PART-I
PREFACE
Sir,
1.
I
began my budget speech last year by sharing the optimism that the coming year
would be a year of survival and recovery for Kerala. Let me begin the budget
speech for the financial year 2023-24 by conveying the cheerfulness regarding
realization of that expectation.
Sir,
2.
Statistics
indicate that Kerala is back to the path of growth and prosperity. We have been
able to boldly face and survive the challenges faced one after the other like
demonetization, unscientific implementation of GST, Ockhi disaster, floods,
epidemic, economic crisis, war, inflation, etc… since 2016. In 2021-2022,
Kerala’s GDP at constant prices grew by 12.01%. During Covid period in
2020-2021 the economy shrunk by 8.43%.
The growth was merely 0.9% in 2019-2020.
The uniqueness of economic growth in 2021-2022 compared to previous years is
that we could achieve economic growth by including the manufacturing sector as
well. For the first time in recent history, agri-allied sector and
industry-allied sector have achieved growth rate of 6.7% and 17.3%
respectively. Within the industrial sector, decisive growth rate (18.9%) has
been achieved in the manufacturing sector. The policy of the Left Government is
to augment production and thereby revenue by reviving the economy in this way.
It was expected that GSDP in 2022-2023 would be ₹9.99 lakh crore. However
as per the revised figures, the
GSDP has increased to ₹10.18 lakh crore. Along with the growth of GSDP,
there has also been an increase in own revenue. The own revenue which was
₹54,955.99 crore in 2020-2021 increased to ₹68,803.03 crore in
2021-2022. It is expected that this will
increase upto ₹85,000 crore in the current fiscal. This is a great
achievement.
3.
There
is no dearth of good news regarding Kerala.
It is of utmost importance that this is well discussed, especially in the
context of concerted efforts from some corners to belittle not only the
achievements of Kerala Model of Development, but Kerala also.
4.
Sir,
we never portray the achievements of Kerala Model of Development as the sole
contribution of the left.
Every Keralite has a role in building the Kerala Model. But a group of critics
try to portray Kerala as a hopeless land and thereby destroy the expectations
of our young generation. Kerala cannot fail to disappoint these cynics. As per
various parameters like per-capita income, per-capita consumption expenditure,
human development index, sustainable development index etc…, the position of
Kerala is on the frontline of States in India. The performance of Kerala in
post pandemic recovery and the accolades won by the departments, institutions and
the Local Self Government Institutions have been disappointing for ill-wishers.
5.
Sir,
Kerala is not an isolated land. The economy of Kerala functions by syncing well
with the outside world. Therefore, the development financial management of
Kerala can be done only by closely monitoring the changes in the world outside.
While presenting the Budget for the year 2022-2023, it could be foreseen that
there would be high inflation across the world. Adequate fund was also set
apart to check inflation. We were able to control inflation through
comprehensive and integrated intervention. Kerala has been marked as the State
with the lowest inflation rate in India. This is a great achievement for a
State that depends on other States for almost all daily consumer goods. An
amount of ₹2000 crore is earmarked for 2023-2024 to continue vigorous
market interventions, considering that the threat of inflation has not
completely abated.
6.
Sir,
the threat of climate change, natural disasters and pandemics still persists
globally. Economic crisis, inflation and increase in debt prevail in almost all
nations. The world Bank and other agencies predict that 2023 and 2024 will be
years of global recession.
Sir,
7.
There
are also concerns that, the global recession will adversely affect India’s
exports and economic growth. The
global recession may further regress the traditional industries and plantation
crops of Kerala, which have been facing crisis for a long time. we have to
protect farmers. The largest plantation sector in the country is in Kerala.
Rubber farmers are facing crisis. Policy of the Union Government is the root
cause
of the crisis. As part of supporting
rubber farmers, budget allocation for rubber subsidy is enhanced to ₹600
crore.
8.
Coming
back to the subject, as far as Kerala is concerned, a more serious threat than
the above is the change in fiscal federalism which goes against the spirit of
the constitution. Centralization of power and disregard for states, especially Kerala
have increased unprecedentedly.
9.
During
the tenure of the Tenth Finance Commission, the share of Kerala was 3.875% of
the divisible pool to be distributed among the states. By the time of the
Fifteenth Finance Commission, it came down to 1.925%. Through this, the Union
Government cut down the revenue of Kerala by tens of thousands of crores.
There is a shortfall of around ₹6700 crore due to the reduction of the Revenue
Deficit Grant by the Union Government.
10.
As a result of the cessation of GST
compensation, there has been a shortfall of around ₹7000 crore during
current fiscal. As a result of the policy of the Union Government treating Public
Account as debt liability, there is a revenue loss of around ₹10,000
crore per annum.
11.
The
policy of treating the liability of institutions like KIIFB, Social Security
Pension Limited etc… which raises funds from outside the budget as the
liability of the State Government is also limiting our borrowing capacity. There
will also be a shortfall of ₹3100 crore on this account. Due to the
restriction on the market borrowing limit, there has been a shortfall of around
₹4000 crore in the resource mobilization.
12.
Kerala
is being sidelined in the allocation of Centrally Sponsored Scheme also. Can
anyone with commitment to the people of Kerala justify this situation? On whose
side do those who celebrate this disregard stand? It is especially noteworthy
that even in this situation, no disruptions were made to the production, infrastructure
and social security sectors and that the pay & allowance to Government
employees had also been revised.
If ₹46,754 crore was the required amount to disburse salary and
pension during 2020-21, ₹71,393 crore was the required amount for 2021-22.
Through this alone the Government has assumed an additional commitment of
₹24000 crore. Besides, since the Government came to power, an amount
of ₹3376.88 crore was provided to meet the expenses of KSRTC including pensionary
benefits. An amount of ₹1325.77 crore has been provided in current
financial year. Unprecedented huge depletion of resource on the one hand and
the additional burden taken up on the other. These have to be considered
together in comprehensively assessing the financial constraints.
13.
It
is anticipated that, the fiscal constraints in 2023-2024 will be more than that
of the current year. This is because of the anticipated shortage of ₹8400
crore in Revenue Deficit Grant compared to 2022-23, the loss of around
₹5700 crore due to the cessation of GST compensation, the resource loss
of around ₹5000 crore due to the restriction on the borrowing limit as
well as the reduction on account of the debt likely to be borne by KIIFB and
the Social Security Pension Company during next year. As the State recovers
from the economic crisis and is on the path of growth, this fiscal policy of the
Union Government will adversely affect the growth.
14.
We
should understand that, the State is countering a Hard Budget Constraint. In the current scenario, the State cannot
surpass the strict and rigid norms stipulated by the Centre. The taxation powers of the State are
limited. The borrowing powers are also
strictly restricted. We have to
understand the situation and move forward irrespective of party politics.
15.
Many
are asking why Kerala should accept the conservative approach of the Centre
towards loans.
It is a reality that Kerala has economic and financial position to avail more
loans. Kerala is not in a debt trap;
there is no change in our approach towards loans. We are not of the opinion that loans should
only be given to the bad debt corporates from the hard earned money of common
folks, invested in various financial institutions. Our opinion is that the Central
and the State Governments shall carryout more developmental, welfare activities
by availing more loans. But the Union
Government is reluctant to relax the conservative stance.
16.
Government
considers the conservative financial policy enforced by the Union Government as
the biggest challenge to the alternative development model of Kerala. But we are not ready to abandon our alternative
model or its virtues in spite of the hurdles posed by the Union Government. Kerala has not reached here without facing any
crisis. This land has the legacy of
confronting the caste-feudal-land lord hegemony and colonialism. A significant change towards the financial
developmental planning approach is required to survive this new situation arisen
due to the curtailing of the fiscal space.
17.
Government
will adopt a three-tier policy in this regard.
One : Joint resistance will be organized against the policies that
demolish the federal values of Indian Constitution and reduce the fiscal space
of States. Activities will be devised in
co-ordination with other States to protect the federal values.
18.
Two:
Steps will be taken to augment tax & non-tax revenue to the maximum extent. Domestic production and the per-capita income
of the State has been increasing.
However, it is not fully reflected in the State Revenue. This is because
the taxation powers of the State is limited.
The power of yielding tax from the rich is vested with the Union
Government. The limited authority entrusted with the State Government to
collect the tax and non-tax revenue will be effectively and optimally utilized.
In order to make tax administration more efficient, State GST department was
reorganized comprehensively. Kerala is
the first state in the country to scientifically reorganize the Taxes
department. Efforts will be taken by the
government for the maximum participation and vigil of the public in tax
administration. We will come to tax
proposals later.
19.
Three:
The third way to deal with the hard budget constraint is to ensure the most
efficient utilization of resources.
Kerala has a well-equipped administrative system in terms of population.
The position of the State is better in terms of the number of employees, office
facilities, availability of vehicles and other background facilities. The
challenge of carrying out further development - welfare activities will be
taken up and the governance will be reconstituted to suit the knowledge society
by increasing the efficiency and productivity of this extensive system. In
Kerala there are many examples of increasing efficiency of administrative
system by the use of Information Technology.
Reforms will be extended to make government services available
online. Synergy of knowledge making
centers like Universities, Research Institutions will be ensured
for this.
20.
Even
if the efficiency in the utilization of the outlay estimated as Government
expenditure in the budget is increased by just 5%, the benefit will be
manifold. We should strive to increase efficiency in such a context where
resources are limited. 3 major announcements are being made for this:
I. Healthy competition
among government agencies is required for increasing efficiency in
administration. An amount of
₹100 crore is earmarked for providing assistance to the projects, which
effectively take up more welfare activities within the budget provision.
Best proposals will be selected and assisted.
II. In order to compare the
efficiency and productivity of government departments / organizations there
will be a system in the new edition of Plan Space, which is being successfully
used to evaluate plan expenditure. The objective is to ensure that the amount
spent by the government gets proportionate benefit. This will be the first initiative in India to
compare the efficiency of government agencies. An amount of ₹1 crore
is earmarked as additional expenditure of Plan Space.
III. The practice of
preparing Annual Reports by government departments and institutions have almost
come to a standstill. This will be restored. Preparation of annual
report by adopting accurate methodology will be very helpful in increasing
administrative efficiency. I.M.G will be entrusted to conduct training programs
on deciding the model of annual report and methodology. These 3 measures will help to ensure the
transparency and accountability of government to the public.
21.
Austerity
is not easy as most of the expenditure of the State Government is
essential. Salary, pension, interest and
debt repayment are essential expenses. A major reduction in development -
welfare activities is also not feasible. But reduction of expenditure is
possible in some areas. It is quite natural that a government which is being
consistently reformed will have new posts and items of expenditure. Along with
this, certain posts and items of expenditure are also becoming obsolete.
Special consideration will be given in the new allocations in the ensuing years
for the institutions which take steps to voluntarily eliminate items of obsolete
expenditure and redeploy posts.
22.
One
of the most desirable ways to overcome resource constraints is to increase
efficiency in utilization of the resources. This happens not only in
Government, but in the economy as a whole. Increasing the knowledge base of
economic activities is the solution. The policy of the Left Democratic Front
Government to transform Kerala into a ‘Knowledge Based Society’ is based on the
above concept. Aiming at a ‘Knowledge Based Society’, an innovative step is
being taken in
2023-24 budget. Along with the current year budget, an R&D budget is also
being presented. Economic growth is achieved by incorporating traditional
and modern knowledge into economic activities. R&D has an important role in
ensuring application of knowledge in manufacturing sector. The R&D budget
is prepared realizing this.
23.
Imbibing
the characteristics of the era, the
LDF government has taken the responsibility to lead Kerala forward with more
strength. The budget has been prepared
with the vision of the Left Front to further improve the standard of living of
the people and create a sustainable and modern ‘Nava Kerala’ (New Kerala). This
budget aims to introduce and implement such appropriate proposals and ideas.
PART II
24.
The
Kerala Development experience is a model, closely observed by the world. The
position of Kerala is at par with developed countries in terms of quality of
life and human development indices. There has been a sustainable and
comprehensive method of development in Kerala for decades. The per-capita
income of Kerala is more than one and a half times the average per-capita income
of the country.
25.
One
of the most important problems faced by Kerala society is the ongoing change in
the population structure. According to the figures of 2021, 16.50% of the
population are above 60 years of age. It is estimated that this will exceed 20%
by 2031. At the same time, the birth rate in the state has been decreasing.
Even though, an average of 6.5 lakh and 5.3 lakh children were born in 1980s
and 1990s respectively, it is only
4.6 lakh in 2021. Demographers estimate that the birth rate will drop to 3.6
lakh by 2031. That is, a structural change will happen in the ratio among new
generation, senior citizens and the work force. Potential support ratio may
decrease from 4.5 to 3.4 and then to 2.3. Kerala may become the State with the
highest
dependency-population ratio. Steps will be taken to scientifically study this
unique situation and enable policy formulation foreseeing the future.
26.
Kerala
faces second generation developmental issues which include this change in
demographic structure and rehabilitation of returning NRKs. The public
resources of the country are still allocated among the states on the basis of
first-generation development indices. Due to this, Kerala is being denied the
due central share. There is a situation in which the human development we have
achieved becomes our disqualification. Kerala has demanded the Union Government
to give consideration in centrally sponsored schemes, realizing the unique
issues faced by the State.
27.
There
is a widespread trend of youth going abroad for employment and education and
settling there. As a result, there is decrease in the number of youth capable
for employment in the State.
28.
Government
spends huge capital for each student at school-college -university levels. The
schools in Kerala have the best student-teacher ratio. The Government spends
around ₹50,000 per annum for each school student. The expenditure in
Higher Education sector is multifold. An environment should be created so that the
maximum number of youth, made capable through huge investments by Government
will be retained in our State; and employment opportunities generated for them.
Besides, those who are engaged in modern jobs can be attracted to the State
from outside.
29.
Unlike
many foreign countries with extreme winter and summer, Kerala has a balanced
climate throughout the year. Malayalees will choose to remain here itself, if better
job opportunities and facilities for living are provided. Measures need to be
accelerated to retain the young generation in Kerala and to provide them
suitable modern employment opportunities and to set up infrastructure
facilities. ‘Navakerala’ (‘New Kerala’) targets these priorities.
30.
The
previous budget included several projects to link knowledge with production and
thereby augment the revenue of the State. We were able to initiate several
vital projects incorporating the latest changes in the field of science and
technology.
Sir,
31.
The
activities of India Innovation Centre for Graphene set up to conduct research
experiments on Graphene are progressing. The centre will become operational by
September 2023. The institution functions under the joint auspices of
Government of Kerala and Union Government with Kerala Digital University and
SI-MET as the implementing agencies and Tata Steel Ltd as the industrial
partner. Kerala Digital University has signed an MoU with institutions like
Manchester University, Oxford University, Siegen University Germany etc… for
research and development activities related to Graphene ecosystem.
Administrative sanction has been accorded for the project with an estimated
expenditure of ₹86.41 crore. An amount of ₹10 crore including the
plan allocation of ₹6 crore is earmarked for the activities of the Centre
for this year.
32.
It
was declared in the previous budget that three Science Parks and one Digital
Science Park would be established with an expenditure of ₹1000 crore.
Kerala Digital University was designated as the implementing agency of activities related to this. ₹13.65
acres of
land has been identified for Digital Science Park
at Technopark Phase-IV, Thiruvananthapuram.
10,000 sq.ft space has been identified at Technopark campus for the
functioning of Digital Science Park till the completion of building
construction. The Digital Science Park will be functional by May, 2023.
Digital University has signed MoU with University of Edinburgh for establishing
Digital Science Park.
33.
The
procedures for launching projects like industrial parks, agri parks, work near
home etc… are in progress. Industrial parks utilizing private capital will start
functioning soon. More projects are underway in IT field. Activities are also
underway to locate new parks. The construction of IT park at Kannur can be
commenced this year itself.
34.
An
announcement was made in the previous budget to setup a Centre of Excellence in
the field of nutraceuticals in Kerala. ₹25 lakh was provided to prepare
project report for this. The project report is ready. An amount of ₹5
crore is set apart for the first phase of the project to establish Core Centre
of Excellence and Nutra-Enterprises Division at Bio 360 Life Sciences Park,
Thiruvananthapuram with the support and participation of Rajiv Gandhi Centre
for Biotechnology.
