No AIIMS this time, but AIIA likely; Four schemes that will benefit Kerala

NEW DELHI: Even though devoid of major announcements, the central budget prioritised states where assembly elections are due this year. Kerala will get priority in four schemes.

1. Rare Mineral Corridor:

The Rare Mineral Corridor is a project named after Kerala. Although the states of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu are also part of the project, Kerala can thrive due to its mineral-rich coastline. The aim is to promote mining, processing, research and production.

2. Coconut Promotion Scheme

In 16 states, including Kerala, new coconut trees will be grown to replace old and unproductive ones. The budget also states that crops like coconut, sandalwood, cocoa and cashew will be supported in the coastal areas.

3. Ayurvedic Institute:

AIIMS was not included for Kerala this time, either, but the state will likely get an All India Ayurvedic Institute (AIIA). Three National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) have also been announced.

4. Maritime transport:

The Coastal Cargo Promotion Project will benefit Kerala, the state which houses Vizhinjam, Kochi, and Beypore and many water bodies. The goal is to increase the share of inland waterways and coastal shipping from six per cent to 12 per cent by 2047.

👉Five regional medical hubs integrating medical, educational and research facilities in collaboration with the private sector: AYUSH centres, medical value tourism facilitation centres, infrastructure development for diagnostics, post-care and rehabilitation. Employment opportunities for those in the medical sector.

👉Five university townships near major industrial and logistics corridors: multiple universities, colleges, research institutes, skill centres and residential complexes.

👉Three chemical parks

👉A special eco-tourism project has also been announced for areas with sea turtles in Kerala. The states of Odisha and Karnataka are also in the project.

👉A special scheme to promote production and value-added processing of cashew nuts and cocoa will benefit Kerala. It is also expected that the location of the three new National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) will not be announced.