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Cochin Chamber's reaction to the Kerala State Budget 2018-19

 

The Kerala State Budget presented by Finance Minister Dr T.M. Thomas Isaac has tried to cover to do justice to all sectors in the State. The Agricultural Sector stands most benefitted with an allocation of more than Rs. 500 crores.

We welcome the proposal to set up of the Coir Marketing Company with the help of the private sector. The allotment of bank loans for cashew procurement will be a boost for the Cashew industry. However, it is disappointing to note that plantations and spices have found no mention in the Budget.

We appreciate the Government’s commitment to build and improve the roads and bridges in the state by allocating Rs 1459 crores for the same this year.  This will also benefit the tourism sector which has already received an allocation of Rs. 80 crores.

The allocation of Rs. 350 crores for various parks under KSIDC and KINFRA are also appreciated. We hope this is judiciously utilised to develop units like the Petrochemical park and other manufacturing units essential to the state.

The Government has also considered the nurturing of Innovation and Start up schemes in the state by allotting around Rs. 100 Crore for the Startup Mission, Kerala Innovation Extension Project and the Development and Innovation Strategic Council of Kerala (K-DISC).

Rs 12 crore allocated for Skill Development Programmes should have been increased considering the need to upskill the existing working class and the younger generation who will be entering the workforce soon.

The allocation of Rs. 2000 crore for the Coastal Area Development considering the Okhi Cyclone that devastated our state in the previous month is indeed a positive step. The rehabilitation of families on the coastal area and development of satellite-based warning systems are the need of the hour.

Considering the menace of Waste Management in towns and rural areas alike, Rs 5 crore allocated for Waste Management Centre at Chandiroor seems insufficient. There has been no mention about any allocation towards the Brahmapuram Plant.

We hope that the measures taken to revive the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation will be well utilised and that the KSRTC can be converted into a profitable Corporation with accountability.   

 

Various allocations to support the Education and Healthcare sectors to the tune of Rs. 1000 Crores are also appreciable. Smart classes and better-quality classrooms are indeed a necessity for the future generation. The Government has also budgeted funds to offer comprehensive health insurance to everyone. This is a welcome announcement.