35.
The
project report of Centre of Excellence in Microbiome announced in the previous
budget has been completed. The centre will be established at Life Sciences
Park, Thonnackal, Thiruvananthapuram, under the aegis of Kerala State Council
for Science Technology & Environment with the support and participation of
Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology. An amount of ₹10 crore is
provided for this.
36.
Government
is taking creative steps for the betterment of industrial-agricultural sectors
and GSDP. It is intended to move forward in this direction through new
projects.
Make in Kerala
37.
A
massive project, ‘Make in Kerala’ will be developed with all facilities to
increase domestic production, employment/entrepreneur/ investment opportunities
in Kerala. A detailed study regarding Make in Kerala was conducted by Centre
for Development Studies. According to the report, Kerala imported products
worth around ₹1,28,000 crore in 2021-2022. Out of this 92% was from other
states. During this period, the state’s exports were around ₹74,000
crore. Out of this 70%
was to other states. From this, it has to be understood that the trade deficit
of Kerala is very high. In this context, the aim of the study is to find out
the imported products which can be produced locally. Analyzing productivity, expenditure towards wages
and profit, measures are being taken to identify products that are possible to
be produced in Kerala and to support them. Participation of entrepreneur groups
and science & technology research institutions is ensured in the
formulation of the project. As part of this, Industries Department and other
departments will formulate an extensive practical project. Support will be provided through ‘Make in
Kerala’ to Agritech startups in Kerala which produce agriculture value added
products. Assistance will be provided, including interest subvention for
identifying capital for enterprises.
Sir,
38.
There
are many factors which give the State great confidence to move forward with
‘Make in Kerala’ project. Out of this, the most important is, the new awakening
in the manufacturing sector. Those who are doubtful about the industrial
environment in Kerala should read ‘Below the Radar’, a book recently published
by Sri.C.Balagopal, former IAS officer and the founder of Terumo Penpol, a
globally renowned company manufacturing blood bags. The purpose behind writing
this book is to prove the argument that “Kerala is not a state suitable for
industrial investment” is wrong. He narrates the experience of 50 companies
started in Kerala in the last twenty years which achieved great success. The
national and international recognition achieved by Startup Mission should be
seen along with this testimony from the industrial community. Equally exciting
is the success of ‘Year of Entrepreneurship’ organized under aegis of
Department of Industries.
39.
Government
gets confidence to take up such a massive initiative like ‘Make in Kerala’ from
the enthusiastic response of the young-entrepreneur community towards the
activities of Startup Mission and ‘Year of Entrepreneurship’ scheme undertaken
by the Department of Industries. An amount of ₹1000 crore is additionally
provided for ‘Make in Kerala’ during the plan period. An amount of
₹100 crore is earmarked for ‘Make in Kerala’ this year.
Mission 1000
40.
‘The
Year of Entrepreneurship’ scheme has been well executed in 2022-23. In the past
one year more than one lakh new enterprises have been launched in the State. A
scale-up package to achieve a turnover of ₹1 lakh crore in four years is
announced for thousand enterprises selected from the existing enterprises in
the State.
Vizhinjam International
Port
41.
The
Vizhinjam International Port is the most important chapter in the developmental
horizon of Kerala. By utilizing the possibilities of Vizhinjam, the Government
prepares for massive development projects modelled on major international
ports. Vizhinjam can become one of the largest transhipment container ports in
the world. Vizhinjam is located on a busy sea route where 70% of cargo
transportation takes place. Vizhinjam port is the most important gateway for
the transhipment of cargo for our country and neighbouring countries. The most
important cities and industrial centres in the world have developed adjacent to such ports. Examples of
port-cities including Dubai, Singapore and Shanghai are before us. It has been
decided to construct a Ring Road consisting the 63 km long reach from Vizhinjam
to Navayikkulam via Thekkada in NH 66 and 12 km from Thekkada to Mangalapuram,
as a part of developing the surrounding areas of Vizhinjam Harbour into an extensive centre of industry
& commerce. This will become the most important industrial corridor of the
State. A Township chain of Industrial Institutions, Commercial Centres and
extensive accommodation facilities will emerge. An amount of ₹1000
crore is earmarked through KIIFB for the Land acquisition activities of this
industrial corridor with an estimate of ₹ 5000 crore.
42.
The
Government will take initiatives to develop industrial parks, logistics centres
and residential areas with the involvement of the people living on either sides
of the Industrial Corridor. Development plans comprising of Government, private
entrepreneurs and property owners will be drawn up. It is expected to
implement development plans worth ₹60,000 crore in the first phase by
making use of land pooling system and PPP development methods.
West Coast Canal
43.
The
length of the west coast canal (WCC) which extends from Bekal in the north to
Kovalam in the south of the State is 616 km. A project will be formulated
aiming to transform the West Coast Canal (WCC) into an economic-trade corridor
of Kerala. Through this, development opportunities will be created in the
sectors like industry, renewable energy, transport, tourism, trade and
agriculture. Land for various developmental activities along the waterways will
be made available to the investors on the basis of State’s PPP policy. A total amount of ₹300 crore is
earmarked for undertaking this project using the pooled fund under KIIFB.
New Energy Parks/New
Energy Policy
44.
A
new ‘Energy Park’ will be setup to utilize the possibilities of power
generation from renewable sources like sunlight and wind. An amount of
₹10 crore is earmarked for an industrial park manufacturing EV battery
and allied equipment.
Green Hydrogen Hub
45.
Kerala
aims to become a 100% renewable energy dependent State by 2040 and a net carbon
neutrality State by 2050. The State has a favorable atmosphere for the
production of Green Hydrogen which is also called as “Clean Energy”. Green
Hydrogen produced using renewable energy can play an important role in
eco-friendly development. Using Hydrogen fuel in long haul vehicles and ships
will reduce the carbon emission to a great extent. A scheme of ₹200
crore is announced for V.G.F/Grant/Equity support to set up Green Hydrogen hubs
in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram over the next 2 years. An amount of ₹20
crore is earmarked additionally for this.
Electric Vehicle
Consortium (E.V Consortium)
46.
A
consortium including TTPL, VSSC, C-DAC and TrEST has been formed in Kerala for
the electric vehicle related activities. The EV drive train testing lab setup
under the aegis of TrEST park will be operational by July 2023. An EV
industrial park will be developed with the support of KIIFB. An amount of
₹ 25 crore is earmarked additionally for the EV consortium project.
International Research
Scholarships
47.
Universities
have played an important role in the development of many industrial sectors in
the world including Silicon Valley. In this way, the universities in Kerala
should have association with international universities having translational
research and industrial linkages. Teacher-student exchange programmes between
universities in Kerala and international universities should be encouraged for
this. A short-term fellowship will be launched to support the travel and living
expenses of 100 researchers who obtain short term research assignments in the
world’s top 200 universities annually. The
selection criteria will be determined by the expert committee under the Kerala
State Higher Education Council. An
amount of ₹10 crore is earmarked for this.
National Highway
Development
48.
There
has been a huge boom in the infrastructure development sector in Kerala.
Construction activities for a length of 1931 km worth around ₹1,33,000
crore including National Highway 66 and other National Highways are progressing
at various stages. Financial
Co-operation rendered by the Government in land acquisition is the basic reason
for the smooth and expedite operation of these activities. So far, the
Government has provided ₹5,580 crore towards the land acquisition for
national highways. The current works are expected to be completed within
the next 3 years. This sector has the largest capital investment in the State.
Trade fairs
49.
A
trade fair of national and international standards will be organized in the
state on the model of the international trade fair organized every year at
Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. This will become a platform for businessmen and
entrepreneurs of Kerala to showcase their products internationally. A
permanent venue will be set up for this at Thiruvananthapuram. Initially an
amount of ₹15 crore is additionally earmarked for the scheme.
Work Near Home
50.
‘Work near home’ is a system of employment
that has been successfully implemented around the world in connection with
Covid. This system continues to be a new work culture even after Covid. An
amount of ₹50 crore was allocated in the last year’s budget for setting
up ‘work near home systems’ at regional level. In this regard, an outline has
been drawn up at regional level for infrastructure development. The government
plans to provide 3 types of facilities for this.
i. Centres for industries willing to provide
remote works to I.T related employees.
ii. Centres for those engaged in gig jobs or
remote works
iii. Common Facility Centres.
For the operations of such centres there will
be a partnership model formed by the State government, private sector and Local
Self Government Institutions. KIIFB fund
will be provided to LSGIs as interest-free loan. Fund will be fully disbursed after ensuring
employment. The loan amount should be
repaid by the LSGIs in ten years after the moratorium period of one year from
the completion of construction. A
total expenditure to the tune of ₹1000 crore is expected for creating one
lakh work seats through work near home facilities in the next three years. An amount of ₹50 crore is earmarked in
the current year for this.
51.
A
project, similar to work from home can be implemented in tourism sector also.
Many people seek facilities to perform their official duties online while
visiting tourist destinations. The Work from Holiday Home scheme set up in
tourist destinations will be an asset to the tourism sector. For this, an
amount of ₹10 crore is set apart.
Nursing Education
52.
The
medical nursing professionals from Kerala have made their mark in the health
care sector all over the world. The
requirement of qualified nurses is increasing.
It is intended to start nursing colleges in association with Medical
Colleges at Idukki and Wayanad, Taluk hospitals and General Hospitals in the
State. In the first phase, these
institutions will be started under the aegis of co-operative institutions like
CEPAS and SIEMAT. An amount of ₹20 crore is earmarked for this.
Europe Visit of Hon’ble
Chief Minister and its Follow-up Activities
53.
Visit
of Hon’ble Chief Minister to countries like Finland, Norway, UK and Wales have
increased the interest of international agencies and investors in the
State. Hon’ble Chief Minister had
discussions with the experts in these countries from the sectors of Education,
Industry, Social Welfare Schemes, Entrepreneurship, Disaster Management,
Fisheries and Tourism. During the
discussions, it was decided to start academic exchanges, co-operative research
& courses in association with various technical institutions of these
countries and to adopt the best practices in those sectors suitable for our
State. An amount of ₹10 crore
is earmarked additionally for this purpose to constitute a corpus fund under Planning
& Implementation Monitoring Department.
Sir,
54.
The
government have conducted multiple discussions with travel agencies, expatriate
associations, domestic and foreign airline operators to regulate the high air
travel expenses which the Non-Residential Keralites, especially in the Gulf
sector are forced to pay while travelling to and from Kerala. Norka Roots has devised plans to implement a
dedicated portal for demand aggregation of air passengers. Low rate quotations (INR/Seat) for chartering
flights will be obtained form airline operators through a transparent
process.
A corpus fund of ₹15 crore will be created initially to rationalize
the cost of chartered flights and thereby keep ticket prices within the
affordable range. This corpus fund
can also be used as an underwriting fund in case any particular airport decides
to be a partner in this initiative.
Kerala Tourism 2.0
55.
Focus
will be given to devote destinations like Kovalam, Alappuzha, Kuttanadu,
Kumarakom, Kollam Ashtamudi, Beypore; Bekal and Munnar for experiential tourism
and to develop these destinations to world class tourism centres. A special
feature of this new tourism strategy is the identification of 7 tourism
corridors. Coastal network corridor, coastal highway corridor, waterway, canal
corridor, National Highway corridor, heli tourism corridor, hill highway
corridor and railway corridor are the tourism corridors. These will be
developed hand-in-hand with infrastructure development projects in the State. An
amount of ₹50 crore is earmarked for the development of tourism corridors.
No-frills Airstrip
Chains
56.
In
continuation of the last year budget declaration to establish Airstrip chain,
the procedure to setup a chain of No-frills Airstrips aimed at promoting
tourism,
inter-district air journey and assisting disaster response management is in the
preliminary stage. In the first phase, activities have been commenced to
prepare DPR and to conduct feasibility studies in Idukki, Wayanad and
Kasaragod. A special purpose company will be set up in PPP mode to establish
Airstrips throughout the State. An amount of ₹20 crore is earmarked in
the budget towards equity support of the State.
Extreme Poverty
Alleviation
57.
While
having extensive discussions on mega development projects and knowledge
economy, the Government is hand-holding the needy and the poor with great
priority. A major share of the State’s expenditure is being spent on welfare
activities and various social welfare schemes.
Along with this, we are taking urgent steps to eliminate extreme poverty
in the State.
58.
The
State Government has initiated the extreme poverty identification process in
order to eradicate extreme poverty in the State within five years. As the first
step, 64006 extremely poor families have been identified on the basis of four
factors namely food, health, income and shelter; and guidelines have been
issued for the scheme. With the help of Kudumbashree mission and under the
supervision of Local Self Government Institutions, household micro level plans
are being prepared to emancipate the above families and individuals from
extreme poverty within the next five years. An amount of 50 crore is set
apart as gap fund for Local Self Government Institutions not having sufficient
funds in relation to the number of beneficiaries.
Nava Kerala Nagara
Nayam
Sir,
59.
Kerala
is a state with a very high rate of urbanization. According to census 2011, the urban population
was 48.50% and studies indicate that this will become 70% by 2021. In this
context, the direction of urbanization needs to be determined considering the
unique socio-economic conditions of Kerala. The Government decides to formulate
a comprehensive urban policy for ‘NAVA KERALA’ based on the latest studies on
urbanization. For this purpose, a
commission will be constituted including international experts and
institutions.
60.
An international consultant will be selected to assist the
preparation of Master Plan for the cities of Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and
Kozhikkode.
A scheme will be formulated to upgrade the standards of all six corporations in
Kerala. Conservation of heritage areas
and surroundings, improvement of pedestrian infrastructure, equipping public
places and recreational areas, improvement of hygiene, etc… are the components
of this project. The estimated primary cost for the urban development
related ‘Urban Rejuvenation and Beautification Scheme’ is ₹300 crore. For
this, an amount of ₹100 crore is provided this year through KIIFB.
State Chamber at
District Collectorates.
61.
Collectorates are the headquarters of the
district administration. It is imperative to modernize and increase the
facilities of collectorates based on the increased requirements of the
administrative system. An additional area of 10,000 sq.ft will be created in
each district collectorate for this. A State Chamber will be established at
the Collectorates for conducting review meetings at minister- level and to
interact with the public. The new place will be designed as Smart Office Spaces
with modern audio, video and IT facilities. An amount of ₹70 crore is
earmarked for this.
Nerkazhcha - A
Comprehensive Plan for Eye Health
62.
A
scheme named ‘Nerkazhcha’ is announced aiming
eye health for all, through which all families of the State will undergo
eye examination. This is a massive popular campaign involving health workers,
ASHA workers and Kudumbasree volunteers. Spectacles will be given free of cost
to those diagnosed with vision disabilities, prioritized on the basis of
economic backwardness. Targeted to be completed in four years, the
‘Nerkazhcha’ project will provide free medical advice and medicines to all
visually impaired persons. An amount of ₹50 crore is earmarked for the
scheme.
Corporate Social
Responsibility Fund (CSR Fund)
63.
Studies
have revealed that Kerala is not in a better position in mobilizing Corporate
Social Responsibility funds and utilizing it for developmental and welfare
activities. Departments and institutions working in sectors where CSR funds can
be made available need to make special efforts for the same. State Planning
Board will take initiatives to study the possibilities and utilization of CSR
fund; and to impart training to officials concerned.
Man – Wild Animal
Conflict
Sir,
64.
Reports
of wild animals crossing forest boundaries and even reaching urban areas
located kilometers away are increasing in Kerala. The threat raised by wild
animals including wild boar, elephant, porcupine, leopard and tiger is serious.
Along with the protecting forest and wild life, human lives and livelihoods need
to be protected. Reasons behind the straying of wild animals into inhabited
areas must be discovered. For this, Government will immediately seek the
scientific advises and solutions. An amount of ₹50.85 crore is
earmarked for various activities in areas where human-wild animal conflicts
exist. This includes the project amount
of ₹30.85 crore for increasing compensation for wild animal attacks and
for the temporary formation and strengthening of Rapid Response Team.
