Thiruvananthapuram: The First Budget of LDF Government, presented by Thomas Isaac, has proved more populist than the budget of the former government led by UDF. At the same time, the finance minister was firm on imposing more taxes and curtailing expenses.
The LDF government has opened its heart to women. They get more in the budget. 10 per cent of the total budget is for the safety and upliftment of women. The women deserted by their husbands will be provided with a monthly pension.
The social welfare pension amount has been raised to Rs 1,000 for all types of beneficiaries.
In a way, the LDF budget has focused on equitable distribution of scarce funds between the people and wild animals. While Rs 100 cr has been allocated to save human beings from animal attacks , there is an allocation of Rs 25 lakh for the monkey rehabilitation project of Kalpetta Municipality.
Major proposals in the budget:
* No new institutions or posts will be created for two years
* Arrears of welfare pensions will be paid before Onam
* One month’s pension will be given as advance
* Green tax imposed on Four Wheelers which are more than 10 years old
* Burger, pizza and pasta at branded restaurants to cost more with
14 pc tax
* Rs 150 cr to build toilets in public places
* 1500 acres to be acquired in Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad for ecnomic zones
* Rs 24 crore-rehabilitation package of expatriates
* Old drinking water pipes of Water Authority will be replaced
* Rs 100 crore package to settle education loan arrears
* Mobility hubs to be built at at Alappuzha, Kuttanad and Changanaserry
* Thiruvananthapuram Medical College to be upgraded to AIIMS standards
* Pension of Rs 600 for the bystanders of those who are terminally ill
* One school in each constituency to be upgraded to international quality
* Free uniform for students upto class VIII
