Second Pinarayi government’s maiden budget in Kerala announced Rs 20,000 crore Covid package and set aside Rs 1,000 crore to provide free vaccination for everyone aged above 18 years.
Presenting the budget, Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal also said an additional 500 crore would be spent to ensure related equipment and facilities for free vaccination.
The previous government had allotted Rs 20,000 crore which had been fully utillised to face the pandemic, he said.
"A second COVID-19 package of Rs 20,000 crore is announced now," the finance minister said.
Stating that the thrust of the new budget would be to ensure health and food for all, he said the effort would be to reduce the impact of the pandemic and ensure there is no third wave of the virus infection in the state.
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"We will consider the concerns over the third wave of the pandemic. The health emergency existing is a challenge to the development prospects of the state," he said.
The budget also announced a revival package for the coastal regions which had suffered widespread destruction recently due to sea incursion and incessant rains.
Balagopal presented a 'revised budget' and vote on account with certain necessary changes and additions to the full budget presented by former Finance Minister T M Thomas Isaac for the 2021-22 fiscal on January 15.
(PTI)
