'SIR has created serious concerns among religious minorities, Nativity Card will be introduced to address these concerns'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Finance Minister K N Balagopal on Thursday announced the introduction of a Nativity Card to address concerns linked to the SIR process. He made the announcement during the budget presentation in the state assembly. The minister said the SIR has caused serious concern among religious minorities, and the Kerala government is introducing the Nativity Card to ease these concerns. The minister said the government would bring in new legislation to implement the project. He also added that Rs 10 crore has been allocated in the budget to promote communal harmony.

The announcement was made during the final budget of the second Pinarayi Vijayan government. The budget presentation began at around 9 am. The minister said the government is satisfied that the promises made earlier have been implemented. He added that Kerala has made major progress in its financial position. He also said he is ready to patiently listen to the points raised by the opposition.

The minister began his budget speech by criticising the central government. He said Kerala has grown despite strong neglect from the Centre and added that today's Kerala is not the same as it was ten years ago. He accused the Centre of choking Kerala financially and cutting its tax revenue. The budget also announced salary revisions for ASHA workers and Anganwadi employees.