State Budget, a blow to people: Land tax and court fees hiked sharply for additional revenue

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The land tax has been sharply increased, inflicting a severe blow to the people. Finance Minister K N Balagopal announced in his budget speech that the land tax slabs have been increased by 50 %. Through this, the government is targeting an additional revenue of Rs 100 crore. There is also a significant increase in court fees. The target is to generate an additional revenue of Rs 150 crore.

The government has also increased the land lease rate. The lease rate will vary according to the fair value. A one-time scheme has also been announced to settle the lease arrears.

The tax on electric cars has also been increased. An additional revenue of Rs 30 crore is expected through this. The state increased the tax on electric cars when announced a lot of concessions in the central budget to popularize electric vehicles. It has also been clarified in the budget that the tax on contract carriage vehicles will be revised.

Since the local body elections are near, everyone expected an increase in welfare pensions, but it did not happen. There is an announcement that the three-month arrears of social welfare pensions will be disbursed. The finance minister had also given hints that the welfare pension would be increased by at least Rs 200, but it did not happen. A single installment of dearness allowance will be given to government employees and pensioners along with the salary in April.

Meanwhile, opposition leader V D Satheesan criticized the state budget. He said it is just empty.