Livelihood for Tribal
Settlements Scheme
65.
A scheme will be devised to help every
Scheduled Tribe family in the State to implement a livelihood initiative.
People’s committee comprising representatives of various agencies will help
families in preparing livelihood projects. Amount will be disbursed in installments
based on the progress of the project. In the first year, assistance will be
given to selected families living in tribal settlements (Oorukoottams). An
amount of ₹10 crore is additionally earmarked for this scheme.
PART III
Agriculture
66.
The
Government gives unique consideration to Agriculture Sector. The total outlay earmarked for Agricultural
Sector is ₹971.71 crore. Out of this, ₹156.30 crore is expected as
central assistance.
Crop Husbandry Sector
67.
An amount of ₹732.46 crore is earmarked for the Crop
Husbandry Sector in the year 2023-24.
Sir,
68.
The total outlay for rice development is enhanced from the
current year’s provision of ₹ 76 crore to ₹ 95.10 crore.
69.
Safe
to eat food production will be promoted through organic farming along with
modern technology-based farming practices. An amount of ₹6 crore is
earmarked for this.
70.
An amount of ₹ 93.45 crore is earmarked for
comprehensive vegetable cultivation development programme.
71.
An amount of ₹68.95 crore is earmarked for Coconut
Development Schemes. An amount of ₹25 crore is set apart
for procurement of coconut seed nut, production and distribution of coconut
seedling through farms under Agriculture Department as part of coconut mission.
72.
The Support Price of Coconut is enhanced from ₹32 to ₹34.
73.
An amount of ₹4.60 crore is earmarked for activities
related to development of spice cultivation.
74.
The allocation for VFPCK is enhanced from ₹ 25 crore
to ₹ 30 crore.
75.
Fruit cultivation will be expanded emphasizing on
increasing production and productivity of indigenous and exotic fruits. An
amount of
₹18.92 crore is allocated for this.
76.
An amount of ₹2 crore is earmarked under Agriculture
Department for adopting measures to prevent wild animal encroachment to
populated areas.
77.
An amount of ₹10 crore is earmarked for Smart Krishi
Bhavans and ₹2.10 crore is allocated for ‘Krishi Darsan’ programmes.
78.
An amount of ₹6 crore is allocated for the scheme ‘Njangalum
Krishiyilekku’ (We too into agriculture).
79.
An amount of ₹19.81 crore is earmarked for the scheme
‘Support to Farm Mechanisation’.
80.
An amount of ₹8 crore is allocated for improving the
activities of Karshika Karma Senas. An amount of
₹30 crore is earmarked for State Crop Insurance Scheme.
81.
An amount of ₹17 crore is earmarked for the
development of agriculture sector and ₹12 crore for the development of
infrastructure and technical facilities in Kuttanadu region.
82.
An amount of ₹74.50 crore is earmarked for marketing,
storage and warehousing of agricultural produces.
83.
An amount of ₹3.75 crore is provided for the
procurement of machinery for small-medium processing enterprises through FPOs.
Soil & Water
conservation
84.
An amount of ₹89.75 crore is earmarked for project
activities in Soil & Water Conservation sector.
85.
An amount of ₹3 crore is set apart for micro water
shed projects in 9 Local Self Government Institutions in Taliparamba
Legislative Assembly Constituency. An amount of ₹2 crore each is
earmarked for watershed development at Thrithala constituency in Palakkad
District and Kuttiyadi constituency in Kozhikode District.
Animal husbandry and
Dairy development
86.
The
total outlay for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development sub-sectors is
₹435.40 crore. An amount of ₹320.64 crore is set apart for
Animal Husbandry Department and ₹114.76 crore for Dairy Development
Department. An amount of ₹9.91 crore is expected as central assistance.
87.
An amount of ₹41 crore is set apart for strengthening
veterinary services.
Sir,
88.
The assistance to Kerala Livestock Development Board is
enhanced from ₹23.47 crore to ₹29.68 crore.
89.
A new dairy park is intended to be setup under Kerala Livestock
Development Board at a cost of ₹20 crore. As the first step, an amount of
₹2 crore is allocated.
90.
The plan share of Kerala Feeds Limited is enhanced two fold
and there by an amount of ₹20 crore is earmarked.
91.
An amount of ₹20 crore is set apart for the scheme
providing door step veterinary services.
92.
An amount of ₹13.50 crore is set apart as assistance
to Meat Products of India Limited.
93.
An amount of ₹ 4 crore is allocated for setting up
pet-food factories in Kollam, Kasaragod districts.
Dairy Development
94.
Including RIDF loan, an amount of ₹114.76 crore is
earmarked for the Dairy Development sector.
95.
An amount of ₹2.40 crore is set apart for extending
the scheme ‘Ksheera Gramam’. An amount
of ₹42.33 crore is earmarked for the scheme ‘Commercial Dairy and Milk
Shed Development Programme’.
96.
An amount of ₹8.50 crore is allocated for providing
assistance for fodder, azolla and maize cultivation; irrigation and various
activities of silage making units & fodder hubs.
97.
An amount of ₹11 crore is earmarked for the new
scheme ‘Establishing State Fodder Farm and Model Dairy Unit’.
Fisheries
98.
The total outlay for Fisheries sector is ₹321.31
crore.
99.
An amount of ₹5 crore is earmarked for the activities
under the scheme ‘Conservation and Management of Fish Resources (Inland)’.
100.
An amount of ₹61.10 crore is earmarked for ‘Marine Fisheries’ schemes.
101.
An amount of ₹3.50 crore is allocated for various
activities of ‘Samudra’ project, for developing infrastructure facilities in
fisheries sector.
102.
An amount of ₹5 crore including the plan allocation
of ₹50 lakh is provided for the ‘Suchitwa Sagaram’ scheme which aims to remove
plastic waste from sea with the help of fishermen.
103.
A new scheme with an outlay of ₹10 crore is announced
to modernize fishing fleets. It is intended to provide subsidy at the rate of
60% upto a maximum amount of ₹10 lakh.
104.
An amount of ₹8 crore is allocated for the first
phase
of the new project for converting fishing boat engines to petrol / diesel
engines in a phased manner.
Mariculture Development
Sir,
105.
The
Government intends to bring marine cage farming with the support of Artificial
Intelligence based Technology from Norway. It is envisaged to set up model
cages which are submerged in water for aqua farming with the active
participation of fishermen in the suitable areas. Research & Development
support from Cochin University of Science & Technology (CUSAT), University
of Fisheries and other Central and State Government institutions in the
fisheries sector will also be utilized for this purpose. Modern cages will be
fitted with Lice Skirt protection and advanced sensor technology. For this
an amount of ₹9 crore is earmarked, additionally.
Seafood Processing Park
& Aqua Culture Value Addition
106.
Industrial
standards and guidelines are to be followed in storage and processing of fish
products. For this modern facilities are
required. Norway is a good model for technology assisted value addition of fish
products. Effective cold chains, modern equipment and skilled man power can
bring about major changes in market. Government will explore the possibility
of revamping the food park under KSIDC for this. An amount of ₹20 crore
is earmarked in the budget for the project.
107.
An amount of ₹27 crore is allocated for
‘Saving-cum-Relief Scheme’ which aims to provide relief to fishermen during
lean seasons.
108.
An amount of ₹82.11 crore is earmarked for Inland Fisheries
sector.
109.
It
is aimed to double the current aquaculture production to 50,000 tonnes. An
amount of ₹67.50 crore is allocated for this.
110.
An amount of ₹5.88 crore is earmarked for promoting
Vannamei Shrimp farming.
111.
An amount of ₹5 crore is set apart for innovative
aquaculture activities and expansion of Shrimp farming in Kaipadu, Kole and
Pokkali fields.
112.
An amount of ₹20 crore is allocated for the expansion
of fish seed factories and hatcheries. This allocation is ₹5 crore more
than that of the previous year.
Fisheries Innovation
Council
113.
The
Government have decided to constitute a Fisheries Innovation Council to
implement the ideas formulated after the European visit of Hon’ble Chief
Minister and his team. This council will function as a key facilitation centre
consisting of Fisheries Department, Industries Department, K-Disc, Knowledge
Mission, Kerala Startup Mission, R & D Institutes; scientists, experts and
exporters in Fisheries sector. An amount of ₹1 crore is earmarked for
the formation & other activities of the Council.
114.
An
amount of ₹3 crore is earmarked to complete Fish Meal Plant at
Arattupuzha and an amount of ₹5 crore to the Yarn Twisting and Net
Factory at Neendakara, as one time assistance to Fisheries Department.
115.
The
new campus of Fisheries University will soon start functioning at
Payyannur. An amount of ₹2
crore is earmarked towards immediate requirements for the development of this
campus.
116.
An amount of ₹50 lakh is earmarked for Muthalappozhi
Master Plan. Including this, an amount of ₹12.90 crore is earmarked for 5
schemes related to Fishing Harbours and management.
117.
An amount of ₹20 crore is earmarked with NABARD-RIDF loan
assistance for various activities including expansion and renovation of
Neendakara Fishing Harbour, modernization of Azheekal Fishing Harbour at Kannur
District and Alappad-Azheekal (Kayamkulam) Fishing Harbour at Kollam.
Costal Area Development
118.
An amount of ₹115.02 crore is allocated towards
various schemes for Costal Area Development.
119.
An
amount of ₹71 crore is allocated for infrastructure facilities and human
resources development for fishermen; ₹20 crore as NABARD-RIDF loan
assistance for Integral Coastal Area Development Project; ₹9.52 crore for
maintenance of fishing harbours & dredging and ₹10 crore for group
insurance scheme for fishermen.
Sir,
120.
In
addition to the budget provision in 2022-23, an amount of ₹67.75 crore
was allocated for ‘Punargeham’ scheme. The allocation for ‘Punargeham’
scheme is enhanced from ₹16 crore to ₹20 crore in 2023-24.
121.
An amount of ₹15 crore is earmarked for the new project
announced for coastal protection works.
Forestry and Wild Life
Conservation
122.
An amount of ₹241.66 crore including NABARD share is
earmarked for various schemes under Forestry and Wildlife sector.
123.
The
allocation of the projects for implementing scientific forest management
ensuring availability of water in the forest and for sustainable forest
conservation with people’s participation is enhanced from ₹35 crore to
₹50 crore.
124.
An amount of ₹26 crore is allocated for ‘Forest
Protection Scheme’.
125.
An amount of ₹28 crore is earmarked for the scheme
with the objective to prevent encroachments and to identify the forest boundary
with the application of modern technology and state of the art equipment.
Conservation of
Bio-diversity
126.
An amount of ₹10 crore is earmarked for the scheme
‘Conservation of Bio-diversity’. Agro Diversity
Centre at Pinarayi and Agro Biodiversity activities at Vellayani Agriculture
College will be implemented next year.
127.
An amount of ₹7 crore is earmarked for Eco-Tourism
projects.
128.
An amount of ₹1 crore is earmarked for the world
class Elephant Rehabilitation Centre at Kottur in Thiruvananthapuram.
129.
An amount of ₹5.20 crore is earmarked as the state
share for the scheme ‘Project Elephant’.
130.
An amount of ₹4.76 crore is allocated as the state
share of the project ‘Management of 16 Wildlife Sanctuaries in the State’.
131.
An amount of ₹6.70 crore is earmarked as state share
of the scheme ‘Project Tiger’ for the conservation and management of Tiger
Reserves at Periyar and Parambikkulam.
132.
An amount of ₹4 crore is earmarked as state share of
‘National Afforestation Programme’.
133.
An amount of ₹51.57 crore is earmarked for the
project with NABARD-RIDF loan assistance to improve the ecosystem services by
taking up eco restoration works and converting areas to natural forests.
134.
A zoological park with international standards will be made
functional this year at Puthur in Thrissur district. An amount of ₹6 crore is earmarked for
this.
Rural Development
135.
The total provision for Rural Development Sector is
₹6294.30 crore. An amount of ₹4515.29 crore is expected as central
assistance.
136.
In
2023-24, it is intended to create 10 crore labour days and provide ₹3110
crore as wages through Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
An amount of ₹230.10 crore is provided for the scheme as state share
and ₹4066.69 crore is expected as central share.
137.
An amount of ₹80 crore is earmarked as state share of
the scheme ‘Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana’ (PMGSY). An amount of
₹120 crore is expected as central share.
138.
65 lakh labour days will be created under Ayyankali
Employment Guarantee Scheme. An amount
of ₹150 crore is set apart for this.
139.
An amount of ₹111.86 crore is earmarked as state
share of Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission
(General) and Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana–Gramin (General) implemented through
Local Governments.
Local Administration
140.
The
plan outlay (development fund) for local government institutions is enhanced to
27.19% of the state’s total plan outlay.
An amount of ₹8258 crore is earmarked as plan share. ₹3647 crore in Maintenance Fund and
₹2244 crore in General Purpose Fund are also earmarked. This includes
the allotment of ₹210 crore to the external aided projects of ‘Kerala
Solid Waste Management Project’, which is being implemented in Municipalities
and Corporations.
141.
An amount of ₹260 crore is earmarked to Kudumbasree
for taking up and implementing various activities.
142.
An amount of ₹24.40 crore is earmarked as state share
to Swatch Bharath Mission (Gramin).
An amount of ₹36.60 crore is expected as central share.
143.
An amount of ₹25 crore is earmarked for various
activities of Suchitwa Mission.
144.
As part of Life Mission, 71,861 houses and 30 housing
complexes will be constructed during
2023-24. An amount of ₹1436.26
crore is earmarked for this. A total of
3,22,922 houses have been completed through Life Mission till now. This
includes an amount of ₹525 crore for implementing the scheme in rural
areas.
145.
An amount of ₹97.50 crore is expected as central
share of Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission. An amount of ₹65 crore is set apart as
state share.
Special Development
Packages
146.
An amount of ₹75 crore is earmarked for Idukki
Development Package.
147.
An amount of ₹75 crore is earmarked for Wayanad
Development Package.
148.
An amount of ₹75 crore is earmarked for Kasaragod
package.
149.
The
activities of second Kuttanadu package are progressing well. For effective implementation of the
activities, Kuttanadu Development Co-ordination Council has been formed under
the chairmanship of Hon’ble Chief Minister.
Sir,
150.
As
part of Second Kuttanadu Package, the allocation for cleaning of streams and
other waterways; strengthening and conserving of bunds in various parts of
Kuttanadu, including the Vembanad Lake, is enhanced from ₹87 crore to
₹137 crore.
Sabarimala Master Plan
151.
An amount of ₹30 crore is earmarked for various
components of Sabarimala Master Plan.
152.
An amount of ₹10 crore is set apart for the improvement
of drinking water facility in Sabarimala; ₹2 crore for construction of
rescue bridge from Pamba Ganapathy Temple to Hill Top; ₹2.50 crore for
the development of Nilakkal core area and ₹2 crore for facilitating
medicated drinking water distribution system from Pamba to Sannidhanam. An amount of ₹10 crore is additionally
allotted for the implementation of Erumely Master Plan.
Co-operation
153.
An amount of ₹140.50 crore is earmarked to
Co-operative Sector.
154.
For
empowering the comprehensive intervention of co-operative societies in
agricultural sector, the allocation to the scheme ‘Co-Operative Initiative
in Technology Driven Agriculture (CITA)’ is enhanced from the provision of
₹23 crore to ₹34.50 crore.
155.
An amount of ₹15.75 crore is set apart for various
project activities of Primary Agricultural Credit
Co-operative Societies.
156.
An amount of ₹4 crore is announced as assistance for Education-Research-Training
programmes for strengthening of co-operative sectors.
157.
An amount of ₹5.50 crore is earmarked for the
modernization of Co-operation Department.
158.
Allotment
for various activities such as financial assistance to co-operative hospitals,
assistance to apex federation of hospital societies, assistance to youth
co-operatives, revitalization of literary co-operatives etc.
is enhanced from ₹8.50 crore to ₹18.40 crore.
159.
An amount of ₹8 crore is earmarked to SC/ST
co-operative societies to commence Government approved courses and also as
financial assistance to SC/ST co-operative societies undertaking production
units.
