The centrepiece of the Budget is 'aam admi': Chidambaram

Home Minister P Chidamabaram has welcomed the allocation of Rs 30,000 crore for police in the Union Budget, calling the annual exercise a balanced effort marked by a mature assessment of the state of the economy.

Commending the Finance Minister for "generous allocation" for flagship social schemes, Chidambaram said the centrepiece of the Budget is the "aam admi".

"The Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee's Budget for 2010-11 is a very balanced effort marked by a mature assessment of the state of the economy and of the measures required to sustain high and inclusive growth," he said.

The Home Minister said allocation of Rs 30,000 crore in revenue and capital accounts is about the same level as the actual expenditure incurred in 2009-10 and, if wisely spent, should be able to cater to the needs of security.

"Of the above, assistance to states for modernisation of police force has been pegged at Rs 1,975 crore, a modest increase of Rs 130 crore over the actual expenditure that will be incurred in 2009-10. However, I am confident that, if necessary, we can find additional resources through re-appropriation or through supplementaries," he pointed out.

Police has been provided Rs 2,805 crore, the same level as the estimated actual expenditure in 2009-10, he said.

Home Minister P Chidambaram said Rs 444 crore has been given for housing projects for the Central Police Forces which could be leveraged through the proposed Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.

"At my request, the Finance Minister has made a reference to the proposal belonging to Jammu and Kashmir to the Central Para Military Forces in the year 2010. These youth will be recruited by CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB and CISF," he said.

The Home Minister said immigration services have been provided Rs 155 crore and the bulk of the provision, Rs 140 crore, will be spent on setting up Integrated Check Posts.

"The ambitious Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and System (CCTNS) has received a generous provision of Rs 175 crore," he added.

The Home Minister said the underpinning of a budget lies in fiscal consolidation.

"The worst may be over and the Finance Minister has signalled that beginning 2010-11 we will move in the direction of reducing the fiscal deficit and revenue deficit," he said.

Chidambaram said these two indicators will remain high in 2010-11 (5.5 per cent and 4.0 per cent respectively) and expressed confidence that the road-map laid down by 13th Finance Commission would be adhered.

"The centrepiece of the Budget is obviously the aam admi. The thrust of the Budget is towards provision of infrastructure and social services in rural India," he said referring to "generous allocation" to social sector.