The time limit for filing for permission to pay tax under compounded scheme etc is extended till 31st May 2013.

The extract of circular No.CIRCULAR No..08/ 2013 dtd 30-04-2013

The last date for filing option for the payment of compounded tax under Section 7 of KGST Act, Section 5A of KTL Act, and Section 8 of the KVAT Act for the year 2013 - 14 is extended upto 31st May  2013 

TIME LIMIT FOR FILING OF ANNUAL RETURN,AUDIT REPORT,FORM 25A EXTENDED......... FOR THE YEAR 2012-13

1. The time limit for filing application in Form 25A along with stock inventory for changing from presumptive category to regular category as per Rule 12(7) isextended from the present 15 days to 30 days.

2. The last date for filing annual return along with enclosures is extended upto 31st May of every year.

3. The time limit for filing certified audited report in Form No.13 and statement of particulars in Form No.13A for Companies is extended upto 31st January and in other cases upto 31st December, of the succeeding year.

Direction are given to the check-post to detained the goods of dealers who are in tax arrears

As per the Circular No.05/2013 dtd 15-04-2013 extracts:-

KVAT Act, 2003 – Sec.47(4) – Default of payment of tax –Updating check-post officials about tax arrears – Detainment of goods transported instructions issued.

As per the Judgment of Hon’ble High Court dtd.14-02-2012 in
W.A.No.260/12 and WPC Nos.4226, 4228, 4238 and 4239 of 2012

Hon’ble High Court has held that the detention of goods under Section

47(4) is perfectly in order

The Court observed as follows:

“We feel in order to make Section 47(4) more workable and effective,
the Assessing Officers in the State should keep on updating the check post
officials about the tax arrears of dealers so that as and when goods are
transported by defaulters their goods under transport are detained and
released only on clearance of arrears of tax, recovery of which is not stayed
by any authority or Court or on such dealer making arrangements for timely
payment of arrears of tax to the satisfaction of the Department.”

Attention of all officers is invited to the above observation made by the
Hon’ble High Court and is directed to be vigilant in the transactions of dealers
who are in tax arrears.

In cases where assessing authority finds that goods of a dealer shall

not be allowed to be transported for arrears or cancellation of RC, the

intimation shall also be given to the ITMC so that ITMC can alert the checkpost

authorities.

COMMISSIONER

PAN DETAILS SUBMITTED IN KVATIS ARE BEING VERIFIED

Dear All the  PAN details in KVATIS are being verified with the Income Tax Department. So check all PAN submitted in KVATIS if any defects then correct it  urgentely before filing e-returns for the next return period.

Registration Renewal :-procedure in KVATIS

Dear followers of my blog its time for VAT Registration Renewal :- This is the first posting of the procedure of Reg. Renewal. Pl comment on it.

As per the KVAT Every registered dealer shall file an application for renewal of the registration in Form NO.1B through online, not later than 30th day of April of the year for which the renewal of registration is sought. Along with the application he shall also file a  E Chalan receipt KVATIS for the fee specified in sub-section (7) of section 16.

Sec 16(7) A certificate of registration issued under sub-section (2) shall be valid for a year and shall be renewed from year to year on payment of the fee specified below:

(a) dealer who is not an importer                    Five hundred rupees

(b) others                                                        One thousand five hundred rupees.

Registration Renewal :-procedure in KVATIS

First Step

Connect to the KVATIS Application by accessing the website www.keralataxes.gov.in and click on E-File:

Login using the respective TIN & password:

On reaching the home page of e-Filing, click on the link ‘Registration Renewal’ Left side Menu:

 On clicking the below screen appears, this is step two for the renewal

Select by clicking Apply for renewal of registration we will the below screen

                 Select the Assessment year as ‘2013-14’:

After selecting the assessment year as 2013-14 you will get the below menu 

By click on the view application you can view the complete details of the log in dealer details
like the below menu

If any changes /amendments are required you can apply through online under online application from the home page.

By clicking the online application you get the below screen

Budget Speech 2013-14 (English)

Sri.K.M.Mani,Hon'ble Minister for Finance,Govt.of Kerala presenting

the Kerala Budget for 2013-14 before the Kerala Legislative Assembly 

on 15 ^th March 2013.