160.
An amount of ₹3.60 crore is earmarked for ‘Punarjani
Project’, a scheme for revitalization of SC/ST Co-operative Societies.
161.
An amount of ₹2.50 crore is set apart for providing
assistance to Vanitha Fed and Vanitha Co-operative Societies.
162.
An amount of ₹4.20 crore is allocated as Government
financial assistance to ‘Co-operative Member Relief Fund’.
163.
An amount of ₹15 crore is earmarked as
NABARD-RIDF assistance for various infrastructure developmental activities such
as marketing,
agro- processing and health co-operatives.
Sir,
164.
Co-operative
audit system in Kerala needs to be restructured and revamped. A special plan
will be formulated for this. An additional allotment of
₹5 crore is announced for the purpose.
165.
‘Kerala Sahakarana Samrakshana Nidhi’ will come into force
in 2023-24 for the comprehensive development of Kerala co-operative
sector. This fund is intended to be
formed by pooling a certain percentage of reserves of co-operative societies
and contribution from the state government.
166.
An amount of ₹28.10 crore is earmarked for the scheme
to provide financial assistance to primary credit societies, primary
co-operative societies and wholesale trading stores/federations. An additional allotment of ₹10 crore is
set apart for formulating 100 FPOs through Kerala Bank.
Irrigation and Flood
Control
167.
An amount of ₹525.45 crore is allocated for
irrigation and flood control activities. Out of
this, ₹184 crore is for major-medium irrigation projects; ₹169.18
crore for minor irrigation projects and ₹159.67 crore for flood control
and Coastal Zone Management.
168.
An amount of ₹10 crore is set apart for ‘Idamalayar
Irrigation Project’.
169.
A
comprehensive river basin development project by including medium and mini
irrigation projects will be implemented for the utilization of water resource
in Cauvery river basin.
170.
All
major incomplete irrigation projects in the State will be commissioned before
2026 itself. Karappuzha, Banasura Sagar irrigation projects in Wayanad will be
commissioned in 2025. The allotment
for Karappuzha Project is enhanced from ₹17 crore to ₹20
crore. The allotment for Banasura Sagar
project is enhanced from ₹12 crore to ₹18 crore.
171.
An amount of ₹2.60 crore is earmarked for minor
irrigation projects at Cauvery River basin.
172.
An amount of ₹1.80 crore is set apart for
constructing minor irrigation projects at Bhavani river basin and check dams at
Attappady.
Pattissery Project
173.
An amount of ₹14 crore is allocated for the final
phase of Pattissery dam in Idukki.
174.
An amount of ₹8 crore is earmarked for the renovation
works of field channels, drains and CADA
canals of Mangalam, Malampuzha, Pothundi, Chitturpuzha, and Cheramangalam
projects.
175.
An amount of ₹58 crore is earmarked for the phase-II
of ‘Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project’ (DRIP).
176.
An amount of ₹5 crore is earmarked for the renovation
works of canal networks of Kuttiady Irrigation Project.
177.
An amount of ₹10 crore is earmarked for renovation of
main canal, branch canal and distribution network of Pazhassi Irrigation
Project.
178.
An amount of ₹22 crore is allocated for canal
renovation works of Chittur Puzha & Kanjirapuzha Projects in Palakkad
district.
179.
An amount of ₹5 crore is earmarked for Thottappally
Project, implemented for flood mitigation in Kuttanadu region and Thottappally
Spillway.
Sir,
180.
As
a solution for acute shortage of water in Meenachil river basin during summer,
a mini dam with regulator cum bridge will be constructed across the river at
Arunapuram. An amount of ₹3 crore is earmarked for the initial
activities of ‘Meenachil project’.
181.
An amount of ₹169.18 crore is set apart for the development
of minor irrigation projects across the State.
182.
An amount of ₹15 crore is allocated for conducting
inspections, studies and providing basic facilities aimed at increasing the
availability of ground water.
183.
An amount of ₹5.58 crore is earmarked for ground water-based
drinking water scheme.
184.
A total amount of ₹24 crore is earmarked for lift
irrigation scheme. Out of this, ₹19 crore is set apart for
new lift irrigation schemes.
185.
An amount of ₹7.50 crore is earmarked for
implementing activities such as renovation of ponds, linking of ponds with
irrigation projects etc. in association with Haritha Kerala Mission.
186.
An
amount of ₹12 crore is earmarked for setting up modern micro irrigation
facilities in all districts, through ‘Community Micro Irrigation Project’.
187.
An amount of ₹2 crore is earmarked for the project to
make rivers pollution free.
188.
An amount of ₹100 crore is earmarked for a project to
construct the outer bunds of paddy land (Padasekharam) in most environmentally
fragile areas of Kuttanadu.
189.
An amount of ₹37 crore is set apart for flood relief
in paddy land (Padasekharam) in Alappuzha and Kottayam districts.
190.
An amount of ₹16.54 crore is earmarked to Irrigation
Department for coastal area protection activities.
Energy
191.
The
outlay for Energy sector is ₹1158.09 crore.
192.
An
amount of ₹10 crore is earmarked for various
Hydro-electric projects like Idukki Golden Jubilee Power House Project,
Muzhiyar Phase-II, Letchmi, Pooyamkutty, Peringalkuthu, which are either in DPR
stage or to be taken up on priority basis.
193.
An amount of ₹10 crore is earmarked for various Solar
Power Projects.
194.
An amount of ₹10 crore is earmarked for ‘Soura’
project under Urja Kerala Mission.
195.
An amount of ₹300 crore is earmarked for various
works in transmission sector, capacity enhancement of existing sub-stations and
construction of new sub-stations, lines etc.
196.
An amount of ₹12 crore is earmarked for renovation
and modernization of Sholayar, Kuttiyadi, Idukki Stage-I hydroelectric
projects.
197.
An amount of ₹150 crore is set apart for various
works for the betterment of power distribution system.
198.
An amount of ₹7 crore is earmarked to KSEB for flood
resilient construction works.
199.
An amount of ₹376 crore is earmarked for various
works under ‘Dyuthi’ Project.
200.
An amount of ₹7.98 crore is earmarked for setting up
charging stations for electric vehicles in all districts.
Sir,
201.
An amount of ₹30 crore is set apart for the
compensation package in connection with
Edamon – Kochi Project.
202.
An amount of ₹34.36 crore is earmarked as state share
for Viability Gap Fund and Innovation Fund for renewable energy projects.
203.
An amount of ₹49 crore is earmarked for various
activities of ANERT.
204.
An amount of ₹9.14 crore is set apart for various
activities of Energy Management Centre.
Industry and Minerals
205.
The total outlay for
Industries sector in 2023-24 is ₹1259.66 crore. Out of this, the outlay for Village and
Small-Scale Industries is ₹483.40 crore. An amount of ₹12 crore is
expected as central assistance.
206.
An
amount of ₹212.70 crore is earmarked for Small- Scale Industries;
₹117 crore for Coir Industry; ₹58 crore for Cashew Industry;
₹16.10 crore for Khadi and Village Industry; ₹56.40 crore for
Handloom and Power loom Industry; ₹4.20 crore for Handicraft Sector and
₹7 crore for Commerce.
207.
An amount of ₹18
crore is set apart for revamping and modernisation of existing development
plots / areas.
208.
An amount of ₹10
crore is earmarked for the construction of multi-storeyed industrial
estates. An amount of ₹4 crore is
set apart for the development of around 25 estates / parks in the State.
209.
An amount of ₹2
crore is earmarked for the construction of trade promotion centres in Handicraft
Sector.
210.
An amount of ₹9
crore is earmarked for the implementation of Capacity Building Programme for
50,000 persons through District Industries Centres and various institutions.
211.
An amount of ₹60
crore is earmarked for Self-Employment Entrepreneur Support Scheme.
212.
An amount of
₹2.50 crore is earmarked for the rejuvenation of MSMEs defunct/disrupted due to the crisis caused by flood and Covid.
213.
An amount of ₹18 crore
is set apart as Margin Money Grant to nano units.
214.
An amount of ₹8
crore is earmarked as state share for ‘PM Formalisation of Micro Food
Processing Enterprises Scheme’ (PMFME).
Sir,
215.
An amount of
₹21.50 crore is set apart as special package for providing assistance to
functional MSMEs and upgrading existing enterprises from micro to small and
small to medium.
216.
An amount of ₹10
crore is provided for promoting Private Industrial Parks.
217.
An amount of ₹2
crore is earmarked for various activities enabling development in plantation
sector. This amount will be utilised for establishing modern
warehouses in PPP mode for the safe storage of plantation produce, supporting
branding, precision farming and for enhancing the productivity of agriculture.
218.
An amount of ₹39
crore is earmarked for various schemes including establishing MSME clinics in
districts, linking APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University with industries and
enterprises and formation of Appraisal Desk for Grievance Redressal Committees.
219.
An amount of
₹1.20 crore is earmarked for the development of Bamboo related
industries.
Sir,
220.
An amount of ₹10
crore is earmarked for establishing ‘Integrated Handloom Village’ at
Chendamangalam, Ernakulam.
221.
An amount of
₹5.50 crore is earmarked for modernisation of handloom societies and promotion
of value-added products.
222.
An amount of ₹8
crore is earmarked for establishing eco-friendly dyeing and printing unit at KINFRA Textile Centre, Nadukani, Kannur District.
223.
An amount of ₹40
crore is set apart for mechanisation/ regulated mechanisation/infrastructure
development in coir industry.
224.
An amount of ₹8
crore is earmarked as financial assistance to centres conducting research and
development of technology in Coir sector.
225.
An amount of ₹10
crore is earmarked as state share of market development assistance scheme for
the sale of coir, coir products etc., by including one crore more than that of
the year 2022-23.
226.
An amount of ₹10
crore is earmarked for ‘Production and Marketing Incentive’ (PMI) project, for coir and coir products. This outlay is ₹6 crore more than
that of the year 2022-23.
227.
An amount of ₹38
crore is earmarked for Price Fluctuation Fund of coir fibre and coir products.
228.
An amount of
₹2.25 crore is provided for modernization and mechanisation of cashew
factories of Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation. An amount of ₹3.50 crore is set apart
for modernisation of factories under CAPEX.
229.
An amount of
₹7.20 crore is earmarked to ‘Kerala State Agency for the Expansion of
Cashew Cultivation’ for establishing raw nut bank and organic cashew
cultivation.
230.
An amount of
₹43.55 crore is provided as revolving fund for Kerala Cashew Board.
Sir,
231.
In order to resolve the
crisis faced by the Cashew Sector, an amount of ₹30 crore is earmarked
for a rejuvenation package.
232.
An amount of
₹770.21 crore is set apart for projects for the betterment of investment
friendly atmosphere in the state.
233.
An amount of ₹20
crore is earmarked as state share
for various activities of Life Sciences Park, Thiruvananthapuram.
234.
An amount of
₹31.75 crore is set apart for the infrastructure development of various
industrial parks in the state.
235.
A total amount of
₹122.50 crore is earmarked for Kerala State Industrial Development
Corporation Limited.
236.
A total amount of
₹11.25 crore is earmarked for ‘Industrial Growth Centres’ through KSIDC.
237.
An amount of ₹31.75
crore is set apart for various industrial parks under KSIDC including Coconut
Industrial Park at Kuttiyadi, Kozhikode.
238.
An amount of
₹335.56 crore is earmarked for ‘KINFRA’.
239.
An amount of ₹44
crore is earmarked for setting up infrastructure development for establishing Petro Chemical Industry.
240.
Government have
accorded sanction to establish
Rice Technology Parks in Palakkad, Thrissur and Alappuzha Districts. An amount
of ₹10 crore is earmarked for the project.
241.
An amount of
₹4.50 crore is earmarked for Spice Park at Muttom, Thodupuzha under the
aegis of KINFRA.
242.
Kerala Rubber Ltd.
Company which is going to be set up with an investment of ₹1050 crore is
an important intervention of the Government in rubber sector. An amount of ₹20 crore (including plan
allocation of ₹10 crore) is earmarked for the activities of the CIAL
model rubber company with an expected investment of ₹200 crore in the
first phase.
Sir,
243.
National Industrial
Corridor Development and Implementation Trust has approved the State’s
project – ‘Kochi – Palakkad Hi-tech Industrial Corridor’ as part of Chennai –
Bengaluru Industrial Corridor Project. The completion of Kochi – Bengaluru
Corridor Project will result in achieving optimum growth in economic-labour
sectors. It is expected that first phase of the project in Palakkad District
would attract total investment of ₹10,000 crore and thereby create
employment directly to 22,000 and indirectly to 80,000 in 5 years.
244.
For the implementation
of this project, having an investment of ₹3000 crore, a Special Purpose
Vehicle will be formed with the involvement of KSIDC & KINFRA. KINFRA has identified around 2000 acres of
land for this project. Out of which 1000 acres of land needs to be acquired
using Plan Fund and the remaining 1000 acres through KIIFB fund. An amount of ₹200 crore is earmarked
for the project in the year 2023-24.
245.
An exhibition centre
with modern facilities will be set up by KINFRA at Kakkanad, Kochi, as a
permanent facility for MSMEs, ensuring international standards to showcase
their products. An amount of ₹5 crore is set apart for this.
246.
An amount of
₹266.90 crore is earmarked for the supplementary works of existing
projects and new projects of Public Sector Undertakings under Industries
Department including Textile sector.
247.
‘Outsourced
Semi-Conductors Assembly and Testing Facility’ (OSAT) business is the most
important element of the semi-conductor value chain. Such testing facilities
will be established in the state. By
implementing this project, employment opportunities directly to 1000 and
indirectly to 5000 can be offered. An amount of ₹10 crore is earmarked
for this project.
248.
An amount of ₹14
crore is earmarked for the new project for promoting the manufacture of Printed
Circuit Board (PCB) that offers interconnection for electronic components and
integrated circuits.
Meds Park
Sir,
249.
It
was announced to form a Medical Tech Innovation Park at Thiruvananthapuram and
Kerala Medical Technology Consortium (KMTC) with an intention to create a
Medical Venture Ecosystem in Kerala. Meds Park, a dedicated industrial park for
medtech startups and manufactures was arranged in the campus of Bio 360 Life
Science Park, Thiruvananthapuram. Meds Park will be fully operational by latter
half of 2023-24 fiscal. KMTC will initiate steps to attract Medtech Investments
in the park. An amount of ₹10 crore will be allocated in the budget to
develop Digital Medtech Market Place, for the further encouragement of
Medtech-Medical Equipment Sector in Kerala and to support KMTC.
250.
An amount of
₹6.05 crore is earmarked for various developmental projects in Mineral Sector.
Information Technology
251.
An amount of ₹559
crore is earmarked for Information Technology sector.
252.
An amount of
₹127.37 crore is provided for Kerala State Information Technology
Mission.
253.
An amount of ₹53
crore is earmarked for State Data Centre.
254.
An amount of
₹46.60 crore is earmarked for Digital University including the activities
of IIITM-K.
255.
An amount of
₹26.60 crore is earmarked for the activities of Technopark in
Thiruvananthapuram; ₹35.75 crore for the development of Infopark, Kochi
and ₹12.83 crore for Cyber Park, Kozhikode.
256.
An amount of
₹201.09 crore is earmarked for Kerala State Information Technology
Infrastructure Limited, a public sector
undertaking.
257.
An amount of ₹100
crore is earmarked for Kerala Fibre Optic Network (K-FON) project. An amount of ₹2 crore is
earmarked for providing free household internet connection under K-FON project
to 70,000 eligible BPL families. For
this, 500 families will be identified in each Legislative Constituency.
Sir,
258.
An amount of
₹71.84 crore is earmarked for Kerala Space Park (K-Space).
259.
An amount of ₹90.52
crore is earmarked for Kerala Startup Mission.
This includes ₹20 crore for Kochi Technology Innovation Zone,
₹70.52 crore for Youth Entrepreneurship Development Programmes. A total allocation of ₹120.52 crore is
earmarked, which includes an additional allocation of ₹30 crore as Fund
of Funds share.
