The Odisha Legislative Assembly passed the Odisha Appropriation (Vote-on-Account No.2) Bill, 2024, authorizing the state government to withdraw ₹95,000 crore from the Consolidated Fund to cover expenditures for August and September of the ongoing financial year. Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, who also oversees the finance department, presented the Bill.
Despite protests from the Opposition, including members of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress, the Bill was passed by a voice vote. Opposition members walked out in protest. This marks the second Vote-on-Account passed this financial year, following the first one approved in February that covered April to July expenditures.
Details of the Bill
The ₹95,000 crore appropriation includes:
- 30% allocated for revenue expenditure
- 40% for capital expenditure
- Additional funds for disaster management, social security, pensions, judiciary, and elections
CM Majhi emphasized that the Bill ensures the availability of resources for essential government schemes and emergency work.
Session Adjournment
Following the Bill’s passage, Speaker Surama Padhy adjourned the House until 10:30 AM on August 20 for the second phase of the session.
Opposition’s Concerns
During the debate, Opposition MLAs questioned the status of Odisha’s special category status. Majhi responded that the issue has been raised and rejected multiple times over the past 24 years on various national platforms. He criticized the opposition for trying to gain political leverage by demanding special category status and explained that Odisha’s request has been denied because it does not meet the criteria established by the Fifth Finance Commission in 1969.
Financial Allocations Debate
Majhi addressed claims by BJD leader Arun Kumar Sahoo that Andhra Pradesh and Bihar received more central budget allocations despite having fewer BJP-affiliated MPs. Majhi countered by questioning why BJD couldn’t secure more funds when it had 20 MPs, urging the opposition to review the Union Budget provisions and recognize the benefits Odisha has received.
Railway Budget Highlight
Highlighting the railway budget, Majhi noted that Odisha received over ₹10,500 crore this year, which is 12.5 times more than the allocation in 2014. He argued that this significant increase represents a substantial special package for the state.
Conclusion
Majhi concluded by citing several instances where Odisha has received improved funding from the central budget, reinforcing his argument that the state’s financial needs are being met adequately by the current administration.