'Executed everything discussed so far’; presentation of last budget of second Pinarayi government has begun

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The last budget presentation of the second Pinarayi Vijayan government has begun. Finance Minister K N Balagopal started presenting the budget at around 9 am. Popular announcements can be expected in the budget ahead of the elections. Kerala has created a new normal and the government has the satisfaction of executed everything discussed so far. The minister also said during the budget presentation that Kerala has made great progress in its financial situation. Kerala is looking forward to the last budget of the second Pinarayi government.

There may be announcements of DA arrears for government employees and pensioners, DA arrears settlements, salary revisions, and new pension scheme. The 62 lakh pensioners are expecting the welfare pension to be increased to Rs 2,500, the last election promise. There are indications that elderly and women's welfare schemes may be announced. The budget may also include an entrepreneurship support package for the youth, assistance for fishermen, and a wage increase for Anganwadi workers and ASHA workers.

The minister officially announced that the monthly salary of Anganwadi workers has been increased by Rs 1,000 and the daily salary of school cooks has been increased by Rs 25.

Rs 3,820 crore will be allocated for women's safety pension

Five crores will be allocated for awards to taxpayers and Rs 400 crore for the chief minister's connect to work scheme.

The minister said that he is presenting the budget with great joy and pride. He added that the things said have been almost completely executed and that today's Kerala is not the Kerala of ten years ago. He clarified that he is ready to listen to what the opposition has to say with patience.