The pre-budget consultations of Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot with the representatives of civil society groups, industry bodies, consumer forums, government employees and others have thrown up the issues of public welfare, governance, adverse impact of the pandemic on economy and the enactment of social accountability and right to healthcare legislations.
The State Assembly’s budget session is scheduled to start on February 9. The industrial sector, facing the issues of high taxes, systemic bottlenecks, inefficient supply chains and high power tariff, expects some major benefits and concessions in the 2022-23 State Budget.
The social activists called for transparency in governance, public hearing, citizens’ participation in administration, social audit of government schemes and an independent grievance redressal structure during their interaction with Mr. Gehlot. A Jawabdehi Yatra (accountability march) of the civil rights groups, which covered 13 districts last months, had brought these issues to the forefront.
