But there are pitfalls. The state government has a huge debt burden. Apart from this, the state has to maintain the balance of grants given to clubs, expenditure of money for various social security schemes and on the other hand bringing money into the government treasury. As a result, experts feel that this year’s budget is going to be challenging for Chandrima Bhattacharya. At the same time, the state has panchayat polls in May. Before that, experts are keeping an eye on whether any new direction is given to rural Bengal in this budget. In this case, the possibility of taking any steps in the ‘Krishakbandhu’ scheme cannot be ruled out.
On the other hand, the ‘Laxmi Bhandar’ scheme has received a very positive response in the state. This ‘Lakshmi Bhandar’ project is a big oxygen for the state government, not only in rural areas but also in urban areas. In such a situation, the state government can increase the budget allocation for Lakshmi Bhandar. Besides, at the moment there is exemption on stamp duty on house purchase by the state government. According to the concerned quarters, this stamp duty exemption may be announced in the budget for the next financial year as well. In that case, the middle class will be quite a solution. At present, schemes like Lakshmi Bhandar, Krishakbandhu, Student Credit Card, Joy Bangla are running in the state.
The state government may increase the allocation of 10 percent in all departments in this budget. Keeping the panchayat polls in mind, the budget allocation to the panchayat and rural development departments may be increased. Last time Chandrima Bhattacharya had proposed an expenditure of Rs 25181 crore in this department. This time it is considered that it may increase quite a bit.
On the other hand, Chandrima Bhattacharya should aim not only to spend but also to bring money to the treasury. In that case, experts believe that there may be changes in the tax structure in the transport sector. Besides, the people of the state are keeping an eye on whether any major decision is taken by Navanna to increase the income.