Mixed response to state budget

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Budget, which was presented by finance minister Niranjan Pujari in the assembly here on Friday, evoked mixed response from the opposition leaders and representatives of industry bodies. Satwik Swain, secretary general, Odisha Assembly of Small and Medium Enterprises (OASME), said, "I am happy that the IT, electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM) sector has been given priority this time, including plug 'n' play facilities".

He said a special fund has been allocated for development of infrastructure in industrial estates and cluster development, which is the need of the hour after Make in Odisha. "Similarly, agribusiness has also been given priority it deserves. Overall, it's a good budget. Hope the funds allotted will be spent in its true spirit," he added.

Brahma Mishra, president of the Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCIL), said the state government has given priority to industry, agriculture, MSME, hotel and tourism and other important sectors.

"It is a popular budget, but our expectation for the MSME sector was more," he added. He said the state government should keep a separate fund for the MSME so that the enterprises could avail the fund without collateral. "State should help startups become unicorns. We do not have unicorns from Odisha," he added.

BJP state president Samir Mohanty dubbed this Odisha Budget a disappointing one. After 23 years, we cannot find the growth of the state we were expecting. "The state government has allocated Rs 20 crore for the Odia University. But the work of the institution is yet to be completed after six years," he added.

CPI state secretary Abhay Sahu said the government presented a budget keeping the election in mind.