Kerala budget may also include manifesto promises

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the inaugural budget of the second Pinarayi government, which will be presented by Finance Minister KN Balagopal on June 4, is likely to consist of more proposals than those presented by Finance Minister Isaac in the last budget of the previous government.

The finance minister will also have to include the promises made by the LDF in the election manifesto. However, the economic impact of the second wave of COVID will be a major obstacle to the completion of the declarations.

Isaac presented the final budget last year with much confidence since the state was able to tackle the COVID crisis. The economic sector that COVID shattered was slowly recovering back then. However, the ensuing second wave is sure to adversely affect the economy for some time to come. The government may find it difficult to find money and investors for previously announced projects. There will also be a significant reduction in tax revenue.

Important announcements in Thomas Isaac's budget

• Employment of 20 lakh people through the digital sector in 5 years
• Skill Mission under KDesk, laptop in every home
• Internet in every home via KFON
• Activities worth Rs 15,000 crore through KIIFB
• Study facilities for 5 lakh students in higher education
• 1000 teacher appointments. 30 centers of excellence
• Kochi-Palakkad Industrial Corridor, employment to 22,000 people
• Rs 50,000 crore investment in three industrial corridors
• Loan to 5 lakh extremely poor families by expanding the Ashraya scheme

To be included as per the manifesto

• 15,000 start-ups and one lakh jobs
• Increasing small-scale industries from 1.4 lakh to 3 lakh
• Make Kerala an Electronic Pharmaceuticals Hub
• Coir production 70,000 tons. 5000 crore package for coastal areas
• Housing for all Scheduled Castes and one acre of land for Scheduled Tribes
• Home for 5 lakh people in 5 years
• Getting Kerala featured in the top ten in the Ease of Doing Business
• Leave all appointments to PSC
• Complete the works of National Waterway
• Completion of hill highway, coastal highway, and Wayanad tunnel.