                                                                                                  KERALA  BUDGET 2013-14  

1
Preface
Sir,
1. May I present the budget for 2013-14.
2. We are in the closing days of the first year of the 12th five year
plan. I am presenting this budget with the gratification that the
developmental activities of the State could be led with fiscal
stability despite the challenges that arose in the national and global
arena. I am not oblivious of the fact that in as much as the issues
relating to the economic recession are still lingering, we have to
face the impacts in the coming year too. Though the U.S which
was in the shadow of economic recession from 2007 has been
slowly recovering, the situation in most of the European Union
Countries appears grim. India has been maintaining close cooperation
with countries such as U.S.A., European Union Countries
and Japan in respect of exports, IT industry and employment.
About a fourth of India’s exports are to the European Union
Countries. Hence the economic recession in those countries
adversely affects our exports and employment opportunities.
3. Though target rate of growth in the 11th five year plan period was 9
percent at the national level, it was reduced to 8.2 percent for the
12th plan period in the context of the economic slowdown. India’s
expectation for achieving rate of growth for current year above the
rate of growth of 6.2 percent in 2011-12, has not been realized due
to the meltdown in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors. The
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has estimated the growth rate for
current year to be 5.5 percent whereas the Central Statistical
Organization approximates it at 5 percent. It is the lowest rate in
2
the last decade. Despite this, India is one of the four countries that
achieved comparatively better rate of growth in 2012.
4. The global economic recession is reflected in the tepid economic
growth, spiralling inflation, fiscal deficit, current account deficit,
devaluation of currency etc. in India. The central tax revenue
receipts have not been as expected due to the general slowdown in
the economic activity. Though it was estimated that the direct
taxes would grow at 13.9 percent and the indirect taxes at 26.7
percent in the current financial year, it’s actually less by ` 39575
crore compared to the Budget estimates. The earnest effort of the
Union Government to pilot the economy along the right track
amidst acute fiscal crisis is laudable. It will, of course help enhance
the growth of the economy.
5. Another factor that adversely affects the growth of our economy is
inflation. During the first month of the current year, the consumer
price index was as high as 10.79 percent, the price index of food
grains was 11.88 percent and the wholesale price index was 6.62
percent. The price rise can be dealt with creatively, only by
improving the public distribution system on the one side and by
strengthening the productive sectors of the economy on the other
side.
6. The brunt of the economic slowdown has affected Kerala in
general, and particularly in certain sectors due to its special
characteristics. Export oriented agricultural production, devaluation
of currency, high dependence on foreign employment
opportunities, inflation, low credit-deposit ratio in the banking
3
sector, high rate of interest etc., are significant among them. The
steep fall in the demand for commercial crops in the export market
due to the global economic slowdown has adversely affected the
commercial crops of the state.
7. I would like to point to some of the internal issues of our state that
challenge its economic prospects. Kerala being a consumer state,
the shock of price increase is high. As the state imports lion’s
share of its consumer products including food materials, inflation
causes its resources to migrate increasingly outside. About 70
percent of its GSDP is contributed by the service sector. The
larger share of its economic growth is also from this sector. While
the service sector grew at 11.81 percent, industrial sector recorded
7 percent growth and agricultural sector (-) 0.7 percent during the
last year. On account of the negative growth of agriculture and
low growth of industrial sector, a development strategy focusing on
the service sector alone appears to be deficient to lead the state
along the path of sustainable growth. It is in this context that I
chose to include the seven faceted development strategies in my
last budget. It is gratifying that most of the projects articulated
with this aim, could be started and carried forward.
8. The crucial test before us is to achieve the growth momentum that
is necessary to maintain the high human development index
achieved by Kerala. At the same time, efforts have to be made to
realize the fiscal balance that has been mandated in the FRBM Act.
The government is committed to maintain high level of resource
mobilization as well as resource utilization for the attainment of
these goals. The growth of revenue receipts of the state in the
4
current year over the previous year at 20.53% is a matter of
gratification. It is worthwhile to mention that at the same time
revenue expenditure has also recorded an increase of 17.8 percent.
9. It is a matter of pride that even in the midst of the crises and
challenges mentioned earlier, the State could achieve the growth
rate of 9.51 percent, 3.31 percent higher than the national average
of 6.2 percent, on the strength of the exemplary programmes put
forward in the last budget and also due to the effective
implementation of its promises by the Government. The target
growth rate mentioned in the last budget has already been achieved
by the State. It is the highest rate of growth in the last one decade.
The state could achieve only the national average growth rate of 8
percent during the 11th plan period. It was on account of the
deceleration of the growth of the State in the first four years of 11th
plan period. On an average, the State could achieve only 7.58
percent in the first four years of the 11th plan period. Changing the
direction of growth positively to a high growth trajectory has been
made possible due to improved fiscal management and efficient
implementation by the UDF Government. The capital expenditure
during the five year period of the previous LDF government was `
9497 crore. This government assigning high priority to
employment generation and development has spent more than `
8000 crore in the capital sector during the first two years of its
tenure. Along with this, this Government has raised the welfare
pensions by 75 percent. Steps have already been initiated to
distribute all the welfare pensions up to 31.3.2013 during the
current month itself.
5
10. The rate of growth of the State is expected to reach 9.58 percent in
the current financial year. If the state is able to retain this
momentum of growth, it can set a record of achieving double digit
growth rate. It is with this end in view that our plan estimate has
been enhanced to 21.34 percent during the next year as compared
to the previous year. Out of the total plan allocation of
` 1,02,000 crore for the 12th Five Year Plan, the amount earmarked
for the current year is `17,000 crore.
11. Attempt has been made in this budget to enhance the budget
allocation compared to GSDP in view of the fact that the same for
Kerala is less than the All India average. The Budget allocation –
GSDP ratio in 2011-12 and 2012-13 were 16.2 percent and 16.4
percent respectively and it has increased to 16.7 percent for
2013-14.
12. I have a clear vision of the developed Kerala of the coming decade.
The schemes presented in the budget are with a vision to fulfil
these goals. My dream is to augment the per capita income of
Kerala at par with the BRICS countries by 2023. I aim to enlarge
the infrastructure facilities and human development index to the
level of developed countries during the period. Modern transport
facilities clean drinking water, electricity, health and educational
facilities have to be ensured for all towards this end. Required
revenue for it can be ensured only if we guarantee employment for
all. It necessitates better employment skills and healthier work
culture. In this budget, I aim to move to the next step of the seven
point development strategy put forward in my last budget for
achieving this goal. First of all, let me propose the flagship
6
programs and the salient programs in the budget meant to guarantee
food, health and life security for all.
Flagship Schemes:
Scheme for enhancement of speed and efficiency of Plan
implementation:
13. It is essential to rectify the deficiencies in plan implementation,
which has been in existence for many yea` Major portion of the
plan outlay is spent during the months of February and March.
Moreover, capital component in plan expenditure is relatively low.
We have to target plan execution free of delay and unnecessary cost
overruns. Plan implementation style needs to be modernized and
reformed so as to achieve it. Towards this, the following action
points are formulated:
In order to avoid delay, plan formulation will be
completed in the months of April and May. For
formulating projects, the services of technical experts
will be utilized at various levels.
Expert training will be provided to the officials
concerned, in various departments.
The responsibility of execution of each scheme will be
vested with a specific official subject to the general
control by Government Secretaries and Heads of
Departments. It will be his responsibility to monitor
plan implementation on a continuous basis. The name of
7
the responsible official will be published in the website.
The officials who exhibit efficiency in plan execution
will be given adequate encouragement and recognition.
At the same time, the culpable lapses in this area will be
viewed seriously and appropriate and strict measures
will be taken against those responsible.
Sanction and disbursal of project funds will be done
electronically and projects will be monitored. In order to
ensure that the new proposals announced in the budget
speech are implemented in a timely manner, a
Monitoring Committee with Chief Secretary as
Chairman will be formed. The Government Order on the
increases, if any, in the social security pensions and
other economic concessions announced in the budget
speech will be issued in the month of April itself.
Farmers’ Protection Programmes
14. Farming community is the backbone of our economy. The overall
development of the country depends on the agricultural sector.
Unfortunately, this sector has been languishing. Therefore, for the
development of agricultural economy and to ensure the protection
of farmers, following important schemes are announced.
15. Writing-off the interest burden of small farmers: Government
will write off the arrears in respect of interest on NABARD
agricultural loan taken by small farmers through Co-operative
banks as on 15 March 2013. This will be applicable to small
farmers having agricultural land of one hectare or below. This
8
interest concession will be in the form of one-time settlement for
those who repay the principal of the loan amount. The financial
burden on the co-operative institutions due to this will be
reimbursed by the Government. ` 50 crore is earmarked towards
this purpose.
16. Interest-free agricultural loan to all small and marginal
farmers: Government will ensure interest free loan to all small and
marginal farmers having land of one hectare or below. Government
will take over the interest on NABARD refinanced agricultural
loans availed from co-operative banks. The additional financial
burden due to this on the co-operative banks will be reimbursed by
the State government. Short-term agricultural loans from
commercial banks or private banks will be made available to
farmers at maximum of 4% interest with central assistance. An
amount of ` 30 crore is earmarked for this.
17. Risk insurance for loan repayment: If the head of the family who
has taken agricultural loan dies or becomes bed-ridden due to
chronic diseases or accidents and thereby become incapacitated to
repay agricultural loans, full protection will be given to debtors
through taking over their non-performing assets by expanding the
scope of the risk insurance scheme.
18. Abolition of Agricultural Income Tax for individual assesses:
The role of agricultural sector in the development of Kerala is vital.
Since growth witnessed by this sector is limited, conditions
conducive for accelerating this growth need to be created. I believe
that, one of the methods for achieving this is through the reform of
9
the tax structure. Kerala is one of the few States in the country
which imposes tax on agriculture income. Tamil Nadu has already
abolished it and Karnataka imposes this tax only on companies. It
has been a long standing recommendation of the Plantation Study
Committee to do away with this tax. Of the total collection of AIT,
only less than 10% is contributed by the assessees other than
company. In this circumstance, to give encouragement to the
farmers of the State, assessees other than companies will be totally
exempted from Agricultural Income Tax.
19. Integrated Agricultural Garden Scheme: In the last budget, I had
formulated various schemes for giving a new impetus to
agricultural sector through value addition by adopting hi-tech
agriculture. Since the average land holding in Kerala is only 0.27
hectare, the process of setting up modern agricultural farms,
adopting hi-tech agriculture as an integrated economic unit is to be
encouraged. Those entrepreneurs who combine the following three
or more crops along with fruits and floriculture in farmsteads up to
one acre will be given an incentive of ` 10000 per acre.
1. Chicken/duck/turkey/quail/rabbit farming.
2. Pisciculture
3. Bee-keeping
4. Mushroom cultivation
5. Floriculture
10
Those organizing these types of agricultural activities will be given
technical assistance from Agriculture and Animal Husbandry
Departments. During the year, a total of 10,000 farms at the rate of
10 farms in each Panchayat will be set up.
20. Model Hi-tech Green Villages: Hi-tech green villages are those
which adopt solar energy, rain water harvesting and waste
processing at source in almost all houses and which achieve
environmental preservation, hi-tech agriculture and organic
farming. Such model villages, which ensure food security, water
security, energy security and environmental security, will be
established one each in all 14 districts as per approved criteria.
Government will provide the required technical knowledge,
expertise and financial support in designing them. In addition to the
existing funds under various schemes, a total of ` 42 crore, at the
rate of ` 3 crore each for a village is earmarked.
21. Paddy Procurement: I am gratified that sufficient funds have been
allocated for arranging paddy procurement in an efficient manner
since this Government came to power. This year, ` 215 crore has
been distributed under this head. From next year onwards, steps
will be initiated for spot cash payment of price to the paddy farmers
on procured paddy. At the beginning of the harvesting season itself,
government will deposit the required funds for paddy procurement
in the revolving funds formed in the respective District Cooperative
Banks. While procuring paddy, cheques towards its price
will be given to the farmers through the Service Co-operative
Banks. For milling the paddy thus procured, rice mills will be
11
established under the auspices of Civil Supplies Corporation in
Wayanad, Kuttanad and Palakkad. Towards this,
` 14 crore is additionally allocated.
22. Farmer’s producer societies and farmers’ markets: It is
essential to establish farmers’ markets under the auspices of
farmers’ producer societies to make available better prices to the
produce of farmers and also essential quality consumer goods to the
end users at reasonable price. Government will establish such
markets with cold storage facilities in all Taluks for protecting
agricultural products from loss of quality and value. These will be
established in government lands if suitable land is available. In
other places, it will be established in the places provided by
producers’ societies or co-operative societies or organization of
farmers formed for this purpose. Markets promoted by women for
women will also be established in this manner. In addition, Agrimalls
will be started in major cities. ` 25 crore is set apart for this
scheme.
23. Kerala Brand for Organic farming: Kerala has the highest
potential for the development of organic farming and a global brand
thereon. For the development of this sector, I visualize a stage-bystage
approach. In the first stage, one taluk each in Kasaragod,
Wayand and Idukki districts will be developed as organic taluks.
As part of this scheme, necessary support for securing brand
recognition for local products like “Gandhakasala” rice will be
given. In order to promote the production of organic manure,
pesticides and disease resistant and high productivity seeds, tissue12
culture seedlings, research institutions and production units will be
established in the aforesaid districts. ` 12 crore is set apart for this
purpose.
24. Production of “Neera” from coconut tree: In the last budget, I
had made a beginning for bio-parks for achieving value addition in
coconut production sector. Production of “Neera” is the greatest
value addition programme in this area. If “Neera” can be produced
from coconut trees, coconut farmers can be ensured more income
and toddy tappers more employment opportunities. By now,
commercial production of “Neera” has commenced in the
neighbouring state of Karnataka. Kerala Agriculture University has
developed the technology for marketing “Neera” produced by
farmers, as a drink. By making use of this, it is proposed to launch
“Neera” units in 10 districts, namely, Thiruvananthapuram,
Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Palakkad,
Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod for commercial production of
“Neera”. ` 15 crore is allocated for this purpose.
25. Integrated Crop insurance for farmers: Kerala has to be
equipped for addressing the problems arising from climate change
in the agricultural sector. Climate based crop insurance is at present
available for paddy, cashew nut and pepper. Even this is available
only for those farmers taking agricultural loans. In order to make
the benefits available to all farmers of Kerala, an integrated
insurance scheme incorporating all major crops will be
implemented in 2013-14. Towards this, ` 20 crore is allocated.
