Govt firm in stand, will not withdraw fuel cess, says FM; oppn boycotts assembly proceedings

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Finance Minister K N Balagopal said the government will not withdraw the fuel cess. While replying to the budget discussion, he clarified that the fuel cess is collected as a special fund. The media had reported that fuel cess will be reduced by one rupee. The finance minister asked how other issues can be discussed if they go behind it and strike. The minister also clarified that buying a car or going abroad is not a matter of austerity measures.

The finance minister also responded that 40 lakhs to build cattle shed in Cliff House is a false propaganda. The amount was sanctioned for the total work in Cliff House. Opposition leader V D Satheesan had criticized that the increase in fuel cess would lead to price hike in the market and the increase in the fair value of land would be against.

Meantime, K N Balagopal responded that it is sad that the opposition is evaluating the budget by looking at isolated things. There are political hints in opposition criticism. He also stated that the second Pinarayi government is keen to do more things for the people.

The minister also enumerated centre's anti-Kerala stance. 'The second Pinarayi government has no pride. Our interest is to do more things for the people. The center had cut short the benefits of the common man. The centre's policy is to divest PSUs. On the other hand, Kerala's will be protected,' he said. The finance minister also enumerated the achievements of the state government. The minister said Kerala is giving pension to more than 60 lakh people.