UP government presents paperless Budget in Assembly

Uttar Pradesh government presented paperless Budget today for the first time. The Budget is keenly watched over as it is the last one to be presented by the BJP government, ahead of Assembly polls.

Lucknow:Yogi Adityanath government on Monday presented its first paperless budget in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly.

All legislators accessed the budget document on their iPads and it would also be uploaded on the Assembly's website. Legislators were also given the training to use iPads smoothly. This would be the last budget of the BJP government before the state goes to the polls early next year.

As the Opposition parties are set to grill the government on pressing issues, particularly those relating to the ongoing farmer protests, law and order and handling of coronavirus pandemic, Assembly Speaker Hriday Narain Dixit sought cooperation of leaders of all parties for smooth conduct of business.

At the all-party meeting, Chief Minister said, "We are committed to meaningful and constructive debates and deliberations to run proceedings for the maximum time. Keeping the high dignity of the House, if the serious discussion is carried forward, the dignity of the members will enhance and the public's faith in democracy will increase. The conduct of all of us in the House affects the society, gives a new direction, through which society then decides its direction."

"We would always be ready to successfully conduct the proceedings on behalf of the government and discuss the issues raised by the members," he said. Chief Minister said the government would make every effort to ensure positive action on all matters raised by members.

The Budget to be presented is likely to focus on the provision of employment to at least one person in a family, schemes for women and emphasises on the health care sector. It would be a populist Budget as elections are ahead, said Maneesh Gemka, Co-Chairman, PHD Chamber.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna too sought cooperation from all party leaders for the successful and smooth functioning of the House.

Bahujan Samaj Party leader Lalji Verma and Aradhana Mishra Mona of the Congress, Apna Dal (S) leader Neel Ratan Patel and Triveni Ram of the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party also attended the meeting.

Besides the presentation of the annual budget, the government is also likely to table important bills, including the one replacing the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance, 2020, which was promulgated with the approval of the governor in November last year.

The state cabinet had earlier approved the draft ordinance to curb forcible or "dishonest" religious conversions, including those for the sake of marriage, which could land violators in jail for up to 10 years.

(With inputs from agencies)