Union Budget 2013: It's totally disappointing, Naveen says

BHUBANESWAR: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday described the Union Budget 2013-14 as 'totally disappointing' and said it contains no significant policy to revive growth in the economy, tackle inflation and ensure food security for the poor.
"The Budget has belied the expectations of the common man. It is totally disappointing. It has bypassed the development needs of the people of Odisha," Naveen told journalists.
Stating that the Budget does not have any special measure to contain inflation which is seriously hurting the 'aam aadmi', Naveen said it was 'unfortunate' that allocation for Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) has been drastically curtailed in the revised estimates of the current financial and in the Budget estimates for 2013-14.
"The budgetary allocation for implementation of the food security bill is grossly inadequate. It will only remain as an expression of intent without any commitment," the CM said, taking a dig at the Congress-led UPA government's plan to enact a law on food security.
Naveen further criticized Chidambaram for slashing the central assistance to state plan. "The budgetary allocation for central assistance to state plan has been drastically reduced in the revised estimates and only marginally increased in the budget estimates for 2013-24," he said. "Unfortunately full provision has not been made for CST (central sales tax) compensation to the states," he added.
The Odisha government has been claiming a compensation of Rs 1,235 core from the Centre as compensation for the losses due to reduction in CST rates and delay in introduction in the proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST).
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