Himachal assembly passes 2012-13 budget

Shimla, March 30 (IANS) The Himachal Pradesh assembly Friday passed the general budget for fiscal 2012-13 and related appropriation bill, authorising the government to spend Rs.21,738.32 crore from the consolidated fund.

With Speaker Tulsi Ram applying the guillotine before the house was adjourned for the day, the bill was moved by Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, who also holds the finance portfolio.

Cut motions moved by the opposition Congress were defeated in the house.

The largest amount allocated was Rs.7,025 crore for the finance department, which included meeting committed liabilities such as repayment of loans and interest payments.

The budgetary allocation of Rs.3,113.78 crore was approved for meeting the expenditure needs of education, followed by Rs.2,642.41 crore for public works, which includes roads and bridges, Rs.1,693.67 crore for irrigation and water supply and Rs.947.85 crore for family and health.

Dhumal had presented a budget for Rs.20,243 crore March 19, which included an annual plan of Rs.3,700 crore.