Breaking News…!! Kerala Budget 2018 Live Updates

Thomas Isaac begins state budget 2018-19 speech at 9:00

Thomas Isaac starts with criticizing the Center and right-wing elements.

The Finance Minister also pays tribute to victims of Cyclone Ockhi.

Rs 2,000 crore package for coastal areas

Rs 100 crore for satellite network for coastal security

Free WiFi hotspots across coastal areas in the state

Rs 10 crore for detailed project report on coastal package

All schools in coastal belt to be modernized

Rs 900 crore investment in coastal areas via KIIFB

Rs 584 crore loan for redeveloping fishing harbors

Center failed to transfer state’s share of GST revenue

FM criticizes Goods and Service Tax (GST) implementation

Issues in GST implementation hit state revenue

Rs 150 crore for the rehabilitation of families living in coastal areas

 

Govt allotted Rs 4270 crore for KIIFB

 

Govt sanctioned projects worth Rs 20,000 crore under KIIFB

 

Strict austerity measures needed

 

Center takes important decisions without taking states into consideration, this is a big threat to federalism, says Isaac

GST was highly disappointing, says FM

Fiscal deficit target at 3.1 per cent vs 3.3 now: Isaac

 

State’s revenue grows at 7.7 per cent

 

Isaac says, the GST only beneficial to corporate

 

Center failed to transfer state’s share from GST revenue

 

Govt allotted Rs 4270 crore for KIIFB

Rs 600 crores for fisheries sector

NRI chit funds will be implemented

Rs 31 crore for implementing food security scheme

Rs 8 crore for SupplyCo modernization

Will develop poultry farms under Kudumbashree

Rs 954 crore for food subsidy

Selected ration shops to be converted into super markets

Poultry hatcheries to be opened in all panchayats

Rs 2,500 for Life Housing Scheme

New oncology dept in all Medical College Hospitals

Rs 250 crore for market intervention

Malabar Cancer Center to be upgraded to RCC standards, says FM

Cardiology dept in all district hospitals

Kerala Lottery funds to be utilized for comprehensive healthcare scheme

FM Thomas Issac quotes iconic writers Lalithambika Antharjanam and Sara Joseph on poverty, housing for all in budget speech

Every taluk hospitals will have trauma care center, say FM

RCC standard cancer center in Kochi

Rs 1685 for public health services

Uber model ambulance services to be launched across the state

Rs 300 crore for setting up computer labs in LP and UP schools

Rs 17 crore for mental healthcare

Rs 33 crore for modernization of education sector

Rs 1 crore reinnovation fund for schools with more than 500 students

Rs 54 crore allotted for welfare schemes for differently-abled

40,000 smart classes in 4,775 schools

Rs 30 crore for pension of cashew and coir workers

Contributory pension scheme for those who left out in social security schemes

Rs 4O crore assistance for special schools and Buds schools

Rs 50 crore for women safety programs

Rs 50 crore for Endosulfan package

Rs 5 crore for Nirbhaya homes

Rs 25 crore for working women’s hostels in all districts

Rs 3 crore for women survivors

Rs 10 crore for panchayats for women safety

26 new Buds Schools

Public toilets to be set up for women

Rs 25 crore for setting up women’s hostels and short stay homes in all 14 districts

Rs 12 crore for Skill Development Program

Rs 2598 crore set aside for SC/ST community welfare

Rs 10 crore for differently-abled, safe homes to be set up in all districts

Rs 1267 crore allocation for women safety measures

Rs 600 crore for coir sector

1,000 coir mills to be set up across the state

Rs 150 crore for handloom sector

Rs 19 crore Khadi sector

Rs 54.45 crore allotted for cashew sector

Rs 10 crore for Bamboo Corporation

International cashew brand in cooperation with African nations, import to continue

 Farmers in state facing severe crisis, says Thomas Isaac