#AssamBudget2019 | Rs 1,193.04-crore deficit for Government or Public?

Guwahati, February 7, 2019:

Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma presented an Rs 1,193.04-crore Deficit Budget 2019-20 on Wednesday that has been hailed as a victory for the lower and middle classes.

In the budget, Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the government will provide e-bikes to all girl students who secure 1st division or above in their higher secondary exams under the Government’s new Gyan Deepika Scheme.

The Finance Minister has announced e-bikes since his previous promise to give scooters had been met with questions regarding the affordability of fuel for students.

But in contrast to that, the current rate of electricity per unit is Rs 8.10. Moreover, the Finance Minister in the same budget announced a 5% hike in the electricity rate.

At a time when students belonging to the lower middle and below the poverty line are unable to pay the school and college fees, the government has announced battery operated e-bikes to girl students. And in an ironic move, the same government has hiked the rate of electricity.

The question that arises is will the government, which is promising e-bikes to the girl students, also provide free electricity? Or the beneficiaries will have to face a deficit in their bank account paying the hiked electricity charge for charging e-bike batteries?