Odisha Govt Unlikely To Present Full-Fledged Budget

The Odisha Government may introduce an interim budget instead of a full-fledged one in view of the forthcoming Panchayat and Municipal elections in the State.

Speaking to reporters, Odisha Assembly Speaker, Surjya Narayan Patro, said, “The process for the upcoming Panchayat and Zilla Parishad elections are underway which will be followed by Municipality and Notified Area Council (NAC) polls. As per the information available, an interim budget, instead of a full-fledged one, will be tabled this time. The Finance Minister, however will be able to give the details in this regard as he presents the budget.”

Responding to media queries on the schedules of the budget session of Odisha Assembly, Patro said, “The State government hasn’t moved the proposal for the Budget session yet. The Budget is usually presented in March and discussions on the category of Budget to be presented this time are still underway. Nothing has been finalized as yet.”

However, as soon as Governor or the State Government proposes anything on the Budget session, it will be informed to the media, added the Speaker.

The elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) in the State will be held in five phases between February 16 and 24. 

The voting for 853 Zilla Parishad seats, 91,916 Wards and 6,794 Gram Panchayats will be held on February 16, 18, 20, 22 and February 24 between 7 am and 1 pm while the counting of votes will be held on February 26, 27 and 28.