Transport and
Communication
260.
The allocation of various projects in Transport Sector is
enhanced from ₹1788.67 crore in 2022-23 to ₹2080.74 crore in
2023-24.
261.
An amount of ₹80.13 crore is set apart for Port,
Light House and Shipping sectors.
262.
An amount of ₹5
crore is earmarked for Marina port at Alappuzha.
263.
An amount of ₹3
crore is set apart for the activities of Kerala Maritime Institute.
264.
A total amount of
₹40.50 crore is earmarked towards infrastructure development projects
for shipping activities in Azhikkal, Beypore (Kozhikode), Kollam, Vizhinjam and
Ponnani ports.
Sir,
265.
Government intends to develop a greenfield international
port (Outer Harbour) at Azhikkal for fulfilling the port related requirements
in the northern part of Kerala. The total development project cost of Malabar
International Port & SEZ limited-Greenfield International Port & SEZ,
envisaged in 3 phases will be ₹3698 crore. An amount of ₹9.74 crore
is earmarked for this project.
266.
An amount of
₹1144.22 crore is earmarked for Roads & Bridges including National
Highways.
Public Works Department
– Roads & Bridges
267.
An amount of ₹75 crore is earmarked for the
development and improvement of State Highways.
268.
An amount of ₹288.27 crore is earmarked for the
development and improvement of major district roads. Out of this, ₹225
crore will be a one time assistance exclusively for overlaying works to reduce
the recurring maintenance cost of major district B.M. and B.C. roads in the
state for which defect liability period has expired.
269.
The upgradation works
of 82 km long Punalur – Ponkunnam road with a total construction cost of
₹765.44 crore will be converted to EPC mode.
270.
An amount of
₹12.10 crore is earmarked for railway safety works.
271.
An amount of
₹10.51 crore is earmarked for various projects related to road safety
works.
272.
An amount of ₹61.85
crore is earmarked for Central Road Fund works.
Road Transport
273.
A total amount of
₹184.07 crore is earmarked for Road Transport sector. Out of this, an
amount of ₹131 crore is provided to KSRTC and ₹44.07 crore to Motor
Vehicle Department.
Sir,
274.
The allocation for
various activities related to modernisation and quality improvement of the
fleet of KSRTC is enhanced from ₹50 crore in 2022-23 to ₹75
crore.
275.
An amount of ₹30
crore is earmarked for infrastructure development, renovation of workshop
depots and other activities of Kerala State Road Transport Corporation. An
amount of ₹20 crore is earmarked for implementing computerization and
e-governance in KSRTC.
276.
The
use of Pre-fab technology has resulted in huge reduction of construction cost
of KSRTC bus station at Kottayam. KSRTC will construct cost effective bus
station complexes at Vizhinjam, Attingal, Kottarakkara, Kayamkulam, Ernakulam,
Thrissur, Kannur and Kasaragod. An amount of ₹20 crore is additionally
provided for the same.
277.
An amount of
₹15.55 crore is set apart for E-mobility promotion activities.
278.
A total amount of
₹141.66 crore is earmarked for projects related to Inland Water Transport
in the state. An amount of ₹24
crore is earmarked for purchasing new passenger boats for Water Transport
Department.
279.
An amount of
₹2.50 crore is earmarked for the project intended to complete the
construction of barges for transportation of bulk cargo through inland water
ways.
280.
An amount of ₹4
crore is earmarked for the construction of a new cruise vessel.
281.
An amount of
₹4.51 crore is earmarked for the project to set up airstrips in Idukki,
Wayanad and Kasaragod districts.
282.
An amount of
₹2.01 crore is earmarked for Green Field Airport, Sabarimala.
Tourism
283.
An amount of
₹362.15 crore is provided for Tourism sector.
284.
A total amount of
₹19.30 crore is earmarked for Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel
Studies, State Institute of Hospitality Management and Food Craft Institute.
285.
An amount of ₹81
crore is earmarked for promotion of tourism at international level.
286.
An amount of ₹8
crore is provided for heritage festivals including ‘Thrissur Pooram’ and
regional cultural programmes. An amount of ₹7 crore is provided for
conducting Kerala Travel Mart – 2024. An amount of ₹2 crore is provided
for Kochi – Muziris Biennale.
287.
An amount of ₹10
crore is earmarked as electricity subsidy in tourism sector; ₹3.70 crore
as subsidy for Caravan tourism initiatives and ₹3 crore for continuing
revolving fund scheme.
288.
An amount of
₹135.65 crore is set apart for providing infrastructure development and
other amenities in major tourism destinations.
Kappad Historical
Museum
Sir,
289.
Kappad
Port, where Vasco Da Gama sailed in 1498, is one of the most historically
significant areas in Kerala.
A museum will be established to reflect the historical significance of
Kappad. ₹10 crore is earmarked
for this museum which can become a prominent centre in the field of cultural
tourism in Kerala.
Oceanarium and Museum
290.
Kollam is an ancient trading centre. The
Chinese, the Arab, the Portugese, the Dutch, and the British traders had
established trade relations with Kollam. A museum depicting the history of
trade & commerce of Kollam and an Oceanarium will be established at
Thankassery in Kollam. The Oceanarium will be established in PPP mode. An
amount of ₹ 10 crore is earmarked for this scheme which would benefit the
tourism sector.
291.
An amount of ₹22
crore is earmarked for modernisation and renovation of Guest-Houses, Yatri
Nivas and Kerala Houses.
292.
An amount of
₹9.50 crore is earmarked for Responsible Tourism Project.
293.
An amount of ₹17
crore is earmarked for Muziris, Alappuzha, Thalassery heritage projects by
including them in Heritage and Spice Route Project.
294.
An amount of ₹12
crore is earmarked for Champions Boat League.
Scientific Services and Research
295.
An amount of ₹2
crore is set apart for the project ‘Innovation and Entrepreneurship’ in Science
and Technology sector.
296.
A total amount of
₹90.77 crore is earmarked for Kerala State Council for Science, Technology
and Environment.
K-DISC
297.
K-DISC
has been formed with the aim of promoting innovation to resolve the second
generation developmental problems of the State. The operation of K-DISC has
resulted in the creation of an innovation-friendly ecosystem in the State.
K-DISC has taken up many innovative projects in various fields. The aim of
K-DISC is to transform Kerala as the global capital for innovation. An amount
of ₹100 crore is earmarked for K-DISC in the year 2023-2024
Institute of Advanced Virology (IAV)
298.
In order to expand the
laboratory facility in Institute of Advanced Virology, which functions in a
27,000 sq. ft building, it is intended to add another 80,000 sq. ft. as well.
An advanced molecular diagnostic facility is already functional. Most modern
Bio safety level-III Laboratory, instrumentation facilities and facilities for
experiment will be set up. An amount of ₹50 crore is earmarked for the
Institute.
299. An amount of ₹81 crore is earmarked for Regional Cancer Centre,
Thiruvananthapuram.
300. An estimated expenditure of ₹120 crore is expected to upgrade RCC
as State Cancer Centre. For this, sanction has been accorded and first
instalment has been provided by the Union Government. An amount of ₹13.80 crore is
earmarked as state share of the project.
301. An amount of ₹28 crore is provided under the Medical Education
sector for various developmental activities of Malabar Cancer Centre.
302. The second phase construction of Cochin Cancer Centre is in progress. An
amount of ₹14.50 crore is provided to Cochin Cancer Centre under Medical
Education sector.
303. A total amount of ₹26.38 crore is earmarked for various projects
in Ecology & Environment sector.
Education
304. An amount of
₹1773.09 crore is set apart as state plan outlay for Education sector.
305. The total allocation
for infrastructure development in schools is enhanced from ₹85 crore to ₹95
crore.
306. An amount of ₹140
crore is earmarked for free supply of uniform to School students.
307. An amount of ₹40
lakh is earmarked for various activities of Autism Park.
308. An amount of ₹65
crore is set apart for infrastructure development in Government Higher
Secondary Schools.
309. An amount of ₹60
crore is earmarked as state share for various components of Samagra Shiksha
Abhiyan.
310. An amount of
₹344.64 crore is set apart as state share for Mid-Day Meal scheme.
Higher Education
Sir,
311. A special action plan
will be formulated in 2023-24 to help universities and higher education
institutions for achieving greater excellence. For this, an amount of
₹816.79 crore is allocated to Higher Education and Technical Education.
Risk Fund for
Translational Research
312. Government intends to constitute
a ‘Risk Fund’ inorder to reduce the risk in developing knowledge inputs
in association with academic institutions and to promote industries to
translate the research outputs into commercialised production process. This
fund will be utilised for the capital investment in the special purpose vehicles
jointly formed by universities and industry, for translating technology. Funds
will be recouped from the income generated by successful SPVs. An amount of
₹10 crore is earmarked as initial assistance for this research fund.
313. An amount of ₹14
crore is earmarked for establishing Centres of Excellence in various knowledge
sectors in Kerala as proposed by Higher Education Commissions.
314.
An amount of ₹19 crore is set apart for Higher
Education Council.
315. Financial assistance
will be provided to establish Centre for Atmospheric Sciences and Coastal
Ecosystem studies, Centre for Quantum Computing and Centre for Proteomics and
Genomics Research in Kannur University.
Sir,
316. An academic complex
with modern facilities will be constructed at Brennen College, Thalassery. An amount of ₹30 crore is expected
towards its expenditure. An amount of
₹10 crore is provided this year.
317.
Government
is giving top priority to generate employment opportunities. As part of this, an
amount of ₹35 crore is earmarked to Additional Skill Acquisition
Programme (ASAP) for ensuring skill development.
318.
An
Inter University academic festival will be launched this year to showcase the
academic excellence of universities.
319.
An amount of ₹98.35 crore will be provided as
financial assistance to Government Colleges for increasing physical facilities
of Higher Education Sector.
320.
As
an urgent measure for the quality improvement of higher education, the
remuneration of guest lecturers in the level of Universities/Colleges will be
enhanced.
321.
An amount of ₹50 crore is earmarked as state share
for implementation of various components under Rashtriya Uchchathar Shiksha
Abhiyan (RUSA).
Technical Education
Sector
322.
An amount of ₹252.40 crore is earmarked for Technical
Education Sector for the year 2023-24.
323.
An amount of ₹23 crore is provided for the various
developmental activities of Kerala State Science and Technology Museum (KSSTM)
Thiruvananthapuram Campus, Regional Science Centres at Chalakkudy,
Parappanangadi and Science City - Kottayam.
324.
An amount of ₹40.50 crore is earmarked for the
various developmental activities of Government Engineering Colleges.
325.
An amount of ₹43.20 crore is earmarked for
implementing various schemes of Government Polytechnic Colleges.
326.
Material
Testing and Certification Centres will be started in all Government Polytechnic
Colleges having Civil Engineering branch.
Sir,
327.
A
Polytechnic will be started in the Education Hub which is going to be
established at Pinarayi in Kannur District.
Art & Culture
328.
An amount of ₹183.14 crore is earmarked for the
development of Art & Culture sector.
329.
As
part of increasing assistance to artistes, the number of fellowships provided
under the auspices of Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy will be enhanced.
330.
An amount of ₹13 crore is earmarked for ‘Diamond
Jubilee Fellowship Scheme for Young Artistes’.
331.
An amount of ₹20.90 crore is earmarked for Department
of Archaeology; ₹28.75 crore for Directorate of Museum & Zoo and
₹113.29 crore for the activities of Department of Culture.
332.
The
construction of Planetariums at Kottayam and Chalakkudi under Science &
Technology Museum will be completed.
333.
An amount of ₹5.50 crore is earmarked for
establishing District Heritage Museums.
334.
An amount of ₹8.15 crore is set apart for various
activities including virtual pet adoption scheme, for bringing new animals and
for the renovation of Zoos at Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur.
AKG Museum
Sir,
335.
Ayillyath
Kuttiari Gopalan, aka “AKG”, a great revolutionary, freedom fighter and the
first opposition leader of the country, is popularly known as ‘the Crusader of
the Downtrodden’. The life of AKG is
also a true history of the progressive struggles in Kerala. An amount of
₹6 crore is set apart for AKG Museum at Peralassery, Kannur which marks
the life and struggles of AKG.
Kallumala Protest
Square
336.
The
Kallumala protest is a brilliant chapter in the history of Kerala Renaissance.
It was in the large meeting convened at Peeranki Maidanam, Kollam in December
1915 under the chair of Changanassery Parameswaran Pillai, Mahatma Ayyankali
urged the women to boycott ‘Kallayum Malayum’. Boycotting of
Kallumala was a crucial event among the
struggle of women in Kerala for their right to cover breasts. Peeranki
Maidanam, Kollam will be protected as Kallumala protest square, a memorial of
the self-esteem struggle and renaissance movement of Kerala women. Kallumala
square will be constructed at Peeranki Maidanam, Kollam. An amount of ₹5
crore is earmarked for this.
Vaikom Satyagraha
Centenary
337.
Vaikom Satyagraha is an important event in the renaissance
history of our country. 2024 is the centenary of Vaikom Satyagraha. This will
be duly celebrated by the Government.
338.
An amount of ₹17 crore is earmarked for modernization
of theatres under KSFDC, creation of OTT platform and film production.
339.
An amount of ₹1 crore will be provided as special
financial assistance for International Theatre Festival of Kerala (ITFOK)
under the aegis of Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy. An amount of ₹1
crore will be provided to Kerala Sahitya Academy for organising ‘Malayalam
Literary Conclave’.
340.
An amount of ₹15 lakh is earmarked for Mahakavi
Moyinkutty Vaidyar Mappila Kala Academy at Kondotty.
341.
An amount of ₹35 lakh is earmarked for Sree Narayana
International Study Centre at Chempazhanthy, Thiruvananthapuram.
Sports and Youth
Affairs
342.
An amount of ₹135.75 crore is earmarked for various
schemes of Sports & Youth Affairs Department.
343.
An amount of ₹20 crore is provided for upgradation
and capacity development of G.V.Raja Sports School, Thiruvananthapuram and
Sports Division, Kannur.
344.
An amount of ₹3.60 crore is earmarked for setting up
infrastructure facilities like hostel & mess in the Sports Division established at
Kunnamkulam Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Thrissur.
345.
An outlay of ₹35.90 crore is provided for various
activities of Kerala State Sports Council.
346.
An amount of ₹18.95 crore is provided for the
activities of Kerala State Youth Welfare Board.
Public Health Sector
347.
A
total outlay of ₹2828.33 crore is set apart for Medical & Public
Health Sector in 2023-24 fiscal. This
allocation is ₹196.50 crore more than that of the year 2022-23.
Sir,
348.
An amount of ₹5 crore is set apart for management of
post-Covid health issues.
349.
It is proposed to establish Cancer Care Centres in all
District Hospitals of the State. An amount of ₹2.50 crore is earmarked
for this purpose.
350.
An amount of
₹11 crore is set apart for the activities for controlling communicable
diseases.
351.
‘SHAILI’, implemented by the Health Department using the IT
application developed by the State Digital Health Mission, is the only such Non-Communicable
Diseases (NCD) scheme. Survey and diagnosis of more than 70 lakh people
regarding common non-communicable diseases such as hyper tension, diabetes, and
cancer was made possible through this scheme.
An amount of ₹10 crore earmarked for the next year for large scale
development of the portal for this and further extension of the scheme.
352.
An outlay of ₹10 crore is provided for relocating
General Hospital, Thalassery.
353.
An amount of ₹15 crore is earmarked for improving the
facilities of hospitals and health care institutions in tribal, coastal and
remote areas.
Sir,
354.
An amount of ₹75 crore is set apart for the
operational expenses of 315 advanced life support ambulances under ‘Kanivu’
scheme.
355.
Steps will be taken to enhance the health care and infrastructural
facilities of TATA hospital Kasaragod.
Global Possibilities in
Health care Sector
356.
Kerala
has a large labour force with skill and expertise in health care sector.
