MP budget on Feb 18, govt seeking public & industry inputs: Dy CM

Indore: Madhya Pradesh deputy chief minister Jagdish Devda on Saturday said that the state govt will present its budget on Feb 18 and is actively seeking suggestions from various sections of society through pre-budget consultations.Devda said that the govt was inviting members of the public, subject experts and stakeholders from different sectors to participate in budget dialogue to ensure wider representation of views. He said that discussions with experienced individuals from diverse fields would make the budget more practical and outcome-oriented. "We are making efforts to gather suggestions from all sectors. The general public and subject experts are being invited for dialogue on the budget. Meaningful discussions with experienced people from different fields will help us prepare a more effective budget," Devda said while addressing industrialists at an event.He said that consultations with industrialists, particularly from Indore, are expected to provide important insights for policy planning and economic priorities."Future discussions with industrial stakeholders will help shape a budget that is better and beneficial for everyone. Without dialogue, meaningful outcomes are difficult," he said.Devda visited an exhibition showcasing new technology in dal milling and food processing where more than 200 national and international machinery manufacturers participated, including companies from Turkey, England and Canada displaying advanced dal, rice and flour processing plants capable of producing high-quality flour, maida, rava, suji and besan. Firms from Taiwan, China and several Indian states also presented equipment for spices such as mustard, coriander and chilli.All India Dal Mill Association president Suresh Agarwal said that adoption of new technology would help deliver better-quality pulses and processed foods to consumers while enhancing efficiency in the sector.