State Budget ready, tax hikes feared

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state budget will be presented by Finance minister K N Balagopal today at 9 am in the assembly. The Budget comes at a time when the state is mired in an economic predicament of sorts with the coffers nearly empty. The people more than looking into the brighter side of the budget will be anticipating an increase in the tax.

The finance minister already gave a prelude to his budget stating the mainspring will be to alter the course of the state out of the economic quandary. Such a move will need an increase in land tax that may not bode well with the public.

Some highly expected decisions might unfurl tomorrow on the budget day. The list goes on

1. A fair price of land is expected
2. Registration fee will be increased
3. Hike in welfare pensions
4. A conducive environment for startups and entrepreneurship
5. A medical tech innovation park in Trivandrum
6. Second Kuttanad package worth 140 crores
7. Solar pushcart for street vendors
8. Science parks in airports
9. Raising pension by Rs 100
10. More concessions to electric vehicles