Long list of demands; Kerala with hope in central budget

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala is pinning its hopes on the central budget to overcome the financial crisis and neglect and make the development situation of Vizhinjam favorable. It is expected that BJP getting an MP from Kerala in the election will benefit in the budget.

Kerala's list ranges from AIIMS to a financial package worth Rs 24,000 crore. 5000 crore has been requested for the further work of Vizhinjam port. There is also the tunnel connecting Kozhikode and Wayanad, railway upgrading, AIIMS, raising the support price of rubber, upgrading of the traditional sector to increase employment opportunities etc.

Finance Minister KN Balagopal said that all this was raised in the meeting of state finance ministers called by the Union Finance Minister ahead of the budget and later in the discussion held with the Union Minister.

The central budget was a disappointment for the state for the last ten years. The loan limit was reduced on account of the loans of KIIFB and Social Security Pension Company, the tax share was reduced and the application for extension of GST compensation period was rejected. Much help was not received from the centre for railway development. Signal upgrade and third line were not considered. Ernakulam - Alappuzha - Kayamkulam line doubling was also not paid for. No new trains were alotted. It has been ten years since land was acquired for AIIMS in Kinalur, Kozhikode.

Demands of Kerala

• 24,000 crores package
• 15,000 crore lost annually due to Finance Commission policy change
• 6000 crore loan for national highway development
• The loan limit should be increased by one percent
• 5000 crores for the development of Vizhinjam
• 3686 crore spent on central projects should be paid.
• Permission for K. Rail