Odisha Appropriation Bill passed by Legislative Assembly

Bhubaneswar: The Legislative Assembly has passed the Odisha Appropriation Bill, 2018, allowing the state government to utilise the annual Budget of Rs 1.22 lakh crore for the current fiscal from its consolidated fund. The bill, introduced by state Finance Minister Sashi Bhusan Behera, was passed by voice vote.

"The government under the leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has stressed on agriculture, health, irrigation, social security, food security, skill development, education, and drinking water," Behera said.

Stating that the state government has made a provision of Rs 1,250 crore under the 'Ama Gaon, Ama Bikas' scheme, the finance minister said adequate stress has also been given on the health sector.

On the debt burden of the state, Behera said it was "well under the permissible limit" and that the state government has been successful in managing the fiscal situation.