U146;khand sees first surplus budget

The total revenue receipts are estimated at Rs 9,016 crore while the revenue expenditure is estimated at Rs 8,072.58 crore. The total receipts are estimated at Rs 10,868.60 crore while the total estimated expenditure is Rs 11,128.23 crore. The total annual plan for 2007-08 is estimated at Rs 4,378 crore, Rs 378 crore more than last year8217;s outlay.

Acknowledging the role played by women in the formation of a separate state, Khanduri said his first Budget was a 8220;gender budget8221; aimed at women empowerment.

He also announced several new schemes for women, including the Gaura Devi Kanya Dhan Yojna Budget provision of Rs 20 crore to encourage higher education among girls from Below Poverty Line BPL families, as well as cooking gas connections on a priority basis for families living in the hills at an estimated cost of Rs 8 crore. Neo-natal units are being set up in all Government hospitals for women in the state. There are also plans to hold training programmes for elected women panchayat representatives.