Bhubaneswar, Jan. 24: The state government today held pre-budget consultations with various stakeholders before formulating the annual budget for the coming financial year.

The state budget is likely to be presented in February-March in the Assembly after the three-tier panchayat polls are completed in February 21.

Chairing today's meeting, state finance minister Pradip Kumar Amat said: "The views of various stakeholders expressed at the meet will be examined and incorporated in the budget. Earlier, feedback was sought from the people."

S. Mishra of Nabakrushna Chowdhury Centre of Developing Studies suggested holding a workshop involving all stakeholders before finalising the budget.

Participating in the consultation, former finance minister Prafulla Chandra Ghadei stressed need-based planning.

Former bureaucrats and economists suggested promoting agro-based industries and micro, small and medium enterprises, which need less investment and generate huge employment opportunities.

Economist Natabar Khuntia said a farmer fund should be floated. He also sought pension for farm labourers.

Representatives of the Reserve Bank of India stressed digitisation and cashless transactions, while officials of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) said the state government should set up malls to promote marketing of agricultural and indigenous products by eliminating intermediaries.

In the second session, views of the industries and trade unions were taken. Representatives of the Confederation of Indian Industries suggested for funding mechanism for start-ups, while small scale industries bodies sought uniform tax on raw materials. Indian National Trade Union Congress demanded welfare fund the unorganized sector.

The state government faces an uphill task with central assistance drying up. Fulfilling its commitments to the people and completing projects have emerged as major challenges.