from this, 31 ten-bedded drug de-addiction centres are being set up in district hospitals and selected sub divisional hospitals at a cost of Rs 20 crores. The government now proposes to set up Rehabilitation Centres in each district at a cost of Rs 100 crores. The state intends to take a holistic approach to this menace with the following planks:

·         Educate parents or other care givers, teachers, coaches, religious leaders, health professionals, and business and community leaders to help youth reject illegal drugs and underage alcohol and tobacco use.

·         Pursue a vigorous advertising and public communications program dealing with the dangers of drug, alcohol, and tobacco use by youth.

·         Support and promote effective, efficient, and accessible drug treatment, ensuring the development of a system that is responsive to emerging trends in drug abuse.

·         Strengthen law enforcement to combat drug-related violence, disrupt organizations that supply drugs and arrest the leaders of illegal drug syndicates.

·         We are confident that in the coming two years we will wipe out this scourge from our state.

BUDGET ESTIMATES 2014-15

137.              Mr. Speaker, Sir, I now present before this august House the Budget Estimates for the financial year 2014-15 which are as under: -

BUDGET AT A GLANCE

138.              The total Budget size for the year 2014-15 is 73,593 crore. However the effective budget size is 58,593 crore as the above figure contains a budget provision of 15,000 crore towards ways and means transactions for the current year. The year begins with a positive opening balance of 267 crore. The total receipts are likely to be 56,752 crore. The closing balance at the end of 2014-15 would be 227 crore. The details are as follows -

(Rs. in crore)

* Excludes a sum of Rs. 13,000 crore for 2013-14 (RE) and Rs. 15,000 crore for 2014-15 (BE) on account of receipts & payments into ways and means/overdraft.

Excess of Expenditure over Receipts in 2014-15 (BE) – Rs. 1,841 crore to be met from Public Account (Rs. 1,801 crore), Opening Balance (Rs. 267 crore) with Closing Balance of Rs. 227 crore.

CONCLUSION

Mr. Speaker Sir,

                                I record my sincere gratitude to our beloved Chief Minister Sardar Parkash Singh Badal Ji and our dynamic Deputy Chief Minister Sardar Sukhbir Singh Badal Ji for their valuable guidance and support. .

                                I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir and all my esteemed Cabinet colleagues and all the members of this august house for their valuable suggestions.

                                I also thank the Principal Secretary Finance, Secretary Planning and the team of officers in the Departments of Finance and Planning who have been working tirelessly for the formulation and preparation of budget and annual plan for the year 2014-15.

                                Sir, with these words, I commend the Budget proposals of Rs.73,593 crore and the Annual Plan for Rs. 20,100 crore for the year 2014-15 to this august house for approval.

Jai Hind”