13
26. “Trupthi” fare price restaurants: It is important to ensure food at
reasonable prices to ordinary people especially, worke` For this
purpose, there should be hotels serving food at fair prices. Towards
achieving this target, fair price eateries serving food at ` 20 to all
will be started in all Taluk headquarte` This will be implemented
through woman’s organizations like “Kudumbasree”, “Janasree”,
“Grihasree” etc. For hotels, government will give a yearly grant not
exceeding ` 5 lakh towards rent, electricity and water charges. In
addition, ` 50,000 per year will be given as managerial subsidy.
Food grains, provisions, vegetables, and fish will be made available
at fair prices through various government agencies to these
restaurants. Gas connection at concessional rates will also be given.
27. Sustainable Employment Development Program
Finding a solution to unemployment is imperative for Kerala. I
present an innovative and sustainable employment development
program which can remove unemployment within five years. I
visualize the following six point programme for this end:
28. Placement cells in Educational institutions: In order to find
solution to unemployment, job skills should be imparted to all. The
Additional Skills Acquisition Programme and Additional Skills
Enhancement Programme announced in the last budget are being
implemented. This year, placement cells will be started in all
colleges, polytechnics and ITIs. This will help the students
completing education in the State to effectively and confidently
participate in interviews and ensure placements. ` 8 crore is set
apart towards this purpose.
14
29. Career Development Mission: I believe that there is need for
permanent training platforms for job seekers to develop their
personality, enhance their competitiveness and to raise them to a
higher level of excellence. In order to start such training centres in
each district to organise the needed training programmes at various
levels, an amount of ` 7 crore is allocated.
30. Start up subsidy for creation of employment opportunities: If
ten or more employment opportunities are created in specified areas
of micro and small enterprises, a start up subsidy of ` 10,000 per
job slot will be given for each employment opportunity generated
as an incentive for employment creation. The specified areas are
information technology, tourism, health care, agro processing, food
processing, power generation and manufacturing of energy efficient
products, electronic hardware, mobile technology and readymade
garments. ` 2 crore is earmarked for this purpose.
31. Support from project report to production: Kerala Financial
Corporation will be preparing model projects based on innovative
technologies developed by research institutions functioning under
the auspices of Central and State Governments in Kerala. Youth
who are desirous of launching such industrial units will be given
technology and financial support. Assistance will be available to
enterprises launched in areas such as food processing, information
technology, apparels, handicrafts, presentation articles, agro
processing, fish processing and packaging. Against the loans
availed by such units, Government will provide interest subsidy of
15
3% for loans up to ` one crore and 2% for loans above ` one crore.
Towards this scheme, an amount of ` 10 crore is set apart.
32. Encouragement for research papers, patents, innovations and
inventions: Research and invention in all areas of knowledge will
be given encouragement. Towards this, a scheme titled “Fostering
Linkages for Academic Innovation and Research” (FLAIR) for
supporting research by teachers and students in academic
institutions is proposed. ` 6 crore is earmarked towards this
programme. The articles published by teachers and students in
selected international journals will be given an incentive of ``5000
each. Researchers who secure patents will be given ` one lakh
each as financial assistance by the State Government. The awards
will be on the basis of the recommendations of the committee
formed for this purpose. ` 50 lakh is set apart for this programme.
33. In order to encourage innovation, innovation groups will be formed
through Face Book, Twitter, Google, E-mail, and Blog and
innovation meets will be organized. District-wise special awards
will be given to students who present innovative projects, and also
to teachers who guide them. The selection will be through the State
Innovation Council. Awards will be given for one teacher and one
student in each district. To each award winner, ` one lakh will be
given for an All India Study tour.
34. New inventions which improve productivity and quality of products
will be given encouragement. The applications for the same will be
scrutinized by the expert committee formed under the auspicious of
science and technology department. Back-up grants ranging up to
16
Five lakh or 75% of project cost whichever is lower will be
awarded. An amount of ` 50 lakh is provided for this.
35. Website for skilled workers and Task Force for Agriculture:
Though skilled workers of various categories are needed in offices
and homes, they are not available on time. In view of this, a
website will be operationalised in the State this year to make
available skilled workers as may be required, through mobile or
internet. The services of Akshaya Centres will be utilised for this
purpose. As part of this, the Agricultural Task Force started in
Kudappanakunnu Krishi Bhavan will be extended to all Krishi
Bhavans across the State. Agricultural services will be rendered to
the farmers using technical equipment at concessional rates
throughout the State. ` one crore is earmarked for this purpose.
Infrastructure Development:
36. Considering the crucial role of infrastructure development in the
progress of the state, Government has initiated several mega
projects for creation of infrastructure facilities. Kochi Metro, High
speed rail corridor, the monorail projects at Thiruvananthapuram
and Kozhikode, Kannur Airport, Vizhinjam Port, 35th National
Games Projects, Mobility Hub etc., are some of them. Towards
speedy completion of these project activities, ` 788.93 crore has
been granted during this year. Acquisition and transfer of the
required land for Kochi Metro to KMRL is progressing. Mobility
17
hubs on the model of the Vyttila project will be started in all district
headquarters in Kerala and other infrastructural projects will be
expedited. ` 846 crore is set apart for the continued activities of
these projects.
37. The joint venture projects of State and Central Government for the
development of railways will be implemented in Kerala also. The
availability of coaches in the State can be increased by the
establishment of Coach Repair and Maintenance Centre at
Kochuveli. To implement this project, an amount of ` 5 crore is set
apart as State share. It is essential to develop the facilities of
Ernakulam town station parallel to the Kochi Metro Project. An
amount of ` 10 crore is provided for the development of Thrissur,
Kollam, Kozhikode and Kottayam stations along with this. Steps
will be taken to start the Sabari railway project during this year
itself.
Generation of Solar Energy and Rainwater Harvesting
38. As a solution to the power crisis in Kerala, new sources of power
are to be developed. As part of this, State Government proposes to
launch a project to install floating solar panels in Kerala’s water
bodies. These projects are the most innovative and environmentfriendly
of all the existing power generation systems in the world.
This year itself 20 Mega Watt power will be generated through
projects in Chulliyar and Meenkara under the irrigation department.
An amount of ` 20 crore is set apart for this programme.
18
39. State Government will give a subsidy of ` one each per unit of net
electricity supplied to the grid by those who install solar power
systems with grid connection. Steps have been taken to install solar
panels connected to grid in Government Offices. In addition, it is
proposed to install 25000 off grid roof top solar power plants each
with a capacity of one kilowatt. Through this, it is possible to
achieve 25 MW installed capacity. ` 15 crore is earmarked for this
purpose.
40. It is proposed to make it mandatory to install arrangements for
rainwater harvesting and waste treatment at source in newly
constructed houses above 2000 square feet in the State. Those who
arrange these along with solar panels in the specified measures will
be given 50% concession in the one-time building tax.
41. It is necessary to develop the industry for manufacturing and
assembling of solar panels in the State. ` two crore is earmarked
for setting up a solar industrial park.
Social Welfare Programmes
42. The existing social security pensions and other benefits in the State
will be enhanced as follows:
19
Pension benefit
Present
rate
Increased rate
Agricultural workers pension 400 500
Farmers pension 400 500
Widow pension 525 700
Pension for physically challenged 525 700
Pension for physically challenged with
80% disability
700 1000
Pension for unmarried women above 50
years
525 700
Old age pension 400 500
Old age pension for above 80 years 900 1100
Monthly grant to the inmates of
orphanages, old age homes, shelters for
beggars and homes for physically
challenged
525 700
Monthly food grant for students in the
government and aided blind and deaf
schools
750 900
20
Monthly pension for dialysis dependent
renal patients falling under BPL category
525 900
Assistance for TB patients 525 800
Assistance to leprosy patients 525 800
Assistance for cancer patients 525 800
Coir workers pension 300 400
Pension for artists 500 600
Pension for circus artists 1000 1100
Pension for sports persons above 80 years 1000 1100
Pension for sports persons below 80 years 500/750 800
Pension to traditional Viswakarmas under
BPL category of age above 60 years and
who are not getting any other pension
.. 400
Adhar ID will be made compulsory for all pension beneficiaries.
21
Women Empowerment and Welfare
43. This Government gives great emphasis to the welfare and
protection of women. There is a need to develop healthy code of
behavioural conduct towards women among our growing
generation. Towards this, it is proposed to include Gender Balance
Score in the internal valuation of students at high school and
higher secondary level.
44. Financial assistance for higher education to the children of
widows: It is proposed to grant tuition fee at Government rates in
higher education for the children of widows having family income
below ` 3 lakh. In the case of students under Below Poverty Line
category, hostel fee also will be given in addition to tuition fee. An
amount of ` 2 crore is provided for this.
45. Matrimony Fund (Mangalya Nidhi): I wish to form a Matrimony
Fund for girls from economically weak families. It is proposed to
raise the required fund from the wedding expenses of relatively
well-off sections. A contribution not less than 3% of the expenses
in wedding celebrations held in hotels above three star status or
auditoriums with a seating capacity above 500 will be mobilised for
Matrimony Fund. While reserving hotel/auditorium, the receipt in
original of the remittance towards the fund in advance must be
produced. Out of this fund, ` 20,000 will be given as marriage
assistance to poor girls. Along with this, the financial assistance
given to the daughters of widows will be raised from `20,000 to
`30,000 and income limit will be enhanced from ` 10,000 to
` 3,00,000 lakh.
22
46. Drought Prevention Programme: The State is under the grip of
acute drought conditions. It may be more acute in the coming year
Therefore there is a dire need to assign more emphasis on the
measures to fight against drought.
47. The space agency, NASA based on the study of the water map of
Kerala, has reported that the water level of Kerala has been falling.
This is an indication of the problems of climate change. Therefore,
meaningful projects to intensify soil and water conservation
activities will be launched and implemented from this year. As part
of this, it is proposed to undertake protection of water sources,
upkeep of canals and rivers, soil and water conservation activities,
well recharging etc. Those activities will be undertaken by
integrating with the Employment Guarantee Programme in cooperation
with the Panchayats.
48. In order to meet the drinking water requirements of the State, the
water flowing to ocean through canals and rivers need to be
preserved by constructing Check Dams and Storage Dams in all
suitable places. Grant amount of ` 50,000 each will be given for
construction of rainwater storage tanks in educational institutions
and public offices. Along with this, Government will undertake
well recharging and rainwater harvesting as popular programmes.
For these activities a total of ` 40 crore is allocated.
Integrated Health Programme
49. There is a Medicare programme in all developed countries. Such a
medical insurance scheme beneficial to all families is not available
23
in Kerala. I present an integrated medical insurance programme for
this purpose.
50. The medical benefits through CHIS are now available only to BPL
and certain other low income categories. Government intends to
extend this benefit to families having annual income up to ` three
lakh. Government will bear the insurance premium of this category.
Those having annual family income above ` 3 lakh can also
become beneficiaries of this scheme by paying the premium
amount in full. ` 70 crore is allocated for this programme.
51. For Government employees, the approved rates of medical
assistance will be given for treatment done in selected private
hospitals as well.
52. It is proposed to integrate Allopathic, Ayurvedic and Homoeo
systems of medicine at the primary level and design it as Holistic
clinics on a pilot basis.
53. Modernisation and extension of Cancer Hospitals: Karunya
Scheme for giving assistance to the treatment of diseases such as
cancer has been implemented in the State since last year.
Considering the high incidence of cancer, it is proposed to elevate
Regional Cancer Centre in Thiruvananthapuram to a National
Cancer Institute. Besides, arrangements for cancer tertiary care in
Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode Medical Colleges will be
introduced and a cancer hospital will be established in Central
Kerala. In addition, cancer care centres will be established in
district hospitals in Alappuzha, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kannur.
An amount of ` 5 crore is additionally provided for this.
24
54. Relief in tax to Charitable Hospitals on medicine and
consumables: Government recognizes the pivotal role played by
private hospitals in improving the health standards in Kerala. In
order to redress certain taxation issues faced by this sector, certain
concessions were announced in my last budget, which were
generally welcomed by all. Hospitals run by charitable
institutions, which avail exemption under Income Tax Act provide
health care to weaker sections at comparatively lower rates, without
any profit motive. As announced in the last year’s budget, these
hospitals will be exempted from assessment in respect of medicines
sold from their pharmacy to patients, if the same is purchased from
a wholesaler who had remitted tax on MRP as per compounding
system. In addition to this, as a token of appreciation for their good
deeds, I propose to exempt such hospitals from tax on the sale of
lab store items and consumables, as may be notified by
Government provided they take registration before 30-6-2013.
Salient Programmes
55. Scholarship for Bright Students from poor families: If the
students from families with an annual income below ` 3 lakh,
secure admission in graduate or post-graduate courses in
prestigious Central Government Institutions such as IIT, IISC,
ISER and IIM, the State Government will bear 75% of the tuition
fee. An amount of ` 2 crore is earmarked for this.
56. Interest remission on educational loans extended to APL also:
In the previous budget, I had taken steps to write off the interest on
professional education loans taken by individuals falling under BPL
25
category from scheduled banks during the period between 2004 and
2009. However, the demand to extend this concession to more
categories has been raised from several quarters. In these
circumstances, as a relief measure, it is decided to extend this
concession to APL families having annual income up to ` three
lakh. I set apart an amount of ` 25 crore is additionally for this
purpose.
57. Pension for Workers under Employment Guarantee Scheme:
A new pension scheme will be implemented for workers under
Employment Guarantee scheme who work for at least 100 days per
year. It will be implemented through joint participation of Central
and State Governments and workers. Last year, Government had
given a financial assistance of ` 1000 for their children’s education
and purchase of books. This year ` 1000 will be given towards the
share of the Government in the proposed pension scheme. Along
with this, ` 1000 under the Swavalamban Scheme will be utilised
in the pension scheme as Central Government share. Over and
above this, workers share can also be deposited in this scheme
every year. As and when employment guarantee scheme workers
attain the age of 60, lifelong pension will be given to them in
proportion to the amount in their pension accounts. In addition,
Government will give to all female workers who work for 100 days
or above, free Onakkodi not exceeding `400. An amount of ` 20
crore is provided for this.
58. Competitive Examination Training Centres for Backward
Categories: I feel that youth belonging to backward categories
need special training programmes to make use of employment
26
opportunities in the Central and State services, public sector
enterprises and also private sector. Towards this end, three apex
recruitment training centres will be started region-wise under the
auspices of Backward Communities Development Department. ` 3
crore is set apart for this purpose
59. Integrated development of areas inhabited by traditional
workers: By developing infrastructure and modernisation of areas
inhabited by traditional workers in Coir, Cashew and Handloom
sectors, areas inhabited by traditional workers will be developed as
model villages. In such centres, roads will be constructed, drinking
water and electricity will be made available and drainage and
sanitation systems will be arranged. A sum of ` 10 crore is
allocated towards this scheme to be implemented by Backward
Communities Development Department.
60. Professional education scholarships for economically backward
