Liquor Costly: It has been said in the budget of this state of the country that the prices of some goods and services have been increased to raise additional funds for development works.
Liquor Costly and Power Production cost Increased: At present, budget sessions are either going on or about to start in different states of the country. The budget of Uttar Pradesh was presented in the UP Assembly today, while the prices of some goods and services have been increased today during the budget presented in the budget session of the Kerala government. The Left Democratic Front (Marxist) government of Kerala has increased the price of liquor and judicial court fees in the budget presented on Monday.
Liquor becomes expensive in Kerala
Presenting the fourth budget for the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan-led government, state Finance Minister KN Balagopal said excise duty on Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) has been increased by Rs 10 per liter to generate revenue of Rs 200 crore. . Balagopal said, “The Excise Act allows levy of galanage duty up to Rs 30 per liter on the sale of Indian-made foreign liquor. It has been fixed at Rs 10 per litre.” He said that this is expected to generate additional revenue of Rs 200 crore.
Fee increased even on electricity generation
He said that in the budget for the financial year 2024-25, court fees and electricity charges on those who generate their own electricity have also been increased. The budget also proposes an increase of 15 paise per unit in electricity tariff for consumers who generate and consume energy for their own consumption. An additional revenue of Rs 24-25 crore is expected from this. The Finance Minister said, “Since 1963, electricity duty has been imposed on the sale of electricity at the rate of six paise per unit. It has been increased to 10 paise per unit. An additional revenue of Rs 101.41 crore is expected.”
Court fees increased
Balagopal said suitable amendments would be incorporated in the Kerala Court Fees and Suit Valuation Act, 1959 to find ways to raise more revenue from the sector. He said, “Through these, the government expects a revenue of Rs 50 crore.”
Minimum support price of rubber increased
Balagopal allocated Rs 1,698.30 crore for the agriculture sector in the budget for the financial year 2024-25 and the minimum support price of rubber has been increased from Rs 170 to Rs 180. Amidst the increasing demand by rubber farmers for increase in its support price, Balagopal announced an increase of Rs 10. “The minimum support price of rubber has been increased from Rs 170 to Rs 180,” he said. He said that Rs 1,698 crore will be set aside for the traditional agriculture sector.
Rs 50 crore to eradicate extreme poverty
He set aside Rs 50 crore for extreme poverty alleviation and announced Rs 134.42 crore for the cooperative sector.
Investment of Rs 5000 crore will be attracted in tourism sector
Investment of Rs 5000 crore will be attracted in the tourism sector. He said, “The tourism sector is growing. Rs 351 crore is being allocated for it in the financial year 2024-25.”
Rs 250 crore earmarked for digital university
Announcing more support to the higher education sector, the minister earmarked Rs 250 crore for digital universities.
He also said, “The state will continue its efforts to realize the rail project. Talks are ongoing with the central government in this regard.” An amount of Rs 300.73 crore has been earmarked for smooth and timely execution of major projects like Vizhinjam Port, Cochin Metro and Kannur Airport.
Will bring investment of Rs 3 lakh crore in 3 years – Pinarayi Vijayan
Presenting the fourth budget for Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan government, Balagopal said that although the state is facing an economic crisis and the Center is imposing financial restrictions, the Left Democratic Front government will not make any compromise on the development front. The Finance Minister said that investment worth Rs 3 lakh crore will be brought in the southern state in the next three years. The minister also blamed the Centre’s economic policies and alleged neglect of Kerala for the southern state’s financial problems.
