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I propose to increase the allocation for Defence to Rs 96,000 crore. This will include Rs 41,922 crore for capital expenditure. Needless to say, any additional requirement for the security of the nation will be provided.

The Government has launched an ambitious programme for e-governance. The goal is to improve efficiency, convenience, accessibility and transparency in Government functions and take Government services to the common citizen. I propose to increase the allocation for e-governance from Rs 395 crore in 2006-07 to Rs 719 crore in 2007-08. The Central Government supports e-governance action plans at State levels, and I propose to increase the allocation for such support from Rs 300 crore in 2006-07 to Rs 500 crore in 2007-08. I also propose to provide Rs 33 crore for a new scheme of manpower development for the software export industry.

The Backward Regions Grant Fund received Rs 5,000 crore in 2006-07. I propose to increase the allocation to Rs 5,800 crore in 2007-08. This will finance two components, one pertaining to 250 districts and the other pertaining to the special plan for Bihar. KBK (Kalahandi, Bolangir & Koraput) districts of Orissa, which are included in the 250 districts, will continue to receive the same quantum of assistance as they have been receiving in the past.

The High Powered Expert Committee to make Mumbai a regional financial centre has submitted its report recently. I intend to place the report in the public domain and obtain feedback. It is my hope that we would be able to build a consensus on the key recommendations of the Committee, promote a world-class financial centre in Mumbai, and realise the objective of making `financial services' the next growth engine for India.

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