among forward communities: At present, there are no significant
educational concessions to economically backward students in
forward communities. I consider it equitable to provide educational
concessions to professional students falling under this category.
Therefore, those students hailing from forward community families
having annual family income up to ` 3 lakh will be given fee
concessions at Government rates. ` 5 crore is allocated for this
purpose.
61. Human Resource Development Centre in Economically
Backward Regions: In order to develop the human resources of
students hailing from economically backward families of forward
27
communities, three entrepreneurship training centres will be set up
under the auspices of Forward Communities’ Development
Corporation. ` 3 crore is allocated towards this purpose.
62. Beggar free Kerala: At present, there is no codified beggar
protection law or institutions under it in the State. Under these
circumstances, it is not possible to bring the beggars wandering and
living in streets to accommodate them in shelter Therefore, an
integrated beggar protection law will be enacted in the State.
Stringent provisions will be made in this law against those
exploiting people including children for begging to gain monetary
benefits. Wandering beggars will be brought to shelter homes and
will be rehabilitated with logistic medical support and treatment.
Thus, Kerala will be transformed into a beggar free State. Towards
this purpose, one shelter home each will be established in all
district headquarter ` 10.5 crore is earmarked for these shelter
homes.
63. Higher Education Scholarship for Students in Orphanages:
Around 35,000 students living in orphanages in the State are
studying in various classes in educational institutions. Owing to
lack of finances, around 1000 bright students are unable to continue
education every year. Therefore, bright students in orphanages need
to be given opportunities for joining higher studies including
degree, professional, paramedical and diploma courses to equip
themselves for better employment. As part of continuous education
programme, Government will bear the course fee and hostel fee of
students of orphanages who study in Government and Aided
Institutions. For this scholarship programme, ` 5 crore is allocated.
28
64. Lifelong shelter homes for mentally challenged: In order to
provide integrated mental health through schools and organisations,
a new scheme of ` 20 crore under ‘Integrated Mental Health
programme’ will be initiated this year. Along with this, it appears
that there is need for lifelong shelter homes for mentally challenged
children in the State. For the lifelong protection of those sections,
Government wishes to start joint ventures with NGO’s having
qualifications, training, commitment and willingness. As a first
step, one lifelong shelter home in each district will be started in the
next financial year. ` 10.5 crore is allocated towards it.
65. De-Addiction Centres: Addiction to liquor is exponentially
increasing in the State. Its bitter experiences are mostly borne by
the women and children. De-addiction centres will be opened in
government hospitals to treat addiction to alcohol and drugs. In
addition, one de-addiction centre in each Talk under NGO sector
will be started with facility to provide de-addiction treatment to
minimum 300 persons in a centre. ` 6.3 crore is set apart for
starting 63 de-addiction centres in 63 taluks.
66. Modern Crematoria: It is essential to start natural gas/LPG based
state of the art crematoria in all districts. Along with this, ACambulance
facility also needs to be arranged. To establish one
crematorium in each district ` 10.5 crores is allocated. In addition,
a scheme will be implemented with the participation of local bodies
to renovate the existing crematoria by converting it into gas based
fuels. As part of this, the grant for constructing crematoria in each
Panchayat is raised to ` 20 lakh. Over and above this, permission is
granted to incur additional expenditure subject to a maximum of
29
` 10 lakh for this purpose, from the Kerala Local Government
Service Delivery Project. Local bodies will be given powers to
sanction additionally 50% of the fair value of land to be acquired
for construction of crematoria. I am setting apart ` 550 lakh for
these activities.
67. This year it is proposed to implement a scheme of Gas Crematoria
on an experimental basis in two municipalities which are ready to
incur 50% of the total expenditure and provide required land.
Towards this ` 50 lakh is allocated.
68. Welfare of migrant workers: The contribution of 25 lakh migrant
workers to the labour front of Kerala is significant. These workers
will be provided registration through Labour Department. In order
to provide boarding facilities to these workers at reasonable rates,
` 5 crore is allocated for a scheme of night shelter to be
implemented through the Housing Board. Another scheme to
provide timely medical care to the migrant workers will be
implemented through the Health Department. The amount of relief
given to these workers in the event of death at the workplace will
be raised from ` 50,000 to one lakh. ` 50 lakh is set apart for
these schemes.
69. Kasaragod Package: Following the Endosulphan tragedy, the
Government formulated a package for the integrated development
of Kasaragod district. This package will be implemented
integrating Central and State Schemes. ` 15 crore is earmarked for
its implementation.
30
70. Marine Ambulance for the Security of Fishermen: Owing to
adverse weather and clashes among boats, fishermen in the State
often are caught in accidents. In such emergency situations,
making use of assistance from Navy involves cumbersome
procedures and consequent delay. I feel that arrangements for
continuous monitoring in fishing sectors and emergency help in
case of accidents are essential. Therefore, it is proposed to
establish ‘Marine Ambulance’ in five centres at Vizhinjam,
Neendakara, Vipeen, Beypur and Azheekkal. ` 3 crore is set apart
for this purpose.
71. Ice and Freezing Plant: The fish catch of traditional fishermen
need to be preserved without delay and processed so as to retain its
quality for use and export to foreign countries to make value
added products. It is possible to create more employment
opportunities through this processing facility. Hence, it is proposed
to construct a mega ice and freezing plant centred at
Sakthikulangara in Kollam. This scheme involves facilities such as
modern ice plant and cold storage which requires `30 crore. As
and when the scheme attains full capacity, it will provide direct
employment to 150-200 persons and indirect employment to 500
persons. This project is intended to be implemented with 90%
financial assistance from National Fishermen Development Board
(NFBD). I allocate ` 3 crore for the same.
72. Fish Processing Centres: The present practice of fish marketing is
to carry fish catch by fishermen to cities either by head load or in
small vehicles. If fish can be brought to the cities in a ready-tocook
form, the fish workers and their families will be able to earn
31
more income through value addition. Considering this, fish
processing centres will be established in all coastal districts under
the auspices of the Coastal Area Development Corporation. The
fish thus processed and added value can be made available for retail
sales or can be sold through fish markets. In order to establish 10
such fish processing centres, ` 10 crore is earmarked.
73. Fish Malls and Modern Fish Markets: In order to market fish
and fish products on most modern lines, one fish mall each will be
established in the Metro cities of Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and
Kozhikode through Kerala State Coastal Development Corporation
(KSCDC). Such air conditioned fish malls will have marketing
outlets for various types of ornamental fish, dried fish, fresh fish,
value added fish products, pisciculture related equipments, fish
feeds and most modern electronic equipments for fishing besides
tasty fish product eateries. Towards this, ` 10 crore is earmarked.
As part of promoting a culture of modern fish marketing, steps are
progressing to establish 50 modern fish markets. This involves a
cost of ` 100 crore and is being implemented in the current
financial year with assistance from National Fish Development
Board. Kerala State Coastal Development Corporation will
establish 50 more modern fish markets with financial assistance
from National Fish Development Board. The expected cost of this
project is around ` 100 crore.
74. Costal Shipping Transport Scheme: In order to reduce the
congestion on Kerala roads and reduce environmental pollution by
increasing energy efficiency, coastal shipping transport scheme will
be implemented. It is proposed to develop five small ports so as to
32
enable them to handle more freight movement through water. In
order to encourage coastal ship transport, incentive will be given
for freight transport and passenger traffic. Initially, it will be started
by developing the ports of Vizhinjam, Kollam, Kodungalloor,
Beypur and Azheekkal. Loan will be made available for making
small ships for coastal ship transportation. In addition, tariff
concession will be given for one year for the freight traffic through
the ports of the State. ` 15 crore is allotted for the scheme.
75. Increased benefits to Journalists: The pension currently being
given to journalists will be increased to ` 7000 from ` 4500.
The pension for non-journalists will increase from ` 2500 to
` 4000.
The housing subsidy for journalists will be increased to ` 100,000
from ` 50000. An amount of ` 50 lakh is earmarked for this.
76. Increased benefits to Other Sections: The honorarium currently
being given to ASHA workers in the Health Department will be
increased to ` 700 from ` 600.
The cooking staff will get an additional wage of ` 50 over and
above the current rates.
The State component of the honorarium given to Anganwadi
workers and helpers will be increased to ` 1400 from ` 1000.
The honoraria given to psycho social counsellors in schools,
counselling adolescent school children will be enhanced to ` 7500
from ` 6500. The marriage assistance given to the inmates of
33
women welfare institutions will be increased to ` 50,000 from `
10,000
77. Coir Export Processing Park: Kerala accounts for 60% of the coir
& natural fibre production in the world. This golden fibre of God’s
own country provides ` 1000 crore worth export earnings and
double that amount through domestic sales turnover. In order to
exploit the potential of this sector and increase the income of
workers, a coir export processing park will be established in
Alappuzha. Towards this ` 5 crore is set apart.
78. In order to develop a global brand for the cashew produced in
Kerala and thereby strengthen the cashew industry, ` 2 crore is set
apart for Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation and
CAPEX.
79. For the revival of handloom industry, ` 20 crore is allocated to the
centrally assisted scheme. The modernisation will be implemented
after undertaking a detailed study on marketing of handloom
products for the benefit of the worker ` 50 lakh is allocated for this
purpose.
80. Plastic tarring: It is proposed to encourage tarring of roads using
plastic for improving the environmental cleanliness of the State and
make it plastic menace free. Accordingly, if any Panchayat or
Residents’ Association collects and supplies required quantum of
plastic for road tarring, Government will give a subsidy not
exceeding ` 5 lakh. Necessary changes will be made in the PWD
manual to permit the use of plastic and rubber in appropriate
specified proportion in road surfacing.
34
81. Plastic collection under the auspices of women groups:
Government proposes to formulate a scheme of collection and
processing of plastic under the auspices of women self-help groups
such as Kudumbashree, Janashree and Grihashree etc. Government
will give interest free loan up to ` 25 lakh through local bodies to
these groups for starting small scale industries for plastic collection
and recycling or producing granules for road surfacing. The
required land should be made available by the Panchayat.
82. International and Inter University Centres: Nano technology is
an area which has attained revolutionary achievements after the
information technology. Nano science offers new hopes in health
industry, environmental protection, availability of fresh water and
sanitation. In order to give global leadership in Nano science, it is
proposed to form an International and Inter University Centre for
Nano Science and Nano materials in Mahatma Gandhi University
by networking with various universities in Kerala, India and abroad
and prominent industrial enterprises. Similar world class centres
will be established in Cochin University on intellectual property
rights studies, in Kannur University on biology, in Kozhikode
University on financial economics and financial engineering and in
Kerala University on natural resource management. ` 10 crore is
set apart for this purpose.
83. Three Lakh houses in three years: Government targets to
construct or repair three lakh houses in three years by combining
various housing schemes for homeless poor. When this
Government came to power, Housing Board had HUDCO loan
arrears of ` 750 crore. Loan amounting to ` 534 crore including
35
interest was paid by the Government making it eligible for HUDCO
refinancing. Under these circumstances, the aforementioned
housing scheme will be implemented by selecting Housing Board
as nodal agency. Special emphasis will be given on the house
construction of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. This scheme
will be extensively implemented by combining various schemes
like Indira Avas Yojana, Rajiv Avas Yojana, Saphalyam and the
Janani scheme for workers under the auspices of the Labour
department. For each house under general category, ` 2 lakh and
for SC/ST/Fishermen, ` 2.5 lakh will be given. The funds for this
scheme less Central subsidy will be found through State subsidy
and HUDCO loan.
84. Grihasree Bhavana Padhathi: For those houseless belonging to
EWS/LIG having 2 or 3 cents of own land, a new housing scheme
titled Grihasree will be implemented with the co-operation of
voluntary agency/NGO. Government subsidy of ` 1.8 lakh and the
sponsor as well as the beneficiary will provide ` 1.1 lakh each for
building houses costing ` 4 lakh each. An allocation of ` 90 crore
is made for construction of 5000 houses.
85. Excellence Awards: Though Kerala is ahead of other States in
education, we are yet to achieve excellence in standard of
education. To incentivise and recognise merit, excellence awards
are announced at various levels. Accordingly, the best government
and private LP Schools will be given ` 5 lakh each as excellence
award. The corresponding figures for UP Schools, high schools,
plus two schools and arts and Science College will be ` 7.5 lakh, 10
lakh, 15 lakh and 25 lakh. Awards will be given on the basis of the
36
recommendation of the Education Department. This amount can be
utilized for any of the development activities of the institution
under the supervision of Parent Teacher Association or College
Development Council.
86. Increase in Honorarium for Peoples Representatives of Local
Self Governments: The members of Gram-Block-District
Panchayat as well as Municipalities and Corporations will be given
increase in honorarium of ` 1000 each.
87. Expatriate Welfare Scheme: According to the available figures,
there are around 25 lakh Malayalees in Gulf countries itself.
Government gives top priority to the welfare of expatriate
Malayalees who play a significant role in stabilising our economy.
Government will formulate an entrepreneurship scheme for
Keralities who are forced to return on account of the policy of
foreign countries to provide employment to locals. For this
purpose, KSFE will formulate a deposit fund. The NRIs can make
their contribution to the fund while working in foreign countries.
The NRIs who take membership in this deposit scheme will be
given additional loan equivalent to the sum of their deposits when
they return. An interest subsidy of 3% will be sanctioned on this
loan. KSFE, the nodal agency will provide to them necessary
techno-management assistance through various government
departments and institutions to build suitable self-employment
ventures. For this purpose ` 2 crore is set apart.
88. Permanent bridge to Alwaye Manappuram: Instead of
constructing temporary bridge every year to the sand bed in Alwaye
37
in connection with Sivarathri, it is proposed to construct a
permanent iron bridge. This year, ` 5 crore is earmarked for this
scheme with an estimated cost of ` 14.5 crore.
89. Vivekananda Study Centre: This is the 150th birth centenary year
of Swamy Vivekananda, who proclaimed religious tolerance and
religious amity. Comparative studies on religion are an important
and relevant topic today. In view of this, the Vivekananda chair in
Mahatma Gandhi University will be elevated to the Vivekananda
Study Centre.
Various Departments’ Schemes
Agriculture
90. Under the Agriculture sector, Government mainly propose to
implement schemes aiming at integrated food grain production,
coconut development, strengthening and extension of Agriculture
and Animal husbandry activities, special cattle breeding
programme, inland fish farming etc. An amount of
` 1494.74 crore is set apart for this sector with an increase of 16%
over the previous year.
91. Technology centre for vegetables, flowers and fruits: The state
has a large scope for expanding cultivation of vegetables, flowers
and fruits. Several innovative techniques are now available to
increase the productivity of these crops. Government intends to
establish a Technology Centre with the assistance of Netherlands
Government for making use of these technologies in the state. This
Centre will facilitate acquisition of modern technologies available
38
in the areas of cultivation of fruits, vegetables and flowers and its
transfer to the farmer community. An amount of ` 50 lakh is set
apart for the establishment of this centre.
92. ‘Niravu Scheme’: This scheme, aiming at comprehensive
development of agriculture in the State is now being successfully
implemented in 12 Assembly Constituencies. This scheme will be
extended to 30 more constituencies during 2013-14.
93. Horticulture Development: An amount of ` 62.25 crore is
earmarked for Horticulture development. Aiming at excellence in
productivity of vegetables, financial assistance will be provided to
