The Union Territory's annual budget for 2010-11 has been estimated at Rs 4,430 crore, which included a Plan outlay of Rs 2,500 crore, non-Plan provision of Rs. 1,906.50 crore and Rs. 23.50 crore for Centrally-sponsored scheme.

Tax free

Presenting a tax-free budget in the Assembly on Thursday, Chief Minister V. Vaithilingam said as in the previous year, 60 per cent of the annual plan outlay for the next fiscal was earmarked for the social sector, including 16.19 per cent for the Scheduled Castes sub-plan and an outlay of 47 per cent for women empowerment.

Stressing the need for internal resource mobilisation for funding plan and non-plan schemes, he said as against the actual revenue realisation of Rs. 1,354 crore in 2008-09, the government anticipated an increase in mobilisation to the extent of Rs.1,500 crore during the current financial year by way of better recovery, follow-up and collecting past arrears.

Stating that the provision made under non-plan for 2010-11 was Rs. 1,906 crore, he said the Centre had sanctioned a non-plan gap grant of Rs. 493 crore and a non-plan loan amount of Rs. 72 crore.

In addition, Rs.190 crore would accrue as CST reimbursement for financing non-plan budget for the next financial year.

The remaining amount of Rs. 1,151.50 crore has to be met through internal resources, Mr Vaithilingam said.

Colour TV sets

Making clear his administration's resolve to fulfil all commitments made in the past, he said colour television sets would be provided to the beneficiaries in the coming financial year and in a short period government servants and pensioners would be given 30 per cent of the arrears as recommended by the Sixth Pay Commission.

In order to promote employment opportunities, the government would fill all vacant posts, including promotional posts. To address the grievances of pensioners, a separate cell in the Directorate of Accounts and Treasuries would be established, the Chief Minister said.