THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Finance minister K N Balagopal informed the assembly about the GST collections of the current financial year showing a 30% increase as compared to the last three years. Rs 26000 crore was excess as compared to the last three times. Minister said that the report shows the effective measures adopted in GST collection carried out in the state. The minister also confirmed about the central government paying Rs 750 crore in GST arrears to the state.

However, the jump in the GST collection is not an olive branch that could help the state out of financial distress. The state expected a 14% rise in tax collection but the minister said the covid pandemic and the recurring natural disasters in the state played a hindrance to such an achievement.

The minister also boasted about not stopping the welfare pension scheme even while mired in deep economic straits.