After the council of ministers’ meeting, chief secretary Asit Tripathy informed that as there may be a reduction in Central funds, the state will focus on market borrowings.

He said the government will borrow funds within the enhanced Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act limits.

It was decided to borrow funds from the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) and Odisha Mineral Bearing Areas Development Corporation (OMBADC) funds.

The State has already borrowed Rs 1,000 crore from these two sources, he informed.

Tripathy also informed that 2020-21 budget allocations have to be relooked since the government has top priority of saving lives.

“Life is above everything else. So priority will be given to manage the evolving crisis,” he added.

The council of ministers decided not to compromise on expenditure in the health sector in view of Covid-19 pandemic.

Besides, the government will give priority on employment generation in rural areas and agricultural activities..