the farmers for setting up 1000 greenhouses during 2013-14 under
the Greenhouse scheme introduced through my last budget. Also,
steps will be taken for procurement and auction of vegetables and
other produces of farmers and farmer groups through the block
level procurement centres of Horticorp.
94. High Tech Farming: High Tech Farming started during 2012-13 is
being successfully implemented in the State. This programme
currently being implemented in Grama Panchayats will be extended
to Municipality and Corporation areas also during 2013-14. An
amount of ` 12 crore is set apart for this purpose.
95. Coconut Development and procurement: Government have
already initiated steps to establish coconut bio-parks integrating
schemes for the value addition and diversification of coconut. The
scheme for replanting coconut will be implemented throughout the
State with financial assistance from the Coconut Development
Board. Realising the fact that copra procurement under the support
39
price scheme of the central government has not achieved the
desired result, Agriculture Department have taken steps to procure
raw coconut through the selected Krishi bhavans. With this,
farmers could sell coconut through their respective Krishi bhavans
and receive its fair price. Steps will be taken to extend this scheme
to more Krishi bhavans during 2013-14. ` 50 crore is earmarked for
coconut development in 2013-14. In addition to this, I earmark an
additional amount of ` 25 crore for these activities.
96. Paddy Development: The rice cultivation became unattractive due
to shortage of agricultural labourers and increase in cost of
production. Government has taken steps to set up Rice Bio-parks
aiming at value addition of paddy as per the announcement in the
last year’s budget. A provision of ` 50 crore is made in this budget
for completing various paddy development programmes including
the above one during 2013-14.
Soil & Water Conservation
97. Ecological Restoration through soil and water conservations
under Kuttanad package: Aiming at the ecological restoration of
Kuttanad, Upper Kuttanad and Onattukara regions of
Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Alappuzha districts will be taken up
under the Kuttanad package implemented with 13th Finance
Commission grant. Under the scheme, renovation of 240 ponds and
1000 wells, rainwater reservoirs, cuscus planting, distribution of
fruit bearing plants and medicinal plants etc. will be undertaken.
98. Soil Museum: A soil museum will be established at Parottukonam,
Thiruvananthapuram to exhibit different varieties of soil from all
40
parts of the State. The museum will provide comprehensive
information on all varieties of soil, illustrating their specialties and
limitations for the benefit of farmers, students, researchers and
administrators.
99. Kuttanad Heritage Programme is being implemented as part of
Kuttanad Development Package. I earmark an amount of ` 5 crore
for this programme to encourage Kuttanad agricultural system.
100. An allocation of ` 25 lakh is made for upgrading Vellanikara
Agricultural Bio-Technology into a Centre of Excellence. An
amount of ` 25 lakh is set apart for IP Protection Centre, ` 125
lakh for establishment of horticulture research centre and ` 50 lakh
for Cocoa research at the Vellanikara campus of the Agricultural
University.
101. An amount of ` 75 lakh is set apart for the large scale production
of hybrid coconut plants, ` 75 lakh for the development of
Kuttanad special environment region and ` 25 lakh for the
establishment of the Rice Breeding cum Seed Production Centre at
the Agriculture College at Padannakkad.
102. I set apart an amount of ` 1 crore for establishing a Central
Technology Museum in the Kerala Agricultural University and an
amount of ` 10 crore for constructing an Agricultural complex in
Thrissur District with participation of the departments of Animal
Husbandry, Diary Development, and Fisheries and with central
assistance.
41
Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development
103. Registration of Famers: A scheme for registration of farmers will
be launched for collecting the details of their dwelling areas, birds
and animals reared by them etc., so as to enable Government to
extend required service to the eligible farmers.
104. High Tech Fodder Unit: A Solar power-based High Tech Fodder
Unit, capable of producing 1000 Kg fodder daily, will be set up in
the district cattle farm at Kudappanakunnu. This will also be used
as display unit for farmers.
105. Meat processing plant: A most modern meat processing unit at
will be set up Chalakkudy under the Meat Products of India with an
investment of ` 35 crore. In addition to this, a modern chicken
processing unit will also be set up at a cost of ` 1 crore.
106. Genomic Laboratory: A most modern genomic laboratory capable
of developing sophisticated technology for early detection of good
heifers will be set up under KLD Board at a cost of ` 11 crore.
With the establishment of this, Kerala will become the first Indian
State capable of using Genomic selection for breeding bulls, like
developed countries. This laboratory will also play a crucial role in
the development of indigenous genus of Malabari goats.
107. Hay block factory under Kuttanad package: A Hay bloc factory
with 50 MT production capacity will be established under Kuttanad
package, similar to the one started at Palakkad. This project will be
implemented by Kerala Feeds Limited with an investment of ` 4.5
crore.
42
108. During 12th plan period, a five-year programme for dairy
development will be implemented to achieve self sufficiency in
milk production. In the last budget, the rate of subsidy for cattle
feed per litre of milk was increased from 40 paise to 80 paise and
the benefit extended for the whole year. This year the rate cattle
feed subsidy will be enhanced to ` 1 per litre. An amount of ` 15
crore is set apart for this purpose.
Development of Fisheries Sector and Welfare of Fishermen
109. Fishing is the means of livelihood for 11 lakh people in the State.
An amount of ` 157.8 crore is set apart for this sector. Of this, `
50 crore will be utilized for the comprehensive development of
fishing villages.
110. During 12th five year plan period, 250 model fish farms will be set
up, to impart practical training on fish farming to new farmers and
to increase the availability of inland fish. Each beneficiary will get
financial assistance up to ` 1 lakh under this scheme. A unit
comprises of fish pond of 25 cents, costing net, gathering net, drag
net, 2 HP pump set, plastic pool etc. Fish seedlings, fish food etc
required for fish farming will be provided by Fisheries department
free of cost. An amount of ` 50 lakh is provided for
implementation of this programme.
111. An amount of ` 1 crore is provided for developing Adimalathura,
Thiruvananthapuram as a Model Fishing Village.
112. The construction of fishing harbours at Arthunkal, Vellayil and
Thanur with central assistance will be started this year. A new
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fishing harbour will be constructed at Parappanangadi at a cost of `
65 crore.
Forest and Wild Life
113. There is an unprecedented increase in the number of wild life
attacks in forest areas, especially in those adjacent to wild life
protected areas. It is proposed to set up two Elephant Squads at
Wayanad where more such problems are reported. Long time
protection measures such as digging of trenches, construction of
protection walls, electric fences and check dams will also be
undertaken. This scheme will be extended to protect farmers in
other districts also where the threat of wild life attacks are likely to
occur. A total amount of ` 10 crore is set apart for these activities.
114. Domestic and foreign tourists are keen to enjoy the charming
wilderness of our forests. An amount of ` 6.05 crore is provided
for the completion of the ongoing tourism projects of Forest
Department and also for starting new projects.
115. An amount of ` 1 crore is earmarked for the comprehensive ecofriendly
tourism project to be established at Adavi region on the
bank of Kallar River as a part of eco-tourism project at Elephant
Care Centre, Konni, Pathanamthitta.
Cinema
116. An amount of ` 5 crore is earmarked for the modernisation of 5
cinema theatres under the Kerala Film Development Corporation
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and an amount of ` 2.5 crore is set apart for the establishment of a
film archives at Munnar.
Rural Development
117. An amount of ` 810 crore is earmarked for this sector in the budget
which includes assistance to Kudumbasree, Suchithwa Mission and
KILA.
118. The slow pace in utilizing the MLA/MP development funds is a
matter of serious concern to Government. The shortage of staff is
pointed out as the reason for this. Action will be taken to start
engineering wings at Block level under the Local Self Government
Department.
119. The works under PMGSY were at standstill when the present
Government came to power. The works are now restarted as this
Government decided to take over the excess liability including the
tender excess. An amount of ` 51.87 crore has been earmarked for
this purpose.
Revenue and Legal Metrology
120. Government proposes to implement a scheme whereby no family in
Kerala will be left landless by 2015. An amount of ` 3 crore is set
apart during 2013-2014 for implementation of the scheme by
purchasing land in districts where no surplus Government land is
available.
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121. The Revenue offices in the State will be converted into smart
offices, capable of delivering service from anywhere at any time.
Smart offices built on the fundamentals of speed, transparency and
responsibility will be established in a phased manner. An amount
of ` 1.4 crore is set apart for the modernization of one village
office each in every district.
122. An amount of ` 2 crore is set apart for the construction of a mini
civil station at Perumkulam near Kattakada for housing different
Government offices in the area.
123. The survey training school at Peroorkada in Thiruvananthapuram
will be modernised to impart training to the department personnel
in survey using modern equipments. An amount of ` 1 crore is set
apart for this purpose.
124. The video conferencing and electronic net working facilities will be
provided in Taluk offices and Revenue Divisional Offices as part of
their modernization.
125. The Institute of Land and Disasters Management under Revenue
Department which imparts training on disaster management will be
upgraded as a Centre of Excellence at national level. An
expenditure of ` 5 crore is anticipated on this account.
Local Self Government
126. The policy of ensuring availability of more funds at grass root level
to strengthen Grama Panchayats will be continued incessantly.
This will ensure development based on local priorities and effective
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public service delivery at local level. An amount of ` 4,000 crore
out the total State annual plan outlay of ` 17,000 crore is set apart
for the Local Government institutions. This is 23.9% more than
that of the current year.
127. I am happy to announce that all financial transactions of Grama
Panchayats, including beneficiary payments under welfare schemes
will be made online with effect from 2013-14 through bank
accounts.
128. It is intended to improve the standard of rural slaughter houses,
keeping them clean and equipped with slaughter waste disposal
systems. An amount of ` 5.5 crore is earmarked for this purpose.
129. The joint initiatives of the Social Justice Department and
Kudumbashree, for the rehabilitation of the differently-abled so as
to enable them to remain in the mainstream of the society will be
continued.
130. With view to improve the quality of the services and standards of
various activities of the Panchayats, ISO certification will be sought
for 10 selected Grama Panchayats in each district as an initial step.
For this an amount of ` 50 lakh is set apart.
131. A new scheme for setting up of an Art village (Kalagramam) in one
Panchayat of each district will be launched. The objective of these
Art villages is to protect our art, culture and heritage and also to
retain them for the future generations. I set apart an amount of
`140 lakh for this purpose.
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132. The Kerala’s model of democratic decentralization with people’s
participation has got international acclaim. In this context an
International Meet on Local Governance will be conducted in
Kerala this year.
133. I set apart an amount of ` 1 crore for modernising the Kattakada
market in Poovachal Panchayat.
134. The Earattupettah Panchayat will be upgraded to the level of
Municipality.
Urban Development
135. The allocation for 2013-14 under Urban Development sector is
fixed at ` 1130.49 crore which is 16.7% more than that of the
previous year. Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme,
Integrated Local Area development projects in all districts, Rajeev
Awaz Yojana, KSUDP and urban waste disposal systems are the
major schemes coming under this sector.
136. As part of the initiative to encourage walking and cycling, an
amount of ` 10 lakh is earmarked for the construction of cycle
tracks, uninterrupted walk ways and cycle racks under PPP mode.
137. A detailed project reports will be prepared for priority schemes
such as improvement of existing roads, construction of ring roads
& link roads, formulation of parking policy, construction of parks
and parking places, shopping streets, improvement of markets and
greening of cities.
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138. I set apart ` 10 crore for the widening of the urban roads with less
than 6 metre width by acquiring land and to carry out the repair
works of the existing roads.
139. Considering the enormous increase in the number of vehicles,
traffic congestion and inadequate parking facilities, a provision of
`10 crore is made for the establishment of modern mechanised
parking systems in urban areas.
140. An amount of ` 50 lakh is set apart to develop Municipal Town
Junction of Cherthala.
141. Amount of `12.16 crore is earmarked for Ayyankali Urban
Employment Guarantee Scheme.
142. An amount of ` 33.55 crore is set apart for solid waste management
projects in urban areas and an amount of ` 12 crore is set apart for
the source level waste disposal scheme in Panchayats under
Suchitwa Mission.
143. Hoardings are being erected in an uncontrolled way in city centres,
creating inconvenience to the public and vehicle use` It is proposed
to erect 1500 modern hoarding boards which will in turn generate
income for urban local bodies. A loan scheme will be arranged for
implementation of this project.
144. The process of renewal the master plans of around 30 urban local
bodies in the state is almost completed. Renewal of master plans of
the remaining urban local bodies is in progress. For the completion
of these activities, an amount of ` 1.95 crore is earmarked.
49
145. An amount of ` 884 crore is earmarked for the completion of
various ongoing projects such as ADB assisted KSUDP, Jawaharlal
Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) in
Thiruvananthapuram and Cochin Corporations, Capital Region
Development Project (CRDP) and Urban Infrastructure
Development Scheme for Small & Medium Towns (UIDSSMT).
Co-operation
146. The relevance of the co-operative sector in the social and economic
development of the state has increased substantially. For equipping
the co-operative sector to take up more welfare schemes for the
people, the allocation to the sector is enhanced by 21% and fixed as
` 75 crore.
147. An amount of ` 10 crore is set apart for establishing 20 new Farmer
Service Centres to provide agricultural services to the farmers and
an amount of ` 30 crore is earmarked for NCDC assisted projects.
An amount of ` 4.25 crore is earmarked for strengthening
agricultural marketing sector for providing assistance to primary
marketing societies which made profits continuously in the last
three years.
148. In the ensuing year, thrust will be given to the welfare of women
and disabled persons. Along with this, more Neethi and Nanma
Stores, Triveni Super Markets and Mobile Triveni outlets will be
started to the benefit of consume`
149. As part of the initiatives in the health care sector, new laboratories
will be started at Kayamkulam in Alappuzha and near Medical
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College, Thrissur as part of the ‘Susrooksha High tech laboratories’
scheme to be launched in all district head quarte`
150. There are around 60000 self help groups/joint liability groups in the
co-operative sector. The activities of these groups will be
strengthened and regional trade fairs will be organized for
marketing their products.
151. The SC/ST Co-operatives under Co-operative sector will be
rejuvenated with assistance of SC/ST department. Government
approved courses will be started in selected SC/ST Co-operatives to
impart employment training to the youth belonging to these
categories.
152. To strengthen all co-operative societies including primary
agriculture credit societies, a scheme by name “Dhara” will be
implemented. In the first phase, this scheme will be implemented
at Nedumangad, Adoor, Thiruvalla, Sasthamcotta, Peerumedu,
Kuttanad, Meenachil, Kothamangalam, Thalappilli, Chavakkad,
Manjeri, Chittoor, Vadakara, Mananthavadi, Thaliparambu and
Hosdurg Taluks during this year.
153. Construction of a head quarters building for the Co-operative
department at Thiruvananthapuram will be taken up to bring the
office of Registrar of Co-operative Societies, offices of various
Boards under the department and other state level offices under one
roof.
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154. A scheme will be introduced for providing loan and subsidy for
solar power installations through co-operative institutions.
155. The rice mills under co-operative sector with warehouse facilities
will be permitted to collect paddy directly from the farmers against
cash payment.
156. Post Graduate Courses will be started in the Engineering Colleges
under CAPE at Thrikkarippoor, Vadakara, Thalasseri and
Kidangoor in Electronics & Communication, Computer Science,
Electrical & Electronics and Mechanical Engineering.
Pollution Control
157. Steps for rejuvenating the Parvathy Puthanar, which is completely
polluted with the liquid waste of the capital city and is serious
threat to public health, will be initiated.
158. The bio-medical waste from the hospitals is creating serious
