Two Northeastern States are gearing up for their respective budget sessions, with Arunachal Pradesh set to commence proceedings on February 8 and Meghalaya following suit on February 16.
The announcement, corroborated by a notification from Meghalaya Governor Phagu Chauhan, indicates the sessions will be convened at the temporary assembly chamber in Shillong’s Rilbong beginning at 10 am.
The decision to advance the budget sessions, traditionally held in March, stems from the impending Lok Sabha elections, underscoring the urgency to address fiscal matters ahead of electoral processes.
In Arunachal Pradesh, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, also serving as the State’s finance and planning minister, is expected to present a vote on account on February 9, preceding the assembly and Lok Sabha polls.
Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik will inaugurate the Arunachal Pradesh session on February 8, setting the stage for legislative deliberations over the following days.
In Meghalaya, where the National People’s Party or NPP holds power, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and his deputy ministers, Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar, are gearing up for a session that holds particular significance following the recent elections.
The assembly will convene to address various issues vital to the State’s development and governance, aligning with the priorities of the newly elected government.
With an eye on economic indicators, Meghalaya’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) for the fiscal year 2023-24 is projected at Rs 46,600 crore, reflecting an 11.5 per cent growth over the previous year. The State’s expenditure, excluding debt repayment, is estimated at Rs 21,034 crore, signaling an 8 per cent increase from the revised estimates for 2022-23.
As both States prepare to navigate their budget sessions, anticipation is high for discussions that will shape their fiscal trajectories and address the aspirations of their constituents.
