PUDUCHERRY: Chief Minister N.Rangasamy [who also holds the Finance portfolio) presented a tax-free budget of `6,100 crore for the year 2014-2015 with a plan outlay of `2,400 crore and non-plan outlay of `3,700 crore.
No new major schemes were announced in the budget despite the increase in plan allocation of `400 crore.
However, various sections of society will benefit through measures in the budget. The government has proposed to increase the income ceiling limit for Below Poverty Line (BPL) families from `24,000 to `75,000 per annum.
This will entitle families to avail of benefits under welfare schemes that they were not entitled to prior to the increase.
Promoting integrated farming systems through subsidies to commodity interest groups at the rate of `5 lakh each will act as a fillip to the agricultural sector.
Marine fish production will also receive a boost with 50 perc ent subsidies being granted to 10 fishermen for acquiring steel mechanized boats.
Relief to 20,400 fishermen during the lean season will be increased from `200 to `1,000 per family.