THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The sixth budget of the Pinarayi Vijayan government has given a slew of benefits to the common man without tax burdens and inflation. Finance Minister Thomas Isaac, who presented the longest budget in the history of the state, made a downpour of announcements in the assembly.

The budget presented by Isaac has raised welfare pensions, created more jobs and announced support price for agricultural crops and thus have won the applause of the common man. The finance minister also announced a comprehensive plan to provide employment to 20 lakh people on the digital platform in five years. He said that three lakh people will get jobs in the coming financial year. With just two months for the assembly elections, will all these be mere declarations.

There were announcements to fight the epidemic from the beginning to the end of the budget. The finance minister claimed that the world had taken over Kerala as an alternative in prevention of COVID activities at the beginning of his speech. He started his budget speech with quotes from a poem written by Sneha, a Class 7 student of Kuzhalmandam government school in Palakkad.

Isaac has been able to woo government officials by announcing to give DA. He announced Smart Kitchen project with the help of KSFE wooing housewives. The finance minister, who has been lavishing money on Kudumbasree made his budget both environmentally and women friendly at the same time.

Increasing all welfare pensions by Rs 100 to Rs 1600 will create a big movement among the common man. The minister said that it will come into effect from April. The welfare pension was raised to Rs 1,500 last December. This was increased again in the budget. It is clear that the LDF is aiming for a second term by announcing to give 10 kg of rice to 50 lakh families along with the continuation of food kits.

Pravasi chitty, pension and other welfare schemes are an indication that the government is keeping an eye on votes of expatriates. Many expatriates have lost their jobs and returned to the state due to the pandemic. In the present situation, the government cannot go ahead excluding them.

Isaac did not forget to shower criticisms against the Centre. Isaac made it clear that the first phase of KFON would be completed in February and that no political controversy would affect the government's development agenda. The government is aiming for a complete internet revolution by ensuring free internet to BPL families.

There is a huge increase in welfare benefits for lottery sellers and workers. The finance minister has announced to prevent lottery mafia at any cost. Isaac did not forget to lend a helping hand to the farmers and the KSRTC facing crisis.