BHOPAL: The State budget evoked mixed reaction from the public on Wednesday. While government employees have welcomed it, business community is waiting for Goods and Services Tax (GST) as state government has not proposed any fresh tax from business point of view.
MP Employees’ Association president Arun Dwivedi welcomed the budget as finance minister announced that 7th pay commission recommendations will be implemented from January 2016. However, the association demanded that the government should clarify mode of arrear payment. Confusion still prevails among employees about mode of payment of 18 months’ arrears. “We are not sure as to in how many installments will we receive our arrears,” said Dwivedi.
Hailing the state budget, ASSOCHAM general secretary DS Rawat termed it as “balanced and growth-oriented.”
“Focus is on agriculture sector which is the mainstay of MP’s economy. Besides, initiatives like infrastructure development both in rural and urban areas, perking up of irrigation facilities, improving access to higher and technical education, sprucing up power sector, thrust on entrepreneurship and strengthening law and order situation will further encourage state’s economic growth agenda,” said Rawat.
Ravindra College Chairman Dr Rajesh Sharma said, “Budget reflects government’s foul intension for commercial use by shifting government and semi- government owned buildings, institutes and offices. Many schools, colleges and professional colleges will be targeted. For better commercial use, government may shift institutes to outskirt areas like Bhauri. Government may even shift MANIT to other location so that its land in prime location can be used for commercial purpose like lending it for 7-star hotel.”
DPS teacher Shikha Sharma said, “Facilities for students mentioned in the budget should also be made available to CBSE students after they crack various competitive examinations. Be the CBSE or state board students, they all belong to Madhya Pradesh. It is not justified to ignore CBSE students.”
Akhil Bharatiya Vyapar Mandal general secretary Anupam Agrawal said, “Budget neither proposed any tax nor offered any relief as FM Jayant Mallaiya is waiting for GST implementation. So picture will become clear after GST. At present, it is quite premature to comment on budget.”