Malayalees constitute a considerable percentage of health workers around the
world. Cost for health care is very high in developed countries. Kerala should
be able to utilize this as an opportunity. We have the human resources that can
transform Kerala into global health care capital; and a health network that can
be developed further. Foreigners can be attracted to the state to provide
treatment and health care at low cost. Activities will be extended to transform
the state into a health hub by providing better services in areas such as health
care and health tourism. Existing facilities can be expanded and modernized. An
amount of ₹30 crore is earmarked for the initial activities to formulate,
implement and facilitate Care Policy in accordance with this prospect.
Kerala’s indigenous
vaccine against Rabies
Sir,
357.
An
initiative will be launched to develop an indigenous oral rabies vaccine in our
State. The vaccine will be developed
through the joint venture of the Institute of Advanced Virology,
Thiruvananthapuram and the various institutions under Kerala Veterinary &
Animal Sciences University. An amount
of ₹5 crore is earmarked for this scheme.
358.
An amount of ₹1.50 crore is provided for continuing
activities of the programme ‘New Born Screening’.
359.
An amount of ₹500 crore is earmarked as the state
share to National Health Mission, which includes ₹134.80 crore for
infrastructure maintenance and family welfare programmes. An amount of ₹750 crore is anticipated
as central share.
360.
An amount of ₹30 crore is set apart for e-Health
Programme.
361.
An
outlay of ₹574.50 crore is earmarked for the ‘Karunya Arogya Suraksha
Padhathi’ (KASP). This provision is
₹74.50 crore more than that of the year 2022-23.
362.
State
Health Agency will implement ‘Thalolam’, ‘Cancer Suraksha for Child Patients’
and Cochlear Implantation for Children (Sruthi Tharangam) as a part of Karunya
Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP) from 2023-24 fiscal onwards.
363.
An amount of ₹7.50 crore is set apart for
strengthening Analytical laboratories in Food Safety sector.
Safe Food
Sir,
364.
An additional amount of ₹7 crore is provided for the
interventions and inspections in order to ensure safe food, to prevent food
poisoning and for food quality upgradation.
365.
An amount of ₹463.75 crore is earmarked for various
developmental activities of Medical Education Sector.
366.
An amount of
₹232.27 crore is provided for the developmental activities of various
Government Medical Colleges, Regional Institute of Ophthalmology,
Thiruvananthapuram and College of Pharmaceutical Science, Thiruvananthapuram.
367.
An amount of
₹13 crore is provided for waste management in all Medical Colleges and
other hospitals under Directorate of Medical Education.
368.
An amount of ₹15 crore is earmarked for the purchase
of PET CT Scanner for the Oncology Wing in Thiruvananthapuram Medical College.
369.
An amount of ₹32 crore is earmarked for the
Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract and allied activities of the costly and
sophisticated equipments in Medical Colleges for ensuring their uninterrupted
functioning.
370.
An amount of ₹3.60 crore is earmarked for IMHANS,
Kozhikkode. This is ₹2.65 crore more than that of
the year 2022-23.
371.
An amount of ₹3 crore is provided as assistance to
start new nursing colleges in Centre for Professional and Advanced Studies
(CPAS)
functioning in association with M.G. University.
372.
During 2023-24, an amount of ₹49.05 crore is provided
to the Indian Systems of Medicine Department which consists of different branches
like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Yoga and Naturopathy. This is ₹5 crore more than that of the
year 2022-23.
373.
An amount of ₹24 crore is provided to take up various
activities for the strengthening and modernization of institutions under Indian
Systems of Medicine Department.
374.
An amount of ₹20.15 crore is earmarked for
Ayurveda Medical Colleges in Thiruvananthapuram, Thrippunithura and Kannur.
Sir,
375.
It
is intended to establish “International Research Institute of Ayurveda” (IRIA)
for the scientific development of Ayurveda.
An amount of ₹2 crore is provided for its initial construction
activities and research.
376.
An amount of ₹25.15 crore is earmarked for the
strengthening of Homeopathy Department.
377.
An amount of ₹5 crore is provided as state share for
the activities of National Mission on Ayush – Homoeo.
378.
An amount of
₹8.90 crore is earmarked for
Homoeo Medical Education.
Water Supply and
Sewerage
379.
During the year 2023-24 an amount of ₹909.51 crore is
earmarked for water supply and sewerage.
380.
Basic infrastructure development in sewerage sector can be
implemented by utilizing NABARD-RIDF loan. An amount of ₹80 crore is
provided for completing five similar schemes.
381.
An amount of ₹45 crore is provided for the
rejuvenation and improvement works of Urban Water Supply Schemes.
382.
Jal
Jeevan Mission envisages to provide 9.54 lakh functional tap connections in
2023-24. An amount of ₹500
crore is provided as state share to Kerala Water Authority and Jal Jeevan
Mission for implementing the programme.
383.
An amount of ₹50 crore is provided to replace the old
and obsolete pipelines.
384.
An amount of ₹5 crore is provided for Kerala Water
Supply Project having JICA assistance.
385.
An amount of ₹100 crore is set apart for the scheme ‘Urban
Water Supply Improvement Projects’ implemented in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi
Corporations.
Sir,
386.
An amount of ₹10 crore is earmarked for scaling up of
rain water harvesting
and ground water recharging activities of Jalanidhi.
387.
An amount of ₹30.90 crore is provided to rejuvenate jalanidhi
schemes with the assistance of Local Self Government Institutions.
388.
Under
‘Grihasree’ scheme, being implemented by Kerala State Housing Board, subsidy
will be provided to 415 houses. An amount of ₹12.45 crore is provided
for this scheme. This provision is
24% higher than that of the year 2022-23.
The subsidy amount under Grihasree Scheme is enhanced from ₹2
lakh to ₹3 lakh.
389.
An amount of ₹10 crore is earmarked in 2023-24 for
EWS/LIG Housing Scheme of Housing Board.
390.
An amount of ₹4 crore is earmarked for ‘ASWAS Rental
Housing Scheme’ to construct buildings in the premises of Medical Colleges
facilitating to accommodate patients/bystanders.
391.
An amount of ₹9.50 crore is provided to Kerala State
Housing Board for constructing residential flat/quarters/housing complex for
Government employees on rental basis.
392.
An amount of ₹1 crore is earmarked for
construction of Women P.G.Hostel near Kozhikode Medical College.
Urban Development
393.
An outlay of ₹1055.31 crore is earmarked for Urban
Development Programmes in the State.
394.
An amount of ₹22 crore is provided for Suchithwa
Keralam Scheme,
aims at implementing Solid Waste Management projects in urban local governments.
The project comes under ‘Haritha Keralam Mission’.
395.
An amount of ₹131.88 crore is provided for
components like Institutional Developments, Capacity Building, Project Management
and establishing regional solid waste management facilities as part of the
externally aided ‘Kerala Solid Waste Management Project’ being implemented in
urban sector.
Information and
Publicity
396.
A total amount of ₹40.43 crore is earmarked for the
Information & Publicity sector.
397.
An amount of ₹50 lakh is provided for ‘Media
Literacy’ programme organized by Media Academy.
398.
An amount of ₹2.50 crore is set apart for
modernization of Tagore Theatre.
Labour & Labour
Welfare
399.
An amount of ₹504.76 crore is earmarked for Labour
& Labour Welfare Sector. This is ₹22.60
crore more than that of the current fiscal.
400.
An
amount of ₹1.10 crore is earmarked for the scheme ‘Estate Workers
Distress Relief Fund’. An amount of
₹10 crore is earmarked for improving the accommodation facilities
(Layams) of estate workers.
401.
An amount of
₹8 crore is set apart for unorganized daily waged employees’ distress
relief fund,
tree climbers disability pension scheme and for maternity allowance to workers
in the sector.
402.
An amount of ₹90 crore is earmarked to the schemes
providing financial support @ ₹1250 to the workers engaged in the traditional
sectors like Beedi, Khadi, Mula, Eetta, Pandanus, Fisheries and Fish
processing, Cashew, Coir, Handloom and Textiles. This amount is 4 crore more than that of the
previous year.
403.
An amount of ₹37 crore is provided for various
activities of Kerala Academy for Skill and Excellence (KASE).
404.
An amount of ₹30.50 crore is earmarked for
modernizing the Industrial Training Institutes to the latest
standards.
405.
An amount of ₹108.46 crore is set apart for
various schemes of Industrial Training Department.
406.
New Career Development Centres will be started in
Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Malappuram, Idukki and Pathanamthitta Districts in 2023-24.
407.
An amount of ₹5.30 crore is earmarked for Factories
and Boilers Department.
408.
An amount of ₹1 crore is earmarked for the
preliminary activities of ‘The Post Graduate and Research Centre in Fire &
Safety Science, Kannur’.
Scheduled Caste Development
409.
An amount of ₹2979.40 crore is earmarked for
Scheduled Caste Sub Plan. This includes
₹1638.10 crore for Scheduled Caste Development Department and
₹1341.30 crore for Local Self Government institutions.
410.
An amount of ₹429.61 crore is earmarked for the
educational assistance to scheduled caste students. This includes
₹70 crore for the construction activities of Palakkad Medical College. The total provision is ₹104 crore more
than that of the year
2022-23.
411.
An amount of ₹65 crore is set apart as the state
share
for the Post-Matric Scholarship of Scheduled Caste students.
Sir,
412.
An amount of ₹7.20 crore is set apart as state share
for the new scheme, ‘Pre-Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste students
studying in 9th and 10th standard’. An amount of ₹10.80 crore is
anticipated as central share.
413.
Several
skill development programmes are being implemented to enhance employability
among scheduled caste youth. An
amount of ₹50 crore is earmarked for this programme, which will be
carried out through K-Disc, KASE and ASAP.
414.
An amount of ₹13 crore is set apart for the
management of Model Residential Schools including Ayyankali Memorial Model Residential
Sports School at Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram.
415.
An
amount of ₹180 crore is provided for purchase of land for construction of
houses for the poor and landless scheduled caste families. Around 5000 landless families are intended to
be benefited.
416.
An
amount of ₹205 crore is provided for completion of partially constructed
houses, renovation of dilapidated houses and construction of study rooms. It is targeted to complete 5000 new study
rooms. An amount of ₹2 lakh
will be provided to each family for constructing study rooms.
417.
An amount of ₹50 crore is provided for the
developmental programmes for vulnerable communities among scheduled caste.
418.
An amount of ₹84.39 crore is provided as financial
assistance for marriage of scheduled caste girls.
Sir,
419.
An amount of ₹60 crore is earmarked for Dr.Ambedkar
Village Development Scheme. A maximum of
₹1 crore will be provided as assistance to each colony.
420.
An amount of ₹53 crore is provided to the Health Care
schemes for giving medical care to the deserving patients and oldsters.
421.
An amount of ₹ 45 crore is provided as Corpus Fund for Critical Gap
Filling schemes, implementing with special emphasis on human resource
development, basic needs and economic development under Scheduled Caste Sub
Plan.
Scheduled Tribe Development
422.
An outlay of ₹859.50 crore is earmarked in the
financial year 2023-24 for the development of Scheduled Tribe population of the
state. Out of this, ₹657.95 crore will be for
Scheduled Tribe Development Department and ₹201.55 crore for Local Self
Government Institutions.
423.
An amount of ₹8.75 crore is earmarked to the scheme
‘Incentives & Assistance to ST Students’.
424.
An amount of ₹30 crore is provided to various schemes
including the new scheme, ‘Running of Model Pre- Schools’, ‘Tutorial Scheme for
Students’ and ‘promotion of sports activities among tribals’.
425.
An amount of ₹10 crore is provided for the scheme
‘Assistance for Self-Employment and Skill Development Training to ST Youths’.
426.
An amount of ₹8.50 crore is earmarked for the scheme
‘Agriculture Income Initiative for Scheduled Tribes’.
427.
In
order to provide more manpower days to ST families, additional 100 days of wage
employment (total 200) will be provided to ST families under ‘Kerala Tribal
Plus programme’. This will be in addition to the existing 100 days being
provided under MGNREGS. An amoumt of ₹35 crore is set apart for this
scheme. 90% of the beneficiaries are
expected to be women.
428.
An
amount of ₹72.32 crore is earmarked for the institutions managed by
Scheduled Tribe Development Department.
Out of this, ₹55 crore is provided for the running cost of Model
Residential Schools, ₹3 crore for managing post metric hostels,
₹7.02 crore for improving the facilities in pre & Post Metric Hostels
and an amount of ₹4 crore for the construction of various hostels and
schools including Ekalavya MRSs and Pre/Post Metric Hostels.
429.
An amount of ₹6 crore is set apart for the scheme
‘Assistance for the Marriage of ST Girls’.
430.
An amount of ₹2.5 crore is earmarked for the scheme
‘Assistance for Sickle Cell Anemia patients’.
431.
An amount of ₹17 crore is provided for the scheme
‘Janani Janma Raksha’.
432.
An
amount of ₹40 lakh is set apart for the scheme – ‘Assistance to
Traditional Tribal Healers’.
433.
An amount of ₹25 crore is provided for ‘Food Support
/ Food Security Programme’, in tribal areas.
434.
An amount of ₹30 crore is earmarked for the scheme –
‘Comprehensive Tribal Health Care’. This
outlay is ₹4 crore higher than that of the year 2022-23.
435.
An amount of ₹57.20 crore is earmarked for the scheme
‘House Construction/Completion of Incomplete Houses’.
436.
An
amount of ₹45 crore is set apart towards Corpus Fund for filling the
Critical Gap that may occur in the provision allocated for various ST Sub Plan
Schemes.
437.
An amount of ₹50 crore is earmarked for the ‘Ambedkar
Settlement Development Scheme’ in tribal settlements of the State.
438.
An amount of ₹45 crore is provided for the scheme
‘Resettlement of Landless Tribal People’ (TRDM).
439.
More
human resources are necessary for the smooth implementation of projects by
Scheduled Tribe Development Department.
“HR support for implementation of schemes in Tribal Areas’ is a scheme
intended to involve more such people in the projects of ST Department. An amount of ₹32.35 crore is
earmarked for the purpose.
440.
An
amount of ₹19.13 crore is earmarked for providing honorarium to Tribal
Promoters, ₹2.50 crore for organization of Oorukoottams, ₹1.30
crore for ‘Management Trainees and Health Management Trainees’, ₹1.50
crore to counsellors engaged in the Hostels and MRSs, ₹1.92 crore for
engaging the service of social workers for ST welfare and an amount of
₹6 crore for the scheme ‘Gothrabandhu’.
Other Backward Classes
441.
An
amount of ₹16 crore is earmarked for various activities of Kerala State
Backward Classes Development Corporation in 2023-24.
442.
An
amount of ₹6 crore is provided for various activities of Kerala State
Development Corporation for Christian Converts from SCs and Recommended Communities.
443.
An
amount of ₹45 crore is set apart for the educational schemes to the most
backward communities among Other Eligible Communities (OEC). Out of this
₹5 crore will be for Pre - Matric Assistance and ₹40 crore for Post
Matric Assistance.
444.
In
the scenario that Government of India has dispensed with the scheme of providing
pre-matric scholarship for OBC students from 1st to 8th
standard, a new state scheme is announced. An amount of ₹25 crore
is earmarked for this scheme.
445.
An
amount of ₹8 crore each is earmarked as state share for providing Pre
& Post Matric Scholarships for OBC students.
446.
An amount of ₹70 lakh is provided as
share capital to Kerala State Pottery Manufacturing Marketing and Welfare
Development Corporation Limited.
Minority Welfare
447.
An amount of ₹6.52 crore is earmarked to award
Prof.Joseph Mundasseri Scholarship to the meritorious students from SSLC to PG
level and civil service aspirants belonging to minority communities.
448.
An amount of ₹13 crore is provided as share capital
to the Kerala State Minority Development Finance Corporation.
Forward Community
Welfare
449.
An amount of ₹38.05 crore is earmarked to Kerala
State Welfare Corporation for Forward Communities.
Social Security & Welfare
450.
An
amount of ₹787.71 crore is earmarked for social security & welfare
sector including nutrition. This is
₹12.74 crore more than that of the year 2022-23.
451.
An
amount of ₹5 crore is earmarked for the comprehensive projects, aiming at
skill development, vocational rehabilitation and employment & financial
security of differently abled persons.
