Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Aug 5: Newly sworn-in chief minister, B S Yediyurappa, will be forming the new ministry and then get busy with the preparation of budget immediately thereafter. Sources say that Yediyurappa will be retaining the finance ministry with him and present the budget.

The main focus of the budget will be based on the points and promises contained in the BJP manifesto. The work of collecting data from different departments has already begun, sources stated.

In all likelihood, the new government will try to implement people-friendly programmes of the union government more effectively and make early announcement of certain farmer welfare measures. This may include disbursement of financial assistance to marginal farmers and farmers cultivating dry land. These farmers, who number around 20 lac, are proposed to be given annual assistance of Rs 10,000 each. A rotating fund of Rs 5,000 crore and insurance scheme for farmers are the other schemes which may get included in this year's budget.

Revival of neglected lakes and ponds, and earmarking funds for providing training in Israeli techniques of cultivation that emphasizes on undertaking farming in the face of water scarcity are the other areas which might get funds in the budget.

Popular schemes like provision of napkins to women at subsidized prices or free of cost, dismantling of Anti Corruption Bureau, setting up of Anti Corruption Helpline, new ministry to execute plans to provide clean drinking water by using available water sources, earmarking revenue from temples solely for their own development, and giving impetus to overall development of Bengaluru are said to be the other items which may get importance in the budget as per the current estimates. The budget is likely to be presented within a month from now.