Budget may have tax raises, central not giving the deserving cut; if we work together we can get over this: KN Balagopal

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Finance minister K.N Balagopal gives a heads-up on tax raise that may happen in the next budget. Pointing out that the central government is not giving Kerala a deserving share of the tax money he said that the budget will have a fair rise in taxes. 'Center is suggesting selling public sector enterprises for raising funds but Kerala is not willing to do that', said the minister.

The budget will have announcements that will benefit all sectors of Kerala. The attitude of the central government is suffocating KIIFB. If the work efficiency is increased and if the people work together then the problems can be overcome. The budget will open doors to more income and job opportunities for the people. He also talked about the necessity of AIIMS for the state.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had also expressed his disapproval of not allowing the state AIIMS. CM had mentioned at the inauguration of the super specialty block of Alleppey medical college that Kerala has all the qualities necessary for an AIIMS. AIIMS is a demand Kerala has been raising for a long time. Kerala should be allowed AIIMS under any criterion.

Kerala is giving a great performance in the health sector. He had mentioned about allowed AIIMS to Kerala in his meeting with the Prime minister and it was hopeful. But Kerala did not make the final cut, AIIMS must be allowed without further delay, CM said.