Maha Budget does not put burden on common man: CM

Addressing a press conference after Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar presented his second budget in the Legislative Assembly, Chavan said the budget focuses on agricultural development, infrastructure improvement and power generation.

He said the annual plan was fixed at Rs 45,000 crore and the state's growth rate in 2011-12 was expected to 8.5%. Chavan expressed satisfaction that "the budget did not put a heavy tax burden on the common man".

Ajit Pawar, who was also present at the press conference, said he had tried to usher in fiscal discipline. Through the new tax proposals, he said, he expected to get Rs 600 crore. "This year sales tax collection had achieved growth of 20%. We plan to fix leakages and ensure increase in revenue collection," he added. Pawar also said the infrastructure needs of Mumbai were also kept in mind, with provisions made for expediting water transport project and upgradation of health and medical education infrastructure.

NCP (to which Ajit Pawar belongs) said the budget was progressive and growth oriented. Adequate provisions have been made for power generation, roads, tourism, senior citizens, police, agriculture, MMRDA, upgradation of district courts, grain storage, it said.