Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday held a detailed pre-budget meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who is also the Finance and Planning Minister, and reviewed the proposals and allocations to be included in the Budget 2018.
The meeting discussed the various inputs received through the series of pre-budget consultative meetings held by the Finance Minister and Finance Commissioner in various forums and levels, a CMO official said.
It was decided that the Government will further consult with all the community based organizations and other stakeholders before finalizing the budget, which is to be placed in state legislative Assembly in its session scheduled from March 9 to 16.
Meanwhile, in order to take suggestions and inputs from the common citizens, the Chief Minister along with Finance Minister launched the interactive website by the Finance Department www.arunachalbudget.in, which presents the info-graphics of the Budget 2017-18.
The main objective of the website is to facilitate participation of the common citizen in preparation of a wholesome budget for the next financial year.
In order to encourage people’s participation, the state government has kept cash prizes for the best three suggestions or inputs. While the best suggestion will get a cash prize of Rs 50000, the second best suggestion will be awarded Rs 30000 and the third best suggestion will bag Rs 20000.
Launching the website, Khandu said this is a first in the history of Arunachal Pradesh, wherein a common citizen is being given an opportunity to shape and write the annual budget for the state.
“We are committed to take Arunachal forward with the Team Arunachal mantra and each and every citizen of the state is a member of Team Arunachal, who has the right to shape the future of Arunachal Pradesh,” he said.
Khandu appealed to people to submit their suggestions online through the portal and become contributors in shaping the roadmap for development of the state along with the government.