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Madhya Pradesh's Rs 13,156 Crore Budget Battle: Stormy Session Ends Amid Debt Debate

The Madhya Pradesh winter session wrapped up with the passage of a hefty supplementary budget. The government defended its spending on capital projects and welfare schemes. Meanwhile, the opposition launched a sharp critique of the state's growing debt burden. The session highlighted a clear divide on the state's fiscal priorities.

Key Points: MP Assembly Passes Rs 13,156 Crore Supplementary Budget in Winter Session

  • Finance Minister Jagdish Devda outlined key allocations for housing, welfare, and local bodies
  • Opposition Leader Umang Singhar raised concerns over rising state debt and stalled schemes
  • The budget includes Rs 4,000 crore for PM Awas Yojana and Rs 1,794 crore for Ladli Behna Scheme
  • Chief Minister Mohan Yadav pledged inclusive development following PM Modi's 'Sabka Saath' vision
2 min read

MP Assembly winter session adjourned sine die; Rs 13,156 crore second adjunct budget passed

Madhya Pradesh's winter session ends with passage of a Rs 13,156 crore supplementary budget after heated debate on state debt and welfare spending.

"Loans were being taken strictly within rules and repayments were being made on time. - Finance Minister Jagdish Devda"

Bhopal, Dec 5

On the concluding day of the winter session of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, the House passed the second supplementary budget of Rs 13, 156 crore after an intense debate between the treasury benches and the opposition.

While the government projected the budget as a step towards inclusive development, the opposition raised sharp questions over rising debt, stalled schemes, and alleged financial mismanagement.

During the discussion, Finance Minister Jagdish Devda outlined the allocations, stressing that the government was committed to capital expenditure rather than borrowing for revenue spending.

He highlighted provisions including Rs 4,000 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Rs 2,000 crore for procurement institutions, Rs 1,794 crore under the Chief Minister’s Ladli Behna Scheme, Rs 1,632.50 crore as grants to local bodies under the 15th Finance Commission, Rs 650 crore for land acquisition and development charges, Rs 500 crore for Bhavantar, and Rs 122 crore for PM Samagra Shiksha.

Another Rs 100 crore was earmarked for the Dharti Aaba Janjawat Gram Utkrisht Abhiyan of the school education department.

Devda informed the House that approximately Rs 4,575 crore would be available from the Centre and internal sources, leaving a net additional burden of Rs 7,515 crore on the State Consolidated Fund.

Of this, Rs 7,449 crore has been allocated under the revenue head and Rs 5,020 crore under the capital head. He asserted that loans were being taken strictly within rules and repayments were being made on time.

In a pointed attack on the Congress, he alleged that the previous government had borrowed to pay salaries and build houses for its leaders, whereas the present dispensation was investing in infrastructure and welfare.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also addressed the Assembly, reiterating that his government was working to fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”

He assured that development would be carried out without discrimination, even in constituencies represented by opposition MLAs.

Leader of the Opposition Umang Singhar, however, questioned the rising debt burden and accused the government of borrowing at higher rates compared to other states.

He flagged issues such as the blacklisting of over 250 contractors under the Jal Jeevan Mission, stalled schemes due to the lack of funds, and the unfulfilled promise of Rs 5 crore MLA funds.

The passage of the supplementary budget thus capped a stormy session, reflecting both the government’s confidence in its development agenda and the opposition’s persistent concerns over fiscal discipline.

sktr/pd/dan

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Rs 13,156 crore is a huge amount! While development is needed, the opposition's questions on debt are valid. We can't keep borrowing endlessly. The government must present a clear roadmap for fiscal consolidation. Jai Hind.
A
Aman W
The focus on capital expenditure for infrastructure is the right approach. That's how you build for the future, not just spend on salaries. Kudos to the FM for outlining the plan. Hope the execution matches the promise.
S
Sneha F
The blacklisting of 250+ contractors under Jal Jeevan Mission is a serious red flag raised by the opposition. Where is the accountability? We need clean governance along with big budgets.
V
Vikram M
As a taxpayer from MP, I appreciate the transparency in breaking down the budget. Rs 4000 cr for housing, Rs 1794 cr for Ladli Behna... these are welcome steps. But the net burden of Rs 7515 cr on the state fund is concerning. Hope it's managed well.
K
Karthik V
The CM's assurance of development even in opposition constituencies is a good sentiment. Politics should not come in the way of progress. Let's see if it happens on the ground. The session seems to have been lively, as it should be in a democracy!

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