452.
An amount of ₹50 lakh is earmarked for the health
insurance scheme ‘Niramaya’.
453.
An amount of ₹9 crore is set apart for Barrier Free
Kerala, the scheme that transforming Government offices into disabled friendly
ones.
Geriatric Care
454.
An amount of ₹6.8 crore is earmarked to ‘Sayam
Prabha’, a scheme for the welfare of old age people. An amount of ₹27.50 crore is set apart
for various activities under ‘Vayomithram’ scheme.
455.
An amount of ₹5.02 crore is earmarked for
‘Mazhavillu’, a scheme for the transgenders.
456.
An amount of ₹12 crore is provided for National
Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Kerala Social Security
Mission
Sir,
457.
An amount of ₹17 crore is earmarked for the
comprehensive package for endosulphan victims, implementing through Kerala
Social Security Mission.
458.
An amount of ₹21.50 crore is set apart for the scheme
‘ANUYATRA’ for the disabled persons.
459.
An amount of ₹54 crore is earmarked for the scheme
‘Aswasa Kiranam’.
460.
An amount of ₹17 crore is earmarked for the scheme
‘Snehapoorvam’.
461.
An amount of ₹3.80 crore is set apart for the scheme
‘Mittayi’, for juvenile diabetic treatment.
462.
A new scheme Dementia/Alzheimer’s Memory Screening Clinic
through Kerala Social Security Mission is announced. An amount of ₹1
crore is set apart for the scheme.
463.
An
amount of ₹13 crore is earmarked for various programmes including
‘Subhayathra’, ‘Ashwasam’ and ‘Hasthadanam’ implemented by Kerala State
Physically Handicapped Person’s Welfare Corporation.
464.
An
amount of ₹18.93 crore is earmarked for National Institute of Speech and Hearing
(NISH).
Jails
465.
An
amount of ₹13 crore is provided for carrying out various activities under
the programme, intended to modernize the Administration & Management and to
provide infrastructure facilities in prisons.
466.
An amount of ₹8 crore is provided for the activities
of the schemes aiming for the rehabilitation of prisoners.
Police
467.
An
amount of ₹152.90 crore is set apart for the modernization of Police
Department. Out of this, an amount of
₹15 crore is provided for Student Police Cadet Scheme, ₹1.80 crore
for improved Traffic Management System, ₹4.40 crore for Community Policing
and ₹4 crore for Cyber Security. An amount of ₹5 crore is earmarked
to strengthen the facilities of Forensic Wing.
468.
An
amount of ₹10 crore is earmarked for implementing various activities
planned under ‘NIRBHAYA’ schemes.
Women & Child
Development
469.
An
amount of ₹14 crore is allocated to various activities for the
strengthening and reviewing of implementation of various legislations and
constitutional provisions enforced in connection with woman protection.
470.
Psycho
social services scheme is operational in 1012 schools in the State. This scheme will be extended to more schools
during 2023-24. For this ₹51 crore
is earmarked.
Menstrual Cup
471.
Government
intends to promote the use of eco-friendly and cost-effective menstrual cups
instead of Sanitory Napkins. Awareness programmes and campaigns will be
conducted at Government level in schools, colleges and work places. An amount
of ₹10 crore is earmarked for this.
472.
An amount of ₹10 crore is earmarked for the
activities of Gender Park.
473.
An
amount of ₹63.50 crore is earmarked for ensuring nutritious food to
Anganwadi children by providing Egg and Milk two days a week.
Creche and Day Care
Centres
Sir,
474.
In
the new scenario of employment culture in the State it is essential to start
more creche. During the discussion with
IT Professionals, suggestions to constitute Day Care Centres for old age people
were also emerged. Steps will be taken to start Day Care centres / creche in
collaboration with LSG institution and people’s committee. An amount of ₹10
crore is set apart for the same.
475.
An amount of ₹19.30 crore is set apart for various
schemes of Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation.
476.
An amount of ₹8.50 crore is provided as state share
for the scheme aiming for the continuous functioning of existing 28 POCSO Fast
Track Special Courts and for setting up of another 28 new courts.
477.
An amount of ₹13 crore is earmarked as state share for
the activities of Integrated Child Protection Scheme. An amount of ₹19.50 crore is
anticipated as central share.
478.
An
amount of ₹194.32 crore is set apart as state share for the scheme
‘Integrated Child Development Service’.
An amount of ₹291.48 crore is anticipated as Central Share.
Civil Supplies
Department
479.
During
the tenure of this government 85 new, renovated and upgraded Supplyco outlets
have been opened.
The policy of the Government is to provide quality goods at low price by
effectively intervening in the market.
For this purpose, the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system will be
launched this year, as part of streamlining the operations of Supplyco outlets
in the State with the help of information technology.
480.
An
amount of ₹1.40 crore is earmarked as state share for the scheme ‘Smart
PDS’ in order to address the deficiencies in technology based service delivery
of public distribution system and make it sustainable.
Registration
481.
An amount of ₹12.50 crore is set apart for the
conservation and digitalization of the registered records.
NORKA
482.
It
is intended to provide one lakh man power days to expatriate labourers with a
maximum of 100 days each, through the scheme NORKA Assisted & Mobilised
Employment (NAME), for providing jobs to expatriate labourers. An amount of ₹5 crore is earmarked for
this scheme.
483.
Government
is giving significant attention for rehabilitating the returned Non-Resident
Keralites and devising New Skill Development Programmes for their
survival. For this, an amount of
₹84.60 crore is earmarked through various schemes.
484.
An
amount of ₹25 crore is provided to various activities for the rehabilitation
of returnee migrants through the scheme “Norka Department Project for Returned
Emigrants - (NDPREM)”.
485.
An
amount of ₹50 crore is earmarked for welfare of returned Non-Resident
Keralites. The schemes, PEARL – Pravasi
Bhadratha interest free loans up to ₹2 lakh for low profile category of
NRK returnees through Kudumbasree Mission, Pravasi Bhadratha – MICRO loans
through Co-operative Banks/Nationalized Banks/Scheduled Banks upto ₹5
lakh with 25% capital subsidy (maximum ₹1 lakh) and 3% interest
subvention and Pravasi Bhadratha – MEGA loans, from ₹25 lakh to ₹2 crore for MSME enterprises through
KSIDC at an interest rate of 5% are envisaged.
486.
An
amount of ₹33 crore is set apart to ‘SANTHWANA’ scheme for providing time
bound financial support to the returned pravasis and assistance to the
dependents of deceased pravasis.
487.
An
amount of ₹15 crore is earmarked for the welfare schemes of ‘Kerala Non
Resident Keralites Welfare Fund Board’.
488.
An
amount of ₹60 lakh is earmarked for the NORKA Emergency Ambulance Service
at Airports.
489.
An
amount of ₹2.50 crore is provided for implementing viable recommendations
of 2nd and 3rd Loka Kerala Sabha, for conducting regional meetings and for the
office expenses of Loka Kerala Sabha Secretariat.
490.
An
amount of ₹ 1 crore is earmarked for establishing ‘Loka Kerala Kendram’
in the 5 acres of land owned by NORKA at Mavelikkara.
491.
An
amount of ₹2 crore is earmarked for the new scheme ‘NORKA Subhayatra’
which provides for preparing IELTS, OET examinations at low interest rates as
financial assistance by simplifying the procedures.
Kerala Public Service Commission
492.
An
amount of ₹3.38 crore is earmarked for setting up of new online
examination centres and for computerization of Kerala Public service Commission
and an amount of ₹6 crore is provided for constructing buildings for
district offices.
Vigilance
493.
An
amount of ₹8 crore is set apart for the second phase of the construction
of vigilance office complex at Muttathara, Thiruvananthapuram.
Courts
494.
An
amount of ₹3.50 crore is earmarked for e-governance, the scheme intended
for making High Court a paperless office.
Action will be taken to implement e-governance scheme in lower courts.
Excise
Sir,
495.
Kerala
is adopting an uncompromising ‘Zero tolerance’ policy towards Drug abuse. An amount of ₹15 crore is earmarked for
the coordinated anti-narcotic activities.
496.
An
amount of ₹9.43 crore is provided for the functioning of Vimukthi
De-addiction Centres, the antidrug campaign launched by Government of Kerala.
Revenue & Land
Records
497.
An
amount of ₹48 crore is earmarked for converting the revenue offices into
Smart Offices. Also an amount of
₹26.50 crore is provided for modernization and computerization of the department.
498.
Storage
of digital records and sharing of data to public through web media are to be
enabled by integrating Revenue, Survey and Registration Departments. With an aim of devising an accurate digital
map, ₹7.50 crore is earmarked for integration of land records service
delivery.
Major Infrastructure
Development Projects (MIDP)
499.
In
order to avoid bottlenecks in the timely utilization of fund for major infrastructure
development projects due to the practice of allocating funds separately under
different budget heads, the practice of allocating fund for these projects in a
single head of account is being followed.
A total amount of ₹360 crore is provided in lumpsum for these
major infrastructure development projects.
Navakeralam Karma
Padhathi
500.
An
outlay of ₹10 crore is provided for various activities of ‘Navakeralam
Karmapadhathi-2’, launched by bringing together Rebuild Kerala Initiative and
four missions viz Haritha Keralam, Ardram, LIFE & Vidya Kiranam.
501.
An
amount of ₹904.83 crore is earmarked to facilitate the smooth and timely
implementation of the projects under Rebuild Kerala Initiative.
Finance Department
State GST Department
502.
As
announced in the previous budget, State GST Department was comprehensively
reorganized and has started functioning in a new manner. An amount of ₹10 crore is earmarked for
software and technology development essential for the new administration formed
as part of reorganization.
503.
For
the efficient functioning of the State GST Department expert training is
necessary for all offices. An amount of ₹3
crore is earmarked for this purpose.
Kerala State Insurance
Department
Sir,
504.
The
coverage of ₹10 lakh due to accidental
deaths under existing GPAIS Accidental Insurance Scheme for the employees of
Government/
Quasi Government/PSUs/Co-operative Institutions/ Universities/other Autonomous
Institutions, by State Insurance Department will be enhanced to an assured
amount of ₹15 lakhs, and an additional coverage of ₹5 lakh will be
ensured as a consolation for the claims in connection with deaths other than
due to accidents. For this existing annual premium will be enhanced from
₹500 to ₹1000. In line with the above, a new scheme ‘Jeevan
Raksha’ is announced by revamping ‘GPAIS’ scheme.
505.
A
new scheme ‘Anganam’ is announced for the Anganavadi staff including Life
Insurance & Accident Insurance. With
an annual premium of ₹360, insurance coverage of ₹2 lakh to
accident deaths and ₹1 lakh to deaths other than suicides is ensured
through this scheme.
Kerala State Audit
Department
506.
An
amount of ₹2.30 crore is earmarked for the renovation of AIMS software,
developed by Kerala State Audit Department.
Treasury Department
507.
An
amount of ₹12.05 crore is set apart for the infrastructure development of
treasury buildings and for IFMS software servers.
508.
An
Online Audit Module will be introduced to cater the online audit of treasury
transactions for agencies like A.G., Finance Inspection Wing, Treasury Internal
Audit Wing etc… without visiting treasuries.
509.
More
than six lakh pension records maintained by treasury will be digitized within
the next financial year.
510.
An
amount of ₹2 crore is earmarked to Finance Department for the implementation
of Spark version 2.0 which includes the new software Personnel and
Administrative Resources Management System (PARMS).
MEDISEP
511.
MEDISEP
is the health insurance scheme implemented for about 11 lakh employees and
pensioners in the State. 480 hospitals
within and outside the State have joined hands with MEDISEP. The insurance premium for members is ₹500
per month. Oriental Insurance Company
Ltd. is the insurance service provider.
Claims worth ₹405 crore have already been approved through MEDISEP
in six months. A corpus fund of ₹30
crore has also been setup as part of MEDISEP for the treatment of critical
illness and organ transplants.
KIIFB
Sir,
512.
KIIFB is an institution which has given tremendous speed to
the Infrastructure development of State. Through KIIFB Kerala has achieved the
development, that could have been possible after decades. KIIFB has given
approval for 993 Mega Projects worth
₹74009.55 crore. Out of this, 986 projects worth
₹54000 crore is at different stages of execution. Of the above,
construction of the projects worth ₹6201 crore has been completed. Tender
proceedings for 543 projects worth ₹24931 crore has been completed and
tenders has been invited for 55 projects worth ₹3064 crore. An amount of
₹442.67 crore, ₹1069 crore, ₹3502.50 crore, ₹5484.81
crore, ₹8459.47 crore and ₹3842.89 crore has been expended for
KIIFB projects from the year 2017-2018 to 2022-2023 respectively. KIIFB has
already disbursed more than ₹22801 crore for various project till date.
513.
KIIFB
has given approval for the projects worth ₹2870 crore for General
education sector of Kerala alone. As part of ‘Pothu Vidyabhyasa Samrakshana
Yajnam’, Construction of 860 shool buildings have been taken up through KIIFB
and 288 were completed. A total of 44705 hightech classrooms and 11257 hightech
laboratories were arranged at public schools through KIIFB.
514.
KIIFB
has approved 7 large-scale Land Acquisition Projects worth ₹20,000 crore.
KIIFB is implementing a project worth ₹6769.01 crore for land acquisition
of National Highway Development. KIIFB has already given ₹5580.74 crore
to National Highway Authority of India towards land cost.
515.
Projects
with an estimate cost of ₹13,988.63 crore for three industrial parks and
land acquisition for Hindustan News Print Ltd worth ₹200.60 crore are
being implemented through KIIFB. Kochi-Bangaluru Industrial Corridor project,
GIFT city project etc… are also being executed with the assistance of KIIFB.
516.
But
the Union Government is adopting a disruptive approach against the functioning
of KIIFB. The erroneous attitude of considering the borrowings of KIIFB, contingent liability, as public debt of State
should be corrected. Kerala’s protest and strong stand on this issue has been
conveyed to the Union Government.
Social Security Pension
Sir,
517.
Kerala
Social Security Pension Ltd (KSSPL) is the company established by the
Government of Kerala to distribute social welfare pension. The Union Government
considers the temporary borrowing by the company for smooth disbursement of
welfare pension as public debt of the State Government. This reduces the
permissible borrowing limit of the Government. Union Government is attempting
to sabotage the social welfare pension, through this decision. LDF Government
will take this great scheme, helping ordinary people of Kerala, forward with
the support of general public. The social welfare scheme needs to be expanded
and misuse should be avoided by eliminating undeserved.
518.
Social
Security Pension @ ₹1600/month is being disbursed to 50.66 lakh people in
the State. Government is also giving welfare board pension to 6.73 lakh members
of welfare boards having no resources. A total of 4.28 lakh pensioners are
receiving welfare pension through financially sound Welfare Fund Boards. Around
62 lakh people are receiving pension @ ₹1600/month in the State.
Financial Institutions
Gulati Institute of Finance
and Taxation (GIFT)
519.
An
amount of ₹1 crore is earmarked for research and other activities of
Gulati Institute of Finance and Taxation. An amount of ₹5 lakh is provided
for international conference on ‘Innovation Driven Knowledge Economy and
Transformation In The Global South’.
Kerala Financial
Corporation
520.
The
Kerala Financial Corporation will enter into a consortium arrangement with
nationalized/scheduled banks, other government agencies and financial
institutions for providing financial assistance to the basic infrastructure
development projects of the State government through KFC. An amount of
₹2000 crore, at the rate of 250 crore per project will be earmarked
through KFC.
521.
Assistance
through fishermen societies will be provided to traditional fishermen for
purchasing deep-sea fishing boats. A new scheme will be launched through KFC
for this. Ten mechanized deep-sea fishing boats will be procured and
distributed on a pilot basis in the first phase by providing upto ₹70
lakh per boat at an annual interest rate of 5%. The scheme will be extended
through more societies depending upon the successful implementation of the
project.
522.