environmental problems. Public bio-medical waste treatment
centers will be started in selected places with private participation
and by availing the subsidy available under Central Government
schemes.
Water Resources
159. In view of the prevailing acute drought situation and climatic
changes in the state, various schemes will be implemented to
preserve the available water sources to be utilized for drinking
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water supply and for agriculture and allied purposes. For such
activities, a total amount of ` 505.14 crore is earmarked. The river
water flowing to sea will be stored at various places by constructing
check dams. The check dams and regulators will be constructed in
all river basins based on detailed studies to be conducted. A mega
project costing ` 400 crore will be implemented for constructing
such 700 check dams in the state in a phased manner.
160. Projects for utilising the 30 TMC water from Kabani, Bhavani and
Pambar basins under the Kaveri Tribunal Award will be expedited.
The construction of first such dam in Pambar basin at Pattisseri will
be started soon. An amount of ` 25.15 crore is earmarked for this
purpose. Similarly, steps will be taken for constructing a dam at
Attappady for utilising the water available in Bhavani basin also.
Efforts for constructing dams in Kabani basin will also be
continued.
161. The court case relating to Mullaperiyar water sharing is in its final
stage. Government expects the clearance of court to construct a
new dam. For this, an amount of ` 50 crore is earmarked.
162. Steps for commissioning of the Moovattupuzha Valley Irrigation
Project and the Edamalayar Project during this year will be taken.
For this, a provision of ` 25 crore is earmarked. Besides, work of
Meenachil River Valley Irrigation Project will be started this year,
for which an amount of ` 50 crore is earmarked.
53
163. Malankara Irrigation Tourism Project will be implemented near
Malankara Reservoir, Thodupuzha for which ` 50 lakh is
earmarked towards preliminary activities.
164. Steps for enriching the water resources will also be taken along
with usage of water for drinking and agricultural purposes. Studies
will be conducted in areas having scarcity of ground water. First of
such studies has already started in Chittoor block. To modernise
the Ground Water Department and to provide improved services,
new Riggs and Scientific study equipments will be procured. For
this an amount of ` 8 crore has been set apart. The scheme of
renovating one pond each in every Panchayat will be continued to
counter the drought situation.
Water Supply
165. This Government could make remarkable achievements in the area
of drinking water supply. JICA aided Cherthala project has already
been commissioned. The water supply schemes of
Thiruvananthapuram, Kannur, Meenad and Kozhikode will be
completed this year. Efforts will be taken to complete all the 64
major water supply schemes which are under implementation under
NRDWP, SPAN and NABARD programmes during this year itself.
During this year, funds to the extent of ` 422.66 crore were
released to Kerala Water Authority till January 2013. An amount
of ` 849 crore is earmarked as next year’s Plan allocation.
54
166. A water supply schemes utilising the water from at least two
alternate river sources will be prepared for the five Municipal
Corporations in the State. The water supply systems will be
improved by using water from Periyar and Moovattupuzhayaar in
Ernakulam, Karuvannur and Peechi in Thrissur, Chaliyar and
Kuttiadi in Kozhikode, Sasthamkotta Lake, Kallada and Ithikkara
rivers in Kollam and Karamana and Vamarapuram rivers and
Vellayani Lake in Thiruvananthapuram.
167. A total of 200 MLD drinking water will be made available for
supply in Ernakulam in view the ongoing developmental schemes
including smart city, by implementing the JICA assisted water
supply scheme costing ` 1000 crore. Likewise, 50 MLD drinking
water will be made available for supply in Thrissur, for which the
state share will be ` 25 crore. Apart from completing the ongoing
water supply schemes, steps will also be taken to find a permanent
solution to the severe water scarcity problem of Vypin by
simultaneously implementing the rain water harvesting scheme
also.
168. I set apart an amount of ` 2 crore for a comprehensive water supply
scheme to resolve the drinking water scarcity in Kalliyoor,
Venganoor, Vizhinjam and Kovalam areas.
169. The main supply pipes in most of the existing water supply scheme
are more than 30 years old. A project will be implemented with
loan assistance for replacement of old and damaged pipes including
those in Thiruvananthapuram on a priority basis in a phased
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manner. For this an amount of ` 90 crore is earmarked as state’s
share.
Power
170. A provision of ` 46.58 crore is earmarked under energy sector to
implement power projects and to carry out dam safety and electric
transmission-distribution works during this year.
171. An amount of ` 5 lakh each is set apart for preliminary activities of
hydroelectric projects at Bhoothathankettu, Chathankotta, Kallar,
Arippara, Valamthode, Maripuzha, Thoniyar and Thommankuthu.
172. An amount of ` 8 crore is earmarked to establish solar power plants
in the vacant land available at sites of existing substations and
power houses during 12th plan period to generate 60 MW
electricity.
173. The 1026 MW gas based power project at Brahmapuram, the 1200
MW KSEB – Petronet joint venture project at Puthuvaippin, the
1200 MW KSEB-KSIDC joint venture project at Cheemeni are the
major power projects now under consideration. It is proposed to
produce additional 1050 MW power by converting Naphtha units at
NTPC, Kayamkulam to natural gas units. A power project will be
established at Kochi using Petcoke from BPCL to generate 550MW
power.
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174. Various technology-based systems such as smart grid, prepaid
meter, automated metering will be started in 2013-14. An
innovation unit will be set up under KSEB with support from the
Innovation Fund.
175. The careless disposal of used CF lamps leads to serious
environmental pollution. An amount of ` 15 lakh is earmarked for
the establishment of plants for the safe recycling of CFLs.
176. The ongoing 14 hydro electric projects with production capacity of
179.85 MW power are expected to be completed in 2013-14.
Besides, it is proposed to start new projects with 111.2 MW
capacity.
177. KSEB is giving paramount importance to strengthening its
transmission network. To achieve this, two 220 KV substations, ten
110 KV substations, two 66 KV substations and seven 33 KV
substations will be installed during 2013-14.
178. A wind farm with 200 MW capacity will be set up in the state with
the support of NTPC. Besides, a 22 MW wind farm will be set up
at Kanchikode.
179. Projects worth ` 800 crore which include R-APDRP and RGGVY
will be implemented to strengthen the distribution network and to
reduce the consolidated technical –commercial loss. It is also
proposed to provide 4.68 lakh new service connections during this
period.
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180. An amount of ` 1 crore is earmarked for setting up of energy parks
which will impart training on assembling and repairing of energy
conservation equipments and generate awareness on renewable
energy sources and energy conservation.
Industry
181. Industrial development is highly essential for creating job
opportunities and bringing in economic development. A provision
of ` 579.36 crore is provided in the budget towards industrial
parks, investment promotion activities and incentives to
entrepreneurs.
182. The response to the investment meet ‘Emerging Kerala’ held
during September, 2012 was quite encouraging. The state is having
tremendous growth potential in different sectors. It is proposed to
conduct a detailed review on the growth potentials of the state
through a professional agency or academic institution of
international standard.
183. The Government intends to give special consideration to electronic
manufacturing industry. For attracting investors and technology
towards this end through a mission mode project, an amount of `
20 crore is set apart. It is also proposed to set up an electronic
fabrication laboratory each at Techno Park, Thiruvananthapuram
and in the Start up Village, Kochi.
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184. An amount of ` 15 crore is earmarked for improving the water
supply and road infrastructure in the Smart City, Info Park and
Export Promotion Industrial Parks.
185. It is proposed to set up a Textile Industrial Park of international
standard at Kanjikode, Palakkad, Industrial Park at Ottappalam,
Business Park at Kollam and Small Scale Industrial Park at Uduma
under KINFRA. An International Convention Centre will be set up
at Ernakulam in association with ITPO. A Telecom Incubator will
be set up at Hi-tech Park, Kalamasseri. A ‘Nano Technology
Centre’ will be set up at KINFRA Bio-Technology Park at
Kalamassery with the support of CUSAT and Amritha Centre for
Nano Sciences. An amount of ` 86.68 crore is earmarked to
KINFRA for the development of various parks.
186. With the objective of strengthening and protection of traditional
industries sector, provisions of ` 71.5 crore for the cashew sector, `
111.37 crore for the Coir sector and ` 76.76 crore for the
Handloom sector are made. Besides, an amount of ` 3 crore is
additionally set apart for Handicraft Development Corporation,
Kerala Artisans Development Corporation, SURABHI, KELPALM
and Kerala State Bamboo Corporation over and above ` 3 crore
provided in the budget.
187. Under the auspices of Coir Development Department, a permanent
exhibition Center of international standard will be set up in the
model of CIAL. An amount of ` 1 crore is set apart for starting
this venture.
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188. A Coir Incubation Cell for helping new business enterprises which
makes innovative products and an Innovation Fund for developing
new technologies and products by making use of innovative ideas
in the Coir sector will be constituted. An amount of ` 20 lakh is
set apart for this project.
189. The handloom sector will be strengthened with product
diversification, introduction of new designs and skill development
of handloom workers.
190. At present, Textile industry sector is in a crisis. An amount of ` 3
crore is additionally earmarked for the comprehensive
modernization of this sector. Besides, an amount of ` 3 crore is
earmarked for the renovation of Priyadarsini Co-Operative
Spinning Mill, Kottayam and ` 1 crore is set apart for the
renovation of the Integrated Power loom Industrial Co-operative
Society, Amayannur.
191. NIMZ (National Investment and Manufacturing Zone) will be set
up in Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram and Palakkad districts for
accelerating large scale construction activities in Kerala as part of
National Manufacturing Policy.
192. Steps will be taken to establish a Petroleum, Chemical and Petrochemical
Investment region at Kochi at a cost of ` 9000 crore in
line with the National Policy. An amount of ` 10 crore is
earmarked for its preliminary activities.
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193. The industrial development of Kerala demands strengthening of
micro and small enterprises through cluster development. The
Government will provide a subsidy up to an amount of ` 1 lakh per
unit for securing quality certification. Financial assistance of ` 2
lakh and ` 50,000 will be provided for the participation in
international trade fairs and national trade fairs respectively. Trade
fairs of Kerala products will be organized in different parts of the
State.
194. The Industrial Estates under the control of Industries and
Commerce Department and SIDCO will be modernized.
Considering the increased demand of Steel furniture, a Hi-tech steel
furniture production unit will be set up under SIDCO.
195. So as to enable the entrepreneurs in the State to tap the investment
opportunities in West Asia, South East Asia, Africa and Latin
America, an overseas Investment Promotion Wing will be
constituted under KSIDC. Besides, Integrated Business Hubs will
be set up in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode, Idukki and
Kannur. An amount of ` 5 crore is earmarked for this purpose.
196. Technology Incubation Centres of Kerala are among the best
performing models in the country. Taking a cue from this,
Business Incubation Centres will be established in Industrial IT
sectors protecting the interest of investo` An amount of ` 5 crore
is earmarked for this activity.
197. In order to rejuvenate Public Sector Undertakings, efficient
professional management systems will be put in place. The
Governing Board of Public Sector Undertakings will be
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reconstituted with inclusion of the experts in the sector. The
efficiency of the Public Sector Undertakings will be enhanced with
the effective implementation of e-procurement; enterprise resource
planning etc. With a view to enhance the efficiency of the Public
Sector Undertakings, the practice of Government Departments
resorting to purchases from Public Sector Undertakings without
tender formalities will be eliminated in a phased manner. An
amount of ` 80 crore is earmarked for the rejuvenation of the
Public Sector Undertakings under the Industries Department. An
amount of ` 15 crore is additionally set apart for providing margin
money to enable companies to obtain institutional finance towards
working capital and for modernisation in their effort to enhance
efficiency and profit.
198. A provision of ` 1.5 crore is made towards financial assistance to
the Travancore Cements Ltd towards procurement of a High
Chrome Grinding Mill and allied activities.
199. The profitable/viable Public Sector Undertakings will be permitted
to set up solar energy units. Industrial Estates, Parks and Khadi
Production centres under the control of Khadi Board will also be
included under the coverage of this scheme. Besides, water
harvesting activities would also be taken up along with this. An
amount of ` 5 crore is set apart for these activities.
200. An SPV will be formed with participation of KSIDC and other
PSUs under the Industries Department, Local Government
Institutions and private entrepreneurs with technical expertise to
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meet the challenge on solid waste management. An amount of ` 2
crore is set apart for this purpose.
201. A Cancer Centre and Research Institute will be established at
Malappuram under INKEL as a part of its charitable activities. An
amount of ` 1 crore is set apart for this.
Khadi and Village Industries
202. An amount of ` 13.31 crore is set apart to the Khadi and Village
Industries Board to rejuvenate village industry units in the
traditional industries sector.
203. A Rural Industrial Park will established at Pappinisseri in Kannur
district on the land of Khadi Board, and a permanent exhibition
centre set up in Ernakulam for marketing Khadi and rural industrial
products.
204. An allocation of ` 1 crore will be made towards one time assistance
for providing special amenities for women Hajj pilgrims in the
existing Hajj House.
Information Technology
205. Improved infrastructure facilities will be provided at Technopark
and Infopark so as to transform Kerala as the most attractive IT
destination for investors An amount of ` 125 crore is earmarked to
Technopark, Infopark and Cyberpark for achieving this goal. New
building with 4 lakh sq. ft. area will be constructed at Cyberpark in
Kozhikode.
63
206. In order to transform our technically qualified youths as job
providers from the level of job seekers, Government have already
announced a student entrepreneurship programme. The objective
of this programme is to change the status of skilled youths to that of
entrepreneurs An ‘Innovation Zone’ will be set up at Kochi as part
of this initiative. An amount of ` 15 crore is set apart for this
project.
207. The e-district programme aimed to make available Government
services to common man through Akshaya Centres without visiting
Government offices will be implemented throughout the state. An
e-governance Centre at a cost of ` 10 crore with the assistance of
Government of India and an Investment Promotion Management
Cell at a cost of ` 5 crore will be set up during the year.
208. Kerala stands first in the enrollment of Aadhar/UID among Indian
states. It will be ensured that all Keralites will be brought under the
ambit of Aadhar/UID by September, 2013. The amount spent on
developmental and welfare activities of Government will be
disbursed to beneficiaries through their Aadhar enabled bank
accounts. With this, benefits will directly reach the beneficiaries
concerned through micro ATMs.
209. Master plan of Smart City is now completed and construction of
essential infrastructure facilities will start soon.
210. The Government will take a creative and proactive approach for
developing Integrated IT parks, Hi-tech parks and Knowledge
parks with private participation.
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211. The Indian Institute of Information Technology and Infopark will
be established at Valavoor as PPP project with participation of the
Union and State Governments and private entrepreneurs. An
amount of ` 65 crore is earmarked for this project.
212. An ICT Academy will be established at a cost of ` 14 crore with
central assistance and private participation. An amount of ` 2 crore
is earmarked for this project.
213. A modern building will be constructed at Thiruvananthapuram at a
cost of ` 16 crore for the Kerala State IT Mission.
Ports
214. A total provision of ` 78.69 crore is made for development of
ports. Apart from this, the amount that required for providing
infrastructure facilities to Vizhinjam International Port will be met
from the lump provision of ` 846.03 crore set apart for
infrastructure development.
215. An amount of ` 65 lakh is provided in the budget for preparing
master plan of ports and undertaking a model study on ports.
216. An amount of ` 6.75 crore is set apart for the development of
Kozhikode and Beypore ports during this financial year.
217. Maritime Education Institutions will be started at Neendakara and
Kodungallur for enhancing human resource potential in this area.
65
Public Works
218. The increase in road accidents is mainly attributed to the pathetic
conditions of the roads. Taking this into account, Government will
