CPI(M) is putting forward the slogan of “Aiswarya Keralam” through the Nava Kerala March. This is the continuation of the policy formulated by the Communist Party while raising the slogan of “Aikya Keralam”. The EMS government of 1957 formulated and implemented many reforms that formed the basis for the development of Kerala state. The state achieved many feats that caught the attention of the entire world through those reforms. The development strategy named “Kerala Model” is evolved. Globalisation imposes policies that negates this development strategy. Party is waging the struggle through organising the people to change the globalisation policies that bring havoc. Side by side with this the LDF government is intervening to retain our achievements and remove the deficiencies assessing the changing scenario. This is an effort to strengthen the state and its economy based on the Kerala model. The budget presented by the Finance Minister Dr. Thomas Issac is the declaration that this development model will be boldly taken forward.
The budget proposed, which puts forward alternate policies and programs within the limitations imposed by the challenges raised by globalisation policies followed by the central government and the global financial crisis, is a model for the whole of India. The budget reveals how different is LDF government from the UPA lead central government and the UDF lead earlier governments. It simultaneously address the long term development projects and welfare measures that give short term relief. This is also a budget that favourably considers the weaker sections of the society. The approach taken in the budget is that of broad basing the achievements and rejuvenating the weak agro-industrial sectors for the creation of a prosperous state. It could address the new problems of welfare, health care and education sectors as well.
A renovating package of Rs. 10000 Crores is declared in this budget to address the problems created by the global financial crisis. This comes to 5% of the gross internal revenue of the state. The Central package is only 0.5% of its revenue. The difference between the governments in facing this new problem is evident in it. The infrastructure development package of Rs. 10000 Crores, the private investment package of Rs. 20000 Crores, resource mobilisation of Rs. 597 Crores, increased capital expenditure etc reflects the alternate measures to sustain and expand the economy during the period of global recession.
Separate package of paddy cultivation, Rs. 500 Crores package for coconut replantation, Agricultural debt relief fund, Rs. 166 crores for irrigation projects, lift irrigation renovation plan, Rs. 125 crores for for infrastructure development of coal paddy fields, waiving mortguage loans, Rs. 15 crores for coconut development, waiving Rs.35 crores of arrears of kerafed are the bold declarations that the agricultural sector will not be left to the vagaries of crisis.
An allotment of Rs. 46 crores for cashew industry, Rs. 50 crores for handloom industry, Rs. 64 crores for coir industry and 2.75 crores for handicrafts industry are made. These along with the proposed plan for establishing a coir factory in Alleppey reveals the consideration on the part of the LDF government towards the traditional industries sector. This will go a long way in helping those who suffers due to the neglect during the UDF regime in the past and to revive the traditional industries.
Providing ration rice at Rs.2 a kg for those below poverty line, scheduled sections and the fishermen and rice at Rs.14 a kg through the maveli stores are the bold steps taken by the LDF government even at a time when the central government is not at all helpful. It has to be noted that the LDF government is taking this initiative when the central government has continuously been reducing the quota of rice for the state.
Rs. 2000 crores for EMS housing scheme and Rs. 250 crores for food subsidy have been set apart additionally. 50 ps per kg is the subsidy for cattle feed given to dairy sector. All these are the proof for the consideration the LDF government is having for the state and the people.
Imaginative programs to address the regional imbalance also finds a place in the budget. The declaration of Rs. 1500 crores package for the integrated development of Malabar region is the example.
Rs. 883 crores have been set apart for the public sector while it is crumbling under the impact of the globalisation policies of the central government. This proves that the alternate approach of left is not confined to mere declarations, but are practical applications. The allocation of Rs. 35 crores for small scale industries has to be seen along with this.
The concern of the LDF for the future generation is revealed in the allocation of Rs. 101 crores for educational sector.
The waiving of housing loan of weaker sections, raising of minimum pension from Rs. 200 to Rs. 250, assistance for the education of wards of fishermen in autonomous education institutions are the programs that hold the hands of the weaker sections. The raising of maternity leave to 6 months also is worthy of emulation.
When central government reduces the food subsidy, Keala government is increasing it by Rs. 250 crores. When central government disposes the public sector, Kerala government revives them spending Rs. 883 crores. When central government push maximum people out of the ration net, government of Kerala is providing rice at Rs.2 per kg for all under the poverty line and other weaker sections of the society. All these are examples of the alternate policy framework of the left parties.
The thrust of the budget is the protection and development of the labour, service, social welfare, traditional sectors crumbling under the impact of globalisation policies of the central government. The tax concession of Rs. 23 crores and avoiding of any additional taxes extend much relief to the people of Kerala. The consideration given to rehabilitation program and welfare program is commendable in the background of the gulf employment crisis. It was in the background of the denial of central planning commission that the state government takes steps for pravasi welfare and self employment schemes. Pravasi welfare fund is allotted Rs. 10 crores and Rs. 100 crores is being mobilised for self employment.
Increase in capital expenditure will help the long term development. Proceeding with measures to eliminate revenue deficit even when the central government is not helpful is the proof for high degree of financial descipline. In short, the proposed Kerala budget is the frame work for the intervention to create a prosperous state despite the limitations imposed by the globalisation policies of the central government, while, at the same time fighting against the retrograde policies. This budget underlines the fact that the LDF and the CPI(M) leading it are rising to the expectation of the people of the state.
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