A
new loan scheme will be launched through KFC for ex-servicemen in the State to
start new MSME units. Upto 90% of the project amount will be provided as loan
assistance. Loans upto the amount of ₹2 crore will be provided by
including in the scheme ‘Chief Minister’s Entrepreneurship Development Programme’
(CMEDP) with 3% State government subsidy coverage at an interest rate of 5%. An
amount of ₹50 crore will be earmarked from KFC for this scheme.
523.
KSFE
is a popular institution that the vast majority of people in Kerala directly or
indirectly approach for financial transactions.
An interest relief of ₹102 crore was provided to the public as
part of one time settlement of dues which was announced by KSFE, in the wake of
financial difficulties caused by flood and Covid pandemic. A gold loan scheme, ‘Ajayya’ was introduced
with an interest rate of 6% for women.
Till date, ₹374 crore could be disbursed to 7907 expatriate
entrepreneurs as loan through the P.B.M.S. scheme implemented in association
with NORKA for starting enterprises, so as to give an impetus to
entrepreneurial development and job opportunities.
PART IV
Resource Mobilisation
Mining and Geology:
524. Kerala is back on the growth trajectory and infrastructure works have
picked up. To sustain the growth, it is important that the supply chain in the
infrastructure sector is fine tuned. A key input in the infrastructure sector
is the minor minerals. It is important
to note that the royalty in minor minerals has not been revised since 2015
though it can be revised every 3 years. Royalty revision, penalty and
scientific quantity measurement will enhance collection. It is proposed to revise them scientifically
as per the market trends.
525. The following seven changes will be brought about in the Mining sector:
One, royalty revision across all segments of Minor minerals; Two, Price
differential system for granite (building stone) and dimension stones (granite)
based on the type and size of Rocks; Three, combine the seigniorage and royalty
to a single rate and link it to the value of the minerals; Fourth, revising the
penal rates as part of making stringent steps to curb the clandestine mining
and related activities; Fifth, Royalty payment to be based on actual usage and
not based on the tonnage or carrying capacity of the vehicle; Sixth, the lease
rent of the Government land to be based as a function of the fair value of the
land; Seven, Compounding system will be discontinued, and royalty will be based on quantity.
526. The above suggested measures are expected to bring additional amount of Rs. 600 Crore under non-tax
category.
LSGD
527. Property Tax revision
is pending in LSGIs for a long time.
Government intends the revision of Property Tax, Application fee,
Scrutiny fee and Permit fee for the
construction of Residential and Non-residential buildings. A proper method of taxation of multiple ownership
of houses by a single individual and newly constructed houses which are not put
to any use will also be taken up. A comprehensive revision of these will be
taken up by the LSG Department.
528. If these measures are implemented, at least 1,000 Cr is expected as additional Own Fund of Local
Bodies which can be productively used by them.
Irrigation
529. The desilting of dams must be carried out in an innovative way by
maximizing the revenue flow to Government. More than Rs. 10 Cr has been
received from Thottappilly Spillway Project as
Government share for removal of sand by de-silting. By extending this model to other areas including
dams, considerable revenue is expected.
The Irrigation department will bring a comprehensive proposal for desilting
with revenue sharing model.
Electricity Duty
530. Presently electricity duty is collected and retained by KSEBL, this
process will cease by 31st October 2023. The amount there after shall be payable to
Government account. This is expected to increase the revenue inflows to
Government. The electricity duty applicable for commercial and industrial units
shall be increased and levied at the rate of 5%. This will provide additional
revenue to the tune of Rs. 200 Cr to Government.
Judicial Court Fee:
531. The Court Fee stamp charges have not been revised for the past few
decades. The Kerala Court Fees and Suits Valuation Act, 1959 and the rules
thereunder will be amended to enhance the Court Fee stamp charges.
532. The Court Fee charges will be limited to 1 % of the claim amount to Suit
for compensation for defamation and Suit for compensation for negligent and
tortious act.
533. The Kerala Court Fees and Suit Valuation Act, 1959 will be amended
extending the collection of 1 % additional court fee to more areas. The Court Fee will be introduced within the
ambit of e-stamping to facilitate ease of use of citizens.
534. This is expected to bring additional revenue of about Rs. 50 Crores.
Motor Vehicle Department
535. The one-time tax on newly purchased motorcycles having purchase value up
to 2 lakh is enhanced by 2 %. An additional income of Rs. 92 crore is expected
through this.
536. One time tax on newly purchased Motor cars and Private Service Vehicle
for personal use are increased as follows:
i.
Having purchase value
up to rupees 5 Lakh – 1% hike.
ii.
Having purchase value
above rupees 5 lakh and upto 15 lakh – 2% hike.
iii.
Having purchase value
above rupees 15 lakh and upto rupees 20 lakh – 1% hike.
iv.
Having purchase value
above rupees 20 lakh and upto rupees 30 lakh – 1 % hike.
v.
Having purchase value above
rupees 30 lakh – 1 % hike.
537. These changes are expected to bring additional revenue of 340 crores.
538. Electric motor cabs and electric tourist motor cabs currently incur a
one-time tax ranging from 6% to 20% of the purchase value. This one-time tax on
such vehicles is reduced to 5% of the purchase value on par with the one-time
tax of electric private vehicles to minimize air pollution and to promote
public transport. Since one-time tax on all types of electric vehicles is fixed
as 5% of the purchase value for a period of 15 years, the existing 50% tax
exemption for such vehicles for the first 5 years is dispensed with.
539. To give respite to contract carriage/stage carriage vehicle operators
who are facing difficulties due to
Covid–19 pandemics, and also to strengthen the public transport system, it is
decided to give a tax reduction up to 10% for such vehicles. This is expected
to result in revenue loss of about Rs. 28 crore to Government.
540. The one-time cess levied under Section 10 of Kerala Road Safety Act,
2007 on newly registered motor vehicles is be increased as follows. For the Two
Wheelers it is increased from the current Rs. 50 to Rs. 100, Light Motor
Vehicles from Rs. 100 to Rs. 200, Medium Motor Vehicle from Rs. 150 to Rs. 300
and Heavy Motor Vehicles from Rs. 250 to Rs. 500. This is expected to bring
additional income of Rs. 7 Crores.
541. Measures will also be taken to introduce more fancy number sets, enhance
permit fee and appeal fees.
542. The one-time settlement scheme which was introduced in previous years to
settle tax arrears in motor vehicles will be continued this year also.
543. Taxes of Educational Institution Buses registered in the name of Special
Schools operating in unaided sector, where students with mentally retarded,
cerebral palsy, blind are studying is reduced at par with tax rate of
Educational Institution Buses registered in the name of Government Educational
Institutions.
544. The tax rate of Private Service Vehicles (PSV) registered in the name of
Charitable organisations, exclusively used for conveyance of mentally retarded
/ differently abled/ deaf and dumb children, inmates of orphanages, old age
homes, leprosy, tuberculosis treatment and Rehabilitation centres shall be
levied at par with Educational Institution Buses owned by Government
Institution.
Excise
545.
In
Kerala, the Excise Department has issued license for production of liquor
within the state, but Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA), the raw material needed to
produce liquor is being imported from other states. Every year, an
average of 5 crores liters of Extra neutral alcohol is imported from other
states. The production of Extra Neutral Alcohol within the state will
create new employment opportunities. Measures will be taken by the Government
to encourage the production of Extra Neutral Alcohol within the state.
546. An amount of ₹286 crores to be collected towards Abkari Old
Arrears. Most of these arrears belongs to the period from 1949-50 to 2001-02.
Many of the defaulters have already expired. There are many court cases in
connection with these old arrears. Arrears can’t be realised in time due to the
pendency of these cases and stay offered by Hon’ble Courts. A new Amnesty scheme will be introduced
which will assist to realize the arrears.
547. Government sanctioned production of Horti-Wine from the agriculture
products available in the state except cereals. The existing tax structure of
Indian made wine will be made applicable to the Horti- Wine also to help the
farmers of the state.
State GST
548. The State GST Department has been reorganised with effect from
10.01.2023 to align with the provisions of the GST Act. Necessary concomitant
changes in accordance with the restructured designations will be made in the
Acts and Rules administered by the GST Department.
Ease of Filing Appeals
under Legacy Acts
549. There is a need to re-examine the settlement of disputes under the
legacy acts. The disputed amounts often require legal adjudication for which
there is a demand for easing the process of preferring statutory appeals. To
ease the procedures, the following measures will be implemented.
a. The 1% additional court fee currently applicable for filing appeals
under the Goods and Services Tax Act has a ceiling of Rs. 20,000. This ceiling
of Rs. 20,000 will be made applicable for filing appeals under the KVAT, KGST,
and Luxuries Tax Acts administered by the GST Department. The Kerala Court Fees
and Suits Valuation Act will be amended for this purpose.
b. Presently, under the Kerala Value Added Tax Act, 2003, if an assessee
pays 20% of the disputed amount while filing the appeal, the recovery of the
demand will be automatically stayed till the disposal of the appeal. To grant
relief to tax litigants, the Kerala General Sales Tax Act, 1963, the Kerala Tax
on Luxuries Act, 1976, and the Kerala Value Added Tax Act, 2003, will be
amended to reduce the pre-deposit for first appeal and consequent stay at 10%
of the disputed amount of tax, subject to a maximum amount of Rs 5 crores.
Similar facility will be made applicable for the second appeal also, with the
condition that the pre-deposit amount for second appeal need not be paid if
equivalent amount is already paid for first appeal. Other than the 10%
pre-deposit mentioned previously, no other amount will be required to be paid
by persons opting under this scheme for filing an appeal. This facility shall
not enable any person to avail refunds of pre-deposits already paid or reverse
any arrears recovery proceeding that has already resulted in the recovery of
any amount to the exchequer, including by way of attachment of property. In
case of disputes under Kerala General Sales Tax Act, 1963, this facility is
limited to those cases where the assessment is for a period up to March 31,
2005. In cases where the time limit for
filing an appeal has expired and all those cases where the appeal has not been
admitted due to any reason shall be eligible for filing appeals till September
30th, 2023 as a one-time concession. Enabling provisions will be
made in the Acts.
550. The amendments to the Kerala State Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017,
will be made corresponding to the amendments incorporated in the Central Goods
and Services Tax Act, 2017, as per the Union Finance Bill, 2023, which have
been made on the recommendation of the GST Council.
Registration
551. Fair value of land came into force in the State in 2010. There after
this has been revised five times. To bridge the gap between the market value
and the fair value, the existing fair value will be increased by 20 percent.
552. Finance Act, 2020 has incorporated provisions to increase the fair value
of land up to 30% in areas where the market value has increased due to various
reasons; a detailed study will be conducted to determine the guidelines to
identify the areas that need to be notified.
553. As the existing compounding scheme for settlement of pending
undervaluation cases does not meet the intended objective, the existing scheme
will be discontinued from the financial year 2023-24 and alternative methods
will be adopted for settlement of pending cases.
554. In view of the impact of global economic recession in the real estate
sector in 2010, stamp duty was reduced to 5% for flats/apartments transferred
within 6 months from the date of allotment of building number by the local bodies.
Now taking into consideration of present stamp duty rates, it is proposed to
revise it from 5% to 7%.
555. The additional stamp duty rates imposed for resale of land purchased
within a period of 3 months and 6 months
will be waived off.
556. A service charge of Rs.100 will be imposed for filing and release of Gehans.
557. The various fees related with
Partnership Firm Registration and other
services under the Indian Partneship Act,1932 and Travancore Cochin, Scientific
and Charitable Socieities Registration Act,1955
were last revised on 2013 and 2015 respetively. The same will be revised
from the finanical year 2023-24. Existing
compounding scheme for societies will be continued for a period of one
year under new slab rates.
558. Maximum upper cap on stamp duty limiting to Rupees One Lakh will be
fixed on Specific Power of Attorney for joint development agreements.
559. Registration fee for surrender of Lease will be reduced to Rs.1000.
Revenue
560. The annual Basic Land Tax levied on the Patta land shall be considered for
revision based on usage for commercial and industrial occupation.
Social Security Seed Fund
561. Government continues its highest commitment to provide social security
to the vulnerable sections of the society. Approximately 57 lakh persons are
benefited with the present policy of social security pension of the Government.
Out of which 6.7 lakh persons from various welfare boards are being provided
pension from full Government support. The financial commitment to meet the
expenditure is on the rise and reaching
Rs.11,000 Cr per annum. The commitment to continue protecting the decent lives
to this vulnerable section require supplementing the financial resources.
562. It is proposed to levy a Social Security Cess at the rate of Rs. 20 for
each bottle of IMFL having MRP between Rs. 500 to Rs. 999 and at the rate of
Rs. 40 per bottle of IMFL having MRP above Rs. 1000. An additional revenue of
Rs. 400 Cr is expected through this.
563. Another impetus measure towards the Social Security Seed Fund is
proposed to be brought by bringing the Social Security Cess on sale of Petrol
and Diesel at the rate of Rs. 2 per litre. This is expected to bring in
additional revenue of Rs. 750 Cr to the Social Security Seed Fund.
CONCLUSION
Sir,
564.
The
LDF Government envisages developmental activities foreseeing ‘Nava Kerala’ (New
Kerala). The objective of the Government is to lead Kerala towards
infrastructure development and amenities equivalent to any developed country.
In both the previous and the current budget, Government have announced projects
that will be an asset for Kerala in future.
565.
While
moving forward with a clear objective, we have to realise that the world is not
in a comfortable fiscal position. Financial Institutions and leading economists
are of the opinion that the world is passing through the worst economic crisis
in a century. We are not going further into the causes behind this. The perspectives
of the new Governments across the world, which are profit oriented and not
people-centric, create severe crisis.
There is even concern that the atmosphere of racism, aggression, war similar
to that of 1930s may be emerged.
566.
Even
a developed country like Britain witnessed three Prime Ministers assuming
office in a short span of two months. Economic crisis and unemployment are the fundamental
reasons behind political instability. Our neighboring countries like Sri Lanka
and Pakistan have fallen into severe economic crisis. Pakistan is facing such a
crisis that they are even unable to buy diesel fuel for power generation. This peculiar
situation can be survived only by taking every single step forward carefully. As
a matter of pride that Kerala is able to move forward with alternative welfare
policies despite this global scenario.
567.
It
is time for us to set aside all our differences beyond party politics and stand
united for Kerala. We have the responsibility to protect the peculiarities and
characteristics of Kerala. The policy of LDF Government is to hold everyone in
Kerala together. This Government is committed to bring development and welfare
to everyone.
568.
Budget
is not just figures; but an approach document to lead the State forward with
greater vigour. I hope that this budget will become an action plan to lead our
State towards further progress and development.
569.
Let
me now present a summary of the Revised Estimates for 2022-2023 and the Budget
Estimates for 2023-2024.
Revised Budget Estimate for 2022-23
(Rs. In crore)
|
Revenue Receipts |
129268.15 |
|
Revenue Expenditure |
149183.68 |
|
Revenue Deficit |
(-)19915.53 |
|
Capital Expenditure (Net) |
(-)14833.34 |
|
Loans & Advances (Net) |
(-)2015.08 |
|
Public Debt (Net) |
25716.05 |
|
Public Account (Net) |
11027 |
|
Overall Deficit |
(-)20.90 |
|
Opening balance at the beginning of the year |
(-)293.86 |
|
Closing balance at the end of the year |
(-)314.76 |
Budget Estimate for 2023-24
(Rs. In crore)
|
Revenue Receipts |
135418.67 |
|
Revenue Expenditure |
159360.91 |
|
Revenue Deficit |
(-)23942.24 |
|
Capital Expenditure (Net) |
(-)14539.23 |
|
Loans & Advances (Net) |
(-)1180.76 |
|
Public Debt (Net) |
28552.79 |
|
Public Account (Net) |
11073.94 |
|
Overall Deficit |
(-)35.49 |
|
Opening balance at the beginning of the year |
(-)314.76 |
|
Closing balance at the end of the year |
(-)350.25 |
|
Additional Expenditure announced |
(-)2640 |
|
Tax Relaxation |
(-)50 |
|
Additional resource mobilization |
2955 |
|
Cumulative Deficit at the end of the year |
(-)85.25 |
570.
I
present this budget 2023-2024 for the approval of the esteemed house.