The State Budget for the 2024-25 fiscal presented by Kerala Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal on February 5 (Monday) sought to mop up additional resources and draw private investment in key sectors, even as it proposed Chinese-model special development zones (SDZ) for tapping the potential of the Vizhinjam seaport project and a new ‘assured’ pension system for government employees.
Mr. Balagopal, who later described the Budget as a “platform for a forward leap for Kerala,” has sought to raise ₹1,067 crore in additional resources through a slew of rate revisions, including that of electricity duty, judicial court fees and other levies.
