Tax free, deficit Budget presented in Arunachal

ITANAGAR, March 19: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Mukut Mithi today presented a 'tax free' deficit Budget for 2001-2002 in the State Assembly proposing several stringent cuts in the expenditure to streamline the fiscal conditions, reports PTI. The Budget showed total receipt of Rs 1345.49 crore and expenditure of Rs 1346.92 crore showing an overall deficit of Rs 1.43 crore. Mithi, who also holds the finance portfolio, in his budget speech, proposed to ban the purchase of vehicles, foreign tours, creation or filling up of posts and engagement of consultants. If exception had to be made, 'in a rare case' it would have to be made with the prior approval of the Cabinet or himself, Mithi said. The Chief Minister also proposed a 20 per cent cut on travelling expenses, a 40 per cent cut on office expenses and other charges and 25 per cent reduction on fuel and maintenance of vehicles.