The general discussion on the State Budget 2022-23 proceeded along familiar lines on the second day in the Kerala Assembly with the Opposition branding it as unrealistic and the ruling MLAs staunchly defending and hailing it as a development manifesto for the coming decades. While the discussions often veered towards political issues unconnected to the Budget, some of the MLAs came up with suggestions for Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal.
UDF MLA P.J. Joseph said the doubling of land tax is unjustified at a time when farmers are going through a hard time. He said the hike should be limited to 10-15%. The minimum support price (MSP) being offered for rubber is too low. The moratorium on loans should be extended as several people, including farmers, are getting revenue recovery notices, he said.
Job Michael, MLA of LDF constituent party Kerala Congress(M), said the Budget book reminded him of his late party leader K.M. Mani who had presented similar people-friendly projects in his Budgets. He demanded that the MSP for paddy should be increased.
