Gehlot slams Centre for slashing funds

CHIEF MINISTER SAID IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, A REDUCTION OF ~4172 CRORE FROM THE CENTRAL TAXES AND ~3176 CRORE IN VARIOUS CENTRALLY SPONSORED SCHEMES IS EXPECTED

JAIPUR: Blaming Centre’s shortsightedness, Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot is revising development works in the state to tide over a weak economy.

Gehlot has asked the officials to revise the priorities of development works in the state in view of the reduction in the share amount and grants received from the Central government.

He said that focus should be on increasing revenue collection from the state’s own resources to tide overcome the situation.

After holding a review meeting of finance department he said, “The revenue receipts have come down due to the weak economy of the country and shortsighted decisions of the Central government including GST (goods and service tax), which has impacted Rajasthan.”

He said in the current financial year, a reduction of ~4172 crore from the central taxes and ~3176 crore in various centrally sponsored schemes is expected.

In financial year, 2018-19, the state received around ~5600 crore less and there are possibilities of receiving ~ 7348 crore less in the current financial year from the Centre.

“In view of this, the priority of the developmental works needs to be looked at afresh,” he said.

Gehlot asked the officials to make necessary efforts for revenue collection to strengthen the financial situation of the state. “In the last tenure (Congress government) there was efficient financial management and similarly an action plan should be made to take the state on the path of development,” he said.