Odisha seeks suggestions from people for annual budget

Bhubaneswar: With an aim to give an opportunity to people to participate in the budget making process, the Odisha government today sought suggestions from people of different walks of life for preparation of the annual budget for the financial year 2019-20.

The state government is likely to present the annual budget in July.

Addressing a press meet at state secretariat here this afternoon, state Finance Minister Niranjan Pujari invited public to send their views and suggestions in order to make the budget an inclusive one.

“Members of the public, civil society organisation, advocacy groups and other stakeholders are requested to make use of this unique opportunity to participate in the budget making process of the state government,” Pujari said.

This facility will be available from June 4 to 15, he said.

The Department has developed a web portal called www.budget.odisha.gov.in where suggestions can be submitted. The page would host budget documents and suggestions.

The suggestions can also be mailed at [email protected]. Similarly, suggestions for the budget are also invited through Whatsapp, Telegram and SMS to Mobile number (+91)9438161111.

In order to make the budgetary process more open and participative using Information and Communication Technology, the Odisha government had been seeking public opinion for the last three financial years.

The Finance Department has been holding pre-budget consultations with a cross section of society.