initiate measures aimed at reduction of road accidents through
action for road widening, construction of bus bays, foot over
bridges etc. An allocation of ` 855 crore is made in the budget for
the development of State Highways and District Roads including
these activities.
219. In order to avoid the traffic bottlenecks in major cities where
National Highway passes through, construction of bypass roads
will be expedited. The construction of Thiruvananthapuram
Bypass will start soon through the National Highway Authority.
The State Government will bear 50% of the construction cost of the
Kollam and Alappuzha bypasses, work of which remain
incomplete. An amount of ` 50 crore is provided for these
bypasses. Similarly, an amount of ` 5 crore each is set apart for
Kozhikode, Thalasseri-Mahe, Sulthanbathery, Chengannur and
Kozhencherry bypasses.
220. The projects envisaging construction of foot over bridges in crowed
roads, under passes for pedestrian crossing and foot over bridges
connecting bus stations and railway stations, parking places etc.
will be implemented on a priority basis. An amount of ` 15 crore
is provided for this project.
221. A project will be launched in association with the Local Self
Governments for the construction of bypasses. Accordingly,
projects for constructing bypasses will be taken up in places where
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free land is available. The construction of new roads will also be
taken up in a similar pattern.
222. A scheme will be launched to upgrade the main roads in the state
into BM & BC standard in a phased manner. As part of this,
Government have decided to upgrade 100 Kms of road to BM &
BC standard in the first stage. Government will ensure 5 years
performance guarantee on such roads.
223. The Road Infrastructure Company which was formed to implement
the State Road Improvement Project for up-gradation of selected
1204 Km of roads has started functioning. As the first phase of this
project, renovation of 551 Km of road which was included in the
rehabilitation package and which require no land acquisition will be
taken up this year. An allocation of ` 170 crore is made for this
project.
224. Phase II of the Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP) will start this
year itself. Against the expected out lay of ` 2005 crore, an amount
of ` 280 crore is earmarked for this year.
225. In addition to the above, improvement of around 1000 Km of
selected roads in the state will be undertaken on a long term
maintenance contract basis. Steps are being taken for availing
World Bank Assistance for this project which has an estimated
outlay of ` 1000 crore.
226. A scheme for developing the unutilized portion of the land left by
sides of PWD roads after geometric correction (Oxbow lands) will
be started with private participation for providing amenities to long
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distance travelers. An amount of ` 1 crore is set apart towards the
initial expenses of this project. An amount of ` 2 crore is provided
for the initial expenses on formation of two companies with private
participation – one for construction and maintenance of modern
Bus shelters and the other for construction and maintenance of
toilets.
227. An amount of ` 20 crore is provided for the formation of the
Kumarakom-Nedumbassery State Highway by developing the
existing roads at Kottayam, Vaikom, Kaduthuruthy, Kunnathunadu
and Perumbavoor.
228. The first and second phases of the work of the Seaport-Airport road
are in progress. An amount of ` 25 Crore is provided for this
project.
229. A coastal corridor will be developed from Vallarpadom container
terminal to Kozhikode via Ponnani on completion of Azhikode-
Munambam Bridge. The administrative Sanction was issued for
the first phase of the project for an amount of ` 117 crore.
230. The construction of Azhikode-Munmbam Bridge with an
approximate outlay of ` 150 crore will start soon. Steps will be
taken for the completion of the coastal road from Fort Kochi to
Alappuzha through Chellanam this year. An amount of ` 5 crore is
provided for this purpose.
231. An amount of ` 5 crore is earmarked to construct a bridge
connecting Mankompu with Alappuzha-Changanassery road.
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232. An amount of ` 2crore is earmarked to carry out preliminary
activities for the construction of Anakkampozhil-Kalladi-Meppadi
tunnel road as an alternate route to Wayanad district.
233. The ‘Pre-Fab Technology’- a modern technology in the
construction field, will put into experimental use in the selected
works of PWD.
234. A new office complex based on green building Technology will be
constructed near the PMG Junction at Thiruvananthapuram for
accommodating various offices under PWD.
235. A modern flat complex will be constructed for MLAs near the
existing hostel building. An amount of ` 10 crore is provided for
this.
236. Development of 5.5 Km road from HMT Junction to Manalimukku
as a concrete road has been taken up on an experimental basis. If
this is found successful, similar constructions will be taken up in
other places also.
237. The RBDCK will undertake the construction of 40 new railways
over bridges. An amount of ` 50 Crore is provided for this
purpose.
238. A new training Centre will be established at Neriyamangalam to
improve the professionalism among the Engineers in PWD. An
amount of ` 2 crore is provided for this purpose.
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239. The newly added 8750 Km major district roads under PWD will be
upgraded in a time bound manner. An amount of ` 50 crore is
provided for this project this year.
240. An amount of ` 5 crore is provided for the construction of a new
bridge parallel to the existing narrow bridge near Mamburam
Makham, a major pilgrim centre in Malabar.
Transport
241. The prevailing problems in the transport sector directly affect the
day to day life of public and also the goods movement in the state
and thereby slowing down the growth of the State. The increased
usage of inland water ways and costal shipping for freight
movement and improving railway and road transport facilities will
be the remedy to this problem. The inter model integration will be
strengthened for the smooth freight transportation and travel. The
water taxi service connecting Railway-Bus stations with nearby
places will be introduced at Thrissur, Alappuzha, Kottayam and
Chengannur. An amount of ` 5 crore is provided for this project.
242. The e-governance system will be strengthened to improve the
efficiency in transport sector. The e-payment system will be fully
implemented in Motor Vehicles Department during this year. It is
also proposed to construct two new driver testing tracks, to
purchase 12 radars and to start two computerized vehicle testing
cente`
243. Taking a serious view on the environmental pollution being created
by passenger boats, action is being taken to set up chemical toilets
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in all boats of State Water Transport Department. It is proposed to
use solar powered boats on experimental basis.
244. The increasing cost of diesel is a crisis for the KSRTC. An amount
of ` 260 crore has been released by Government to the KSRTC
during 2012-13. In order to reduce expenditure on the fuel cost,
KSRTC has to switch over to the usage of CNG as fuel in its buses.
More than 500 very old buses require replacement. As part of the
improvement of infrastructure, KSRTC will construct six
commercial complexes and also start a new bus depot at Anayara,
Thiruvananthapuram. Taking in to consideration the level of crisis
being faced by KSRTC, special assistance of ` 100 crore will be
provided in addition to ` 186 crore provided in the budget.
245. A road safety Audit has been conducted after the tanker lorry
mishap at Chala, Kannur. The road safety measures will be
strengthened based on the audit report.
Coastal Shipping and Inland Navigation
246. Out of the total provision of ` 117.18 crore made for the sector, an
amount of ` 21.67 crore is earmarked for the maintenance and up
keep of the currently navigable waterways, revival of TS Canal
including Kadinamkulam-Anjengo region, Varkala tunnel and
Kollam Thodu. An amount of ` 5 crore is earmarked for the
construction of 6 road bridges and 50 foot bridges across Vadakara-
Mahe Canal.
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247. Work of Kollam-Kottappuram Waterways will be completed this
year itself. The work of Kottappuram-Neeleswaram sector has
been started.
248. Kollam Thodu from Ashtamudi Lake to Paravur Lake will be
revived.
249. KSINC will start fast ferry service at Kochi. Besides, it will
�� modernize its luxury boats to attract more tourists and construct
jetties. An amount of ` 12 crore is provided for these activities.
Tourism
250. Considering the important role being played by the tourism sector
in the state’s economy, an allocation of ` 189.23 crore is made for
this sector. Kerala Sea Plane Project is one among the priority
projects announced by Government during its first anniversary. An
amount of ` 10 crore is provided for this project. The first phase of
Muziris Heritage Tourism Project has been completed. As part of
its second phase the ‘Spice Route Project’ will be taken up
technical support of UNESCO.
251. The Alappuzha Canal Renovation Project which started in 2004,
found a place in the World Tourist Map, will be completed soon.
The Alappuzha Mega Tourism Circuit will commence its activities
during this year. The Veli Tourism Centre will be upgraded to
international level under PPP mode by forming a SPV.
252. Government will undertake the first phase of the development
activities in international tourist centres of Kovalam, Kumarakom,
Thekkady and Fort Kochi based on the master plans to be prepared
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by approved national agencies. Master plans will be prepared for
the development of Ashtamudi Lake, Kalady-Malayattoor-
Athirappally Tourism Circuit, Nilambur, Kakkayam-
Peruvannamoozhy, and Kadappattoor-Bhanrananganam-
Ilaveezhapoonchira-Illikkakkallu-Vagamon Tourism circuits.
253. The scope of coastal tourism has not been utilized fully so far.
Government proposes to tap its full potential by starting luxury
cruising and backwater cruising in Varkala-Kottapuram sector.
254. The standards and security of beach tourism will be upgraded to
match international standards. As part of this, steps will be taken to
obtain ISO certification for beach tourism managements.
255. An amount of ` 1 crore is provided for establishing the Golden
Valley Tourism circuit covering Kallar, Golden Valley, Meenmutty
falls, Peppara and Ponmudi in Thiruvananthapuram District.
Science, Technology and Environment
256. The improvement of infrastructure facilities of Kerala State Council
for Science, Technology and Environment and the Regional Cancer
Centre, Thiruvananthapuram is the major activities proposed under
this sector. An allocation of ` 141.62 crore is made for this
purpose.
257. An amount of ` 5 crore is provided for the scientific conservation
of the Karamana river basin with participation of TRIDA, State
Bio-diversity Board and the Irrigation Department.
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258. An amount ` 1 crore is earmarked for the preparation of a project
report on establishment of a Science City.
259. In the context of the 125th birth anniversary of Sreenivasa
Ramanujan, the famous mathematician, an allocation of ` 10 crore
is set apart to the Sreenivasa Ramanujan Institute of Basic Sciences
at Kottayam, which aims to conduct advanced research in science
and technology.
260. An amount of ` 5 crore is earmarked for establishing a Centre-State
Technology Transfer Institute with central assistance to prepare and
implement a master plan on technology transfer.
261. The Urban Environment Improvement Project aimed to reduce
environmental impact due to �� urbanisation will be implemented in
the State during 12th five year plan in a phased manner.
262. An amount of ` 3 crore is set apart for the ecological protection of
Vembanad Lake with central assistance.
School and Higher Education
263. An amount of ` 581.14 crore is earmarked for this sector, higher
thrust being given for the infrastructure development and
improvement in academic standards and student centric activities.
264. An amount of ` 1 crore is set apart for arranging telecast of lectures
of experts to benefit students appearing for entrance examinations
for professional courses.
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265. An amount of ` 50 lakh is earmarked for establishment of a State
Assessment Accreditation Council (SAAC) aiming to improve the
standard of Higher Education in Kerala.
266. Government will encourage Arts & Science Colleges and
Engineering colleges, maintaining higher academic standards, to
obtain academic autonomy from UGC. An amount of ` 15 crore is
provided for the improvement of the basic physical infrastructure in
Government Colleges and also for setting up of modern
management systems. Improvement in management of these
institutions will be achieved in a professional manner by granting
them autonomous status.
267. An amount of ` 1 crore is earmarked for the setting up of a Special
Purpose Vehicle for establishment of an academic city in the state
based on the recommendation of the expert committee.
268. An amount of ` 1 crore is earmarked for establishing a Faculty
Training Centre under the aegis of Kerala State Higher Education
Council for imparting training to develop the innovative and
creative abilities among the newly recruited college teachers.
269. An amount of ` 1 crore is earmarked for establishment of Research
Park at Government Engineering College, Thiruvananthapuram in
the model of Techno Park which will give emphasis to research
activities.
270. An amount of ` 50 lakh is earmarked for starting training courses
on skill development in Automobile manufacture, Communication,
Agriculture and Information Technology in Polytechnics and
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Technical High Schools, under the National Vocational Education
Qualification Framework.
271. New courses will be started in collaboration with foreign
companies, under Public Private Partnership on subjects such as
Automation Technologies in Rajeev Gandhi Institute of
Technology; Printing Technology in Government Engineering
College, Thrissur and Automotive Mechatronics in the Barton Hill
Government Engineering College, Thiruvananthapuram. An
amount of ` 2.5 crore is set apart for this.
272. A new college will be started at Thanoor, where no higher
educational institutions now exist under Government/
aided/unaided sector. The resources from the area development
fund of MLAs, assistance from the UGC and Government funds
will be used for this purpose. Other similarly placed constituencies
will also be considered for starting of new colleges on the same
pattern.
273. A Science city in Kozha at Kottayam with the assistance of
Government of India and a Regional Centre for Science in
Parappanangadi will be established under the aegis of Kerala State
Science and Technology Museum in 2013-14. The work of the
Science city project for children at Kalamassery being established
with the co-operation of the Municipality will be started this year.
274. I provide `25 crore for establishing LBS Integrated Institute of
Science and Technology at Thirurangadi, ` 6 crore for the
construction of Architectural Block for the Rajeev Gandhi Institute
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of Technology and ` 3 Crore for the construction of Academic
Block in the College of Applied Science, Payyappadi under IHRD.
275. An amount of ` 10 lakh is provided to start an International school
for Sree Sankaracharya Studies in Sree Sankaracharya Sanskrit
University.
276. An amount of ` 30 lakh will be provided as grant-in-aid for starting
Ayyankali Centre for Research Studies at Thiruvananthapuram.
277. An amount of ` 26.6 crore is provided for the developmental
activities, modernization and improvement of academic level of
Government Schools and an amount of ` 56 crore provided for the
infrastructure development of Higher Secondary Schools.
278. A scheme for health and life skill education will be implemented in
schools to enable the children to effectively resist themselves from
the ill effects of use of pan products and drugs etc. and to improve
their mental and physical health.
279. Digital libraries will be established in the campuses of High
School/Higher Secondary Schools and Vocational Higher
Secondary Schools during 2013-14. This will be implemented as a
pilot project in two selected districts during 2013-14 for which an
amount of ` 5 crore is provided.
280. Tablet PCs will be provided to all High Schools/Higher Secondary
Schools and Vocational Higher Secondary School students in the
state in a phased manner. In the first phase, this will be
implemented in two selected districts during 2013-14 for which an
amount of ` 3 Crore is set apart.
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281. It is proposed to formulate a scheme to enhance the ability and
knowledge of the mentally challenged and to assess their abilities
through appropriate evaluation techniques. An amount of ` 10 lakh
is allocated to the State Resource Centre for implementation of the
programme.
282. It is proposed to upgrade SIEMAT, Kerala as an international
centre of excellence in educational planning, management and
administration. For this, an amount of ` 2.5 crore has been
provided in the budget.
283. An amount of ` 15 lakh is provided for starting Malayalam
libraries in cities like Delhi where large number of Malayalees
reside.
Art and Culture
284. The budget allocation for the Art and Culture Sector for 2013-14 is
` 70 crore. Projects for renovation of Baston Bungalow in Kochi,
Kollamkode Palace in Thrissur, and Sreepadam Palace in
Thiruvananthapuram and Pazhassiraja Museum in Wayanad are
progressing. An allocation of ` 7 core has been made for setting up
district level heritage museums in the remaining districts.
285. The Archives Department now has a collection of more than one
crore palm leaf manuscripts. This large and rare collection of palm
leaf records will be conserved scientifically. These records are
proposed to be to be included in the heritage list and arranged for
exhibition to public. An amount of ` 2 crore has been provided for
the activities of the Archives Department in 2013-14.
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286. For the various activities of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy,
