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Kerala Budget 2024: CM Vijayan Touts Relief for All, Hits Back at Critics

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has defended the state budget as people-centric and aimed at comprehensive development. He stated the budget provides relief to workers, farmers, the middle class, and industry while addressing immediate needs. The CM dismissed criticism that the proposals were old and unimplemented, citing completed projects like national highways and the Vizhinjam port. He also framed the budget as a political response to perceived encroachments on federalism by the central government.

Key Points: Kerala CM Vijayan Defends People-Centric State Budget

  • People-centric welfare budget
  • Dismisses claims of unimplemented past proposals
  • Highlights infrastructure progress like Vizhinjam port
  • Sends message against central encroachment on federalism
2 min read

"Relief provided to all sections of society," says CM Vijayan on Kerala Budget

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan says the state budget provides relief to all sections of society and counters claims of unimplemented past proposals.

"This budget provides relief to all sections of society - Pinarayi Vijayan"

Thiruvananthapuram, January 29

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said the state budget presented by his government in the Legislative Assembly is people-centric and aimed at ensuring comprehensive development while strengthening welfare measures across all sections of society.

In a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), Vijayan said the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government has, over the past decade, consistently worked to transform Kerala into a modern, developed middle-income society, a goal articulated in the 14th Five-Year Plan of 2022.

"For the past ten years, the LDF government has been striving to transform Kerala into a modern, developed middle-income society. This objective was defined in the 14th Five-Year Plan of 2022. Such a middle-income society must stand on two pillars. The first is to build a welfare state for the people in line with the Directive Principles envisaged in our Constitution. The second is to accelerate economic growth by increasing capital investment and developing infrastructure. The figures indicate that Kerala is rapidly progressing towards both these goals. Moreover, with the swift implementation of the proposals presented in today's budget, comprehensive progress will become possible in the state," he said.

Some sections have alleged that proposals announced in the budget are those that could not be implemented over the past ten years. The Chief Minister dismissed these claims as frivolous, born of sheer frustration.

He said several projects once dismissed as impossible have, in fact, been realised over the last decade. Initiatives such as national highway development and the second phase of the Vizhinjam port stand as clear examples of this progress, realities that cannot be ignored or wished away.

Kerala CMO stated that the budget clears pension arrears, boosts welfare, education, employment, and gig workers.

"This budget provides relief to all sections of society, including workers, farmers, the middle class, government employees, and the trade and industrial community. It aims to address their immediate needs while promoting overall economic stability."

Kerala CM said that the budget sends a strong political message from Kerala in response to the central government's encroachments on Indian federalism and constitutional values.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
The focus on gig workers is very timely. So many young people in Kerala are driving for apps or doing delivery jobs. They need social security and benefits. This is a progressive step if done right. But the CM must ensure these are not just announcements. We need action.
S
Sarah B
I appreciate the emphasis on infrastructure like highways and the Vizhinjam port. As someone who travels for work, better roads mean less time wasted and more productivity. Economic growth needs these foundations. Kerala's development model is worth watching.
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Arun Y
"Relief to all sections" sounds good on paper, but as a middle-class taxpayer, I'm skeptical. Where is the money coming from? Our taxes are already high. I hope this doesn't mean more borrowing that our children will have to pay for. Fiscal responsibility is key.
M
Meera T
Strengthening welfare measures is the heart of Kerala's model. The mention of the Directive Principles is important—it's not just about GDP, it's about people's wellbeing. As a teacher, I'm keen to see the boost for education. Our future depends on it. 👍
V
Vikram M
The political message about federalism is crucial. States should have the freedom to design budgets for their people without excessive central interference. Kerala often leads in social indicators, and its autonomy in planning should be respected.

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