THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state budget has given relief to government employees in the state. Finance Minister K N Balagopal clarified in his budget speech that two installments of salary revision will be given this financial year. The finance minister also said that the rights of government employees and pensioners will be protected.

The budget presentation began at 9 am. This is the last complete budget of the second Pinarayi government. It is also the fifth budget of Finance Minister K N Balagopal.

The minister had earlier told media that employment and working conditions should improve and that there will be announcements that will bring progress to the state. He had also said that the phase of major crisis has passed.