BudgetSpeech 2023 24 English - 12

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 162

GOVERNMENT OF KERALA

BUDGET SPEECH
2023-2024

By

K N BALAGOPAL

FINANCE MINISTER

On

3rd February 2023


Page No
PART I 1
Preface 1
PART II 14
Make in Kerala 20

Vizhinjam International Port 22

New Energy Parks/New Energy Policy 25

International Research Scholarships 26

Kerala Tourism 2.0 32

Nava Kerala Nagara Nayam 34

Nerkazhcha - A Comprehensive Plan for


Eye Health 36

Man – Wild Animal Conflict 37

PART III 38

Agriculture 38

Fisheries 44
Rural Development 52
Co-operation 56

Irrigation and Flood Control 59

Industry and Minerals 66

Information Technology 75

Transport and Communication 77

Tourism 81

Scientific Services and Research 83

Education 86

Public Health Sector 95

Water Supply and Sewerage 102

Labour & Labour Welfare 105

Scheduled Caste Development 107

Scheduled Tribe Development 110

Social Security & Welfare 115

Civil Supplies Department 121


NORKA 122

Finance Department 127

PART IV 136

Resource Mobilisation 136

Conclusion 150
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
1
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.

2
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

3
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,

4
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.

5
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

6
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
7
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
8
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

9
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

10
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

11
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
12
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
13
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

14
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.
15
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.

16
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.

17
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
18
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.

19
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

20
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.
21
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
22
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.

23
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.

24
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.

25
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

26
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
27
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.

28
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.

29
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

30
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.
31
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,

32
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

33
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
34
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

35
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
36
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.

37
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.

38
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

39
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.

40
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.

41
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.

42
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.

43
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)’.
44
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.

45
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.
46
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.

47
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

48
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

49
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’.
50
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’.

51
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

52
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

53
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
54
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,

55
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

56
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.

57
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

58
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

59
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

60
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.

61
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

62
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.

63
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.

64
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.

65
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.

66
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
67
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.

68
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.

69
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.

70
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.

71
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
72
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
73
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
74
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.
75
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.

76
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
77
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.

78
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.

79
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.

80
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.

81
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

82
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.

83
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

84
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.

85
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.

86
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

87
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.

88
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

89
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.

90
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.

91
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
92
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.

93
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.

94
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

95
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
96
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

97
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.

98
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.

99
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.

100
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.

101
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.

102
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.

103
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,

104
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

105
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.

106
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

107
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.

108
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.

109
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’.

110
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.

111
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.
112
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’.

113
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.

114
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.

115
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.

116
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.

117
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

118
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

119
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.

120
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.

121
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.

122
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.

123
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

124
₹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
125
₹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

126
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
127
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.

128
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

129
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

130
₹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

131
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

132
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’.

133
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
134
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.

135
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,

136
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.

137
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.
138
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 %.

139
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

140
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.

141
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
142
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.

143
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.

144
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

145
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.

146
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.

147
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.

148
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

149
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.


150
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


151
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.

152
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

153
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.

154

You might also like