` 2 crore is provided. Provisions of ` 1.7 crore for Lalithakala
Academy, ` 2 crore for Kerala Sahithya Academy, ` 1 crore for the
Folklore Academy and ` 10 lakh for Bharat Bhavan are also made
in this budget. An amount of ` 50 lakh is set apart for the revival of
dying art forms of Kerala.
287. The first Cartoon Museum in India will be set up in the name of
Cartoonist Sankar, at Kayamkulam, his birth place. The Lalithakala
Academy will be provided with an amount of ` 10 lakh for this
purpose.
288. An amount of ` 50 lakh is set apart for the establishment of Mural
city at Kottayam and Art village at Sreekandapuram in Kannur
district.
289. Malabar cultural Village will be set up at Kozhikode for the
preservation of cultural identity of Malabar. To meet the initial
expenditure of this initiative, an amount of ` 50 lakh is provided.
290. Financial assistance of ` 10 lakh is provided for the Narendra
Prasad Drama Research Centre at Mavelikkara and an amount of `
5 lakh is provided for the renovation of Achutha Marar Vaadyakala
Kendra at Kodungallur.
291. An amount of ` 10 lakh is set apart for the construction of building
for Valappad Kunhunni Mash Memmorial in Thrissur district. An
amount of ` 10 lakh is set apart for Sister Mary Beneenja’s
Memorial at Elanji. Allocations of ` 15 lakh for the construction of
building for O.V.Vijayan Memorial at Thasrak in Palakkad district,
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` 10 lakh for Vaikunda Swami Memorial at Neyyattinkara, ` 10
lakh for the Mahakavi Pulikottil Hyder Memorial at Wandoor, ` 10
lakh for Memorial of Bhagavatha Hamsam Malliyoor Sankaran
Nampoothiri at Kaduthuruthi, ` 10 lakh for the infrastructure
development of A.R. Raja Raja Varma Memorial and ` 5 lakh for
the birth centenary celebrations of S.K. Pottekkad are also being
made.
292. The annual grant given to Mahakavi Moyeenkutty Vaidyan
Mappila Kala Academy at Kondotty, Malappuram will be doubled.
293. An amount of ` 25 lakh will be provided to MRG Panicker
Foundation at Eranjal for establishing a cultural centre with
computer training facility to unemployed youth. This centre is
established as birth centenary memorial of former freedom fighter
Sri.MRG Panicker, who participated in Vaikkom Sathyagraham.
294. The service of Malayalam Mission, established with a view to
enable the non-resident Keralites and their children to understand
Malayalam language and its culture in depth will be extended to the
foreign countries like Bahrain, Japan, Ireland, Singapore, Dubai,
Malaysia etc.
295. Malayinkeezh Madhavakavi wrote his eminent Book, Bhasha
Bhagavat Gita, in 15th Century before the era of Ezhuthachan, the
father of Malayalam language. An amount of ` 10 lakh is provided
for establishing a Malayinkeezhu Madhavakavi Sanskrit Centre.
296. An amount of ` 25 lakh will be provided for the establishment of
Dr. Benchamin Baily Study Centre and Museum at CMS College in
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commemoration of Dr. Benchamin Baily, the father of Printing and
the author of first English-Malayalam Dictionary. An amount of `
15 lakh is earmarked for Pandit Karuppan Memorial at Kochi.
297. The‘Hajoor kachery’ at Thiroorangadi is a historically important
building established by the British. This building will be renovated
and preserved as a cultural heritage museum at Thiroorangadi, the
centre of the rebellion against the British, for which an amount of `
15 lakh is provided.
298. The Kadavallur Anyonyam, a competition on Veda Studies, held in
Kadavallur Temple in Thrissur district was given a grant of ` 2
lakh last year. Similar financial assistance will be provided this
year also.
299. A cultural complex and Picture Gallery will be set up at Munnar,
Idukki to facilitate exhibition of contemporary art works. The
cultural complex will include museum, children’s park, Knowledge
Park etc.
300. Government have already set up a Special Purpose Vehicle for the
development of Varkala. This year a modern museum will be
started at Varkala as a UNESCO Heritage Centre. An amount of `
1 crore is set apart for this.
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Museums and Zoos
301. A museum complex and an animal care centre are proposed to be
setup at the land available in Perinthalmanna constituency under
the Museums and Zoos Department.
302. A policy will be formulated to facilitate adoption of birds and
animals in Zoos by individuals, industrial institutions, public sector
undertaking, voluntary organizations etc.
Health and Family Welfare
303. An amount of ` 541 crore is provided in the budget for Health
sector, with emphasis on infrastructure development of Hospitals,
Immunization Programs and health education to accomplish the
objective ‘Health for all’.
304. At present only 35 Taluk Head Quarters Hospitals are having
causality facility. An amount of ` 5 crore is provided for
establishing casualty facility in the remaining 31 hospitals. A new
Government Nursing College will be started at Taluk Hospital,
Kanjirappally.
305. An Institute of Quality and Safety in Health will be established
with support of immigrant Malayalee Doctors to impart training for
staff in the Health Department and to set standards to be followed
for the safety, efficiency and quality of the department. An amount
of ` 10 lakh is set apart for this.
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306. An amount of ` 25 crore is set apart for establishing Trauma care
unit in Alappuzha Medical College, construction of Cardiology
block in Medical College, Thrissur and for establishing liver
transplantation unit and Cadaver Transplantation unit in
Thiruvananthapuram Medical College.
307. Government intends to provide generic drugs at free of cost to all
patients seeking treatment from all levels of health care institutions
ranging from Primary Health Centres to Medical College Hospitals.
The scheme has already been started in 5 Medical Colleges and
General Hospitals at Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and
Kozhikkode. This programme will be extended to the Taluk level
hospitals this year. The Medical Services Corporation is provided
with an allocation of ` 220 crore for its activities including the
above one.
308. Medical Cities will be set up in Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode
and Cochin by establishing networks of modern hospitals.
309. The improvement of infrastructure facilities in Government
Hospitals will be carried out at an estimated cost of ` 25 crore with
the assistance of Government of India. An amount of ` 4.5 crore is
provided for the renovation of Ayurveda Hospitals and ` 5.6 crore
is set apart for Homoeo Hospitals.
310. A Public Health Protection Agency will be set up for the first time
in India, with central assistance, aiming at control of epidemics and
improving quality of health protection. An amount of ` 10 crore is
provided for this purpose.
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311. The activities for starting new medical colleges announced last year
are now in progress. In tune with the new policy of the Central
Government to convert district level hospitals as Medical Colleges,
a new Medical College will be started at Thiruvananthapuram,
combining General Hospital and the Women and Children
Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram. This scheme will be implemented
in other District/General hospitals also in a phased manner,
depending on the availability of land. An amount of ` 6 crore is
provided for this purpose.
312. At present patients suffering from burn injuries are treated in
surgical wards along with other patients. A burn treatment unit will
be set up in the existing 5 Medical Colleges for special care and
treatment for such patients. An amount of ` 5 crore is provided for
this purpose.
313. An amount of ` 50 lakh is earmarked for constructing women
hostel building at Dental College, Thiruvananthapuram.
314. A scheme for quality testing of drugs will be launched with the
assistance of Government of India in the pharmaceutical colleges
under the Medical Colleges at Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha,
Kozhikode and Kottayam at an estimated cost of ` 4 crore.
315. Twenty five new Ayurveda dispensaries will be started in the state.
Besides, the Naturopathic Hospital at Varkala will be upgraded to a
100 bedded hospital. “Jeevani” Scheme will be implemented, in
Ayurveda General Hospital at Neyyattinkara, District Ayurveda
Hospital, Kottayam and in District Ayurveda Hospital Ernakulam
for special treatment of Type-2 Diabetes under the Indian system of
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medicine, for which ` 20 lakh is provided. It is proposed to start a
new scheme, “Drishti’, envisaging medical care to School children
with Myopia at Ramavarma District Ayurveda Hospital and
Government Ayurveda Hospital, Irinjalakkuda.
316. A law will be enacted to protect the intellectual property rights in
the traditional health care sector and for ensuring effective
execution of activities relating to documentation, registration,
publication, research and awareness on such traditional knowledge.
This legislation will enable marketing of products based on
traditional knowledge under Kerala Brand and this could be
brought under world heritage map of UNESCO. An amount of ` 1
crore is set apart for these activities to be taken up with the support
of Government of India.
Housing
317. Kerala State Housing Development Finance Corporation will
establish Shelter Fund (Abhaya Nidhi) and Technology Innovation
Fund under the Technical Cell for Housing.
318. Under the auspicious of Housing Board, a Finance City will be set
up at Kochi in the model of the Finance City of Bangaluru.
319. A city centre with convention facility will be established in the
land of Housing Board at Thodupuzha.
320. An amount of `1.4 crore is earmarked for setting up of a campus
for Lary Baker International School of Habitat Studies at
Vazhamuttom.
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Information & Public Relations
321. A State Information Hub will be set up at Thiruvananthapuram to
disseminate information on developmental and welfare activities of
Government as well as to enhance public awareness about these
activities. An amount of ` 2.6 crore is provided in this budget for
equipping the State Information Hub and digitizing�� District
Information offices and New Delhi Information Office.
322. The renovation and up gradation of Kerala pavilion at New Delhi
will be undertaken during this year. An amount of ` 50 lakh is
provided for this.
323. In the last budget, it was announced that a Media City will be
established at Kochi. An expert Committee has already been
appointed for this. An amount of ` 20 lakh is provided in this
budget for setting up the Media City.
324. An amount of `15 lakh is provided for renovation of Press Club,
Thrissur and another ` 15 lakh is earmarked for constructing a
Media Centre and News Museum at Press Club, Kottayam.
Labour and Rehabilitation
325. Industrial Tribunal will be started at Thiruvananthapuram,
Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Kannur.
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326. I believe that a housing scheme is essential for plantation worke` A
housing scheme for plantation workers by name “Bhavanam” will
be introduced using the central assistance and state share. For this
an amount of ` 10 crore is provided as state share.
327. A training course to improve labour skills will be started through
Kerala Academy for Skills Excellence under PPP mode with the
assistance of NCDC.
328. Kerala Institute for Labour and Employment will conduct different
Training programmes to labourers and trade union leaders to
improve labour relation in Kerala.
329. An amount of ` 3 crore is provided for improving standard of
women ITI at Chengannur, Kalamassery, Chalakkudy,
Malampuzha and Kannur.
Scheduled Caste Development
330. An amount of ` 839.5 crore is provided in the budget for
implementing housing schemes such as home to homeless, land to
landless, employment schemes and economic uplifting schemes for
SCs. An amount of ` 100 crore with central assistance is set apart
in this budget to buy land for 15000 SC families with an objective
of providing land for all landless SC families.
331. SC students acquiring diploma and degree in Technical Education
will be provided finishing school training to enhance their
employability.
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332. The ‘Self depended Village Programme’, designed for colonies
having a population of more than fifty SC families, will be
extended to 100 more colonies this year.
333. Assistance up to ` 50,000 will be given to SC youth to meet the
expenses for securing employment abroad.
334. Financial assistance will be given to self help groups formed by ten
or more people belong to SC community for starting self
employment enterprises based on project reports.
335. Financial assistance will be given to women self groups having
80% or more SC people as members for starting self employment
enterprises based on project proposals.
336. Financial assistance will be given to young SC entrepreneurs
having degree in IT sector for starting incubation ventures.
Scheduled Tribe Development
337. An amount of ` 272.3 crore is provided in this budget for
developing ST hamlets for helping comprehensive development of
STs and setting up of other economic development/employment
facilities. The infrastructure facilities such as drinking water,
electricity, solar lights, link roads, foot paths, inland roads,
sewerage treatments, bio-gas plant, income generating activities
and community centres in each SC hamlet will be developed in 20
hamlets by providing an amount of ` 1 crore for each hamlet.
338. Government gives paramount importance for the rehabilitation of
Tribal community. An extent of 8966 acres of land has been given
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to 6800 ST families through Adivasi Rehabilitation Mission so far.
I set apart ` 20 crore for various activities of the Mission.
339. An amount of ` 3 crore is provided for a scheme called
“Gothrasarathy” to arrange conveyance for tribal students who are
residing in interior forests with the assistance of PTAs and LSGIs.
340. In order to expand the research centre for traditional healers at
Vithura, Thiruvananthapuram and setting up new centres at
Attappady and Wayanad an amount of ` 50 lakh is provided.
341. A new Model Residential School at Aaralam in Kannur district and
a post metric hostel at Agali in Attappady will be established. An
amount of ` 4.2 crore is provided for its preliminary expenses.
342. The traditional healers in Scheduled Tribes are not able to continue
their present occupation and research activities due to financial
constraints. An amount of ` 20 lakh is therefore set apart for
providing an annual financial assistance of ` 10,000 to each
traditional healer.
343. The monthly salary of teachers in Kinder
Garten/Vikasanavaadi/Perippathetic Centres will be enhanced to `
3000. An amount of ` 16 lakh is provided for this.
344. The educated ST youth for starting self employment ventures will
be provided financial assistance up to an amount of ` 1 lakh.
345. In order to compensate malnutrition among tribal mothers and
children, financial assistance of ` 1000 per month will be given to
tribal mothers during initial six months of pregnancy and to the
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new born children for the first six months. An amount of ` 1.15
crore is provided for this programme.
Social Justice
346. An amount of ` 382 crore is provided in the budget for achieving
progress in Social Justice Sector focusing at development and care.
I am glad to note that, the ‘Nirbhaya’ programme, for which the
Government is giving top priority, has got a mention in the Union
budget. Government proposes to expand the scope of ‘Nirbhaya’
Programme by emphasising the security of women and girl child
and arranging counseling and rehabilitation to the victims of
atrocities. The shelter homes like one started in
Thiruvananthapuram will be set up in more places. An amount of `
6 crore is provided to ‘Thantedam’, Gender Park at Kozhikode.
347. Policy formulation will be done for better running of various
institutions under the department of Social Justice, ensuring
participation of individuals, NGOs, Social Organizations and
Corporates based on clearly laid down criteria.
348. The ‘Children’s Village’ aiming all round development of children
including entertainment will be started at Kodungallur. An amount
of ` 1 crore is provided for this purpose.
349. Separate courts will be established in all districts for the trial of
cases relating to sexual atrocities against children based on the Act
of 2012.
350. Kerala Social Security Mission is one of the best Government
agencies carrying out charitable activities. An amount of ` 70
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crore is provided for the different activities of the Mission such as
‘Our Responsibility to Children’, ‘Snehapoorvam’, ‘We Care’,
‘Aswasa Kiranam’, ‘Dementia Care’ and ‘Cochlear Implantation’.
351. An amount of ` 2.5 crore is provided to Kerala State Physically
Handicapped Persons Welfare Corporation for the welfare activities
of differently abled persons. An amount of ` 5.73 crore to Women
Development Corporation and an amount of ` 6.15 crore to NISH
is also provided in the budget. The NISH will be upgraded as a
university.
352. It is propose to provide motorized three wheeler vehicle to 250
differently abled persons. An amount of ` 1.5 crore is earmarked
for this.
353. An amount of ` 1 crore is earmarked for establishing a Regional
Centre for Disabled and Research in N.K.Mathew Memorial
Building Complex at Kallettumkara, Thrissur which is now handed
over to Social Justice Department.
354. One Model Anganavadies will be set up in all the 140 Legislative
Assembly Constituencies. An amount of ` 6.2 crore is provided for
this.
355. Every year ‘Sthree Sakthi’ award will be given to five women
excelled in different fields. An amount of ` 25 lakh is provided
for this purpose.
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Sports and Youth Affairs
356. In order to revolutionize the Sports Sector an amount of ` 15 crore
is provided in the budget for the construction of multipurpose
synthetic stadiums in selected centres.
357. A Sports development fund will be constituted with the aid from
Government and the private sector as recommended by the Kerala
Sports Commission. An amount of ` 50 lakh is set apart for this
purpose.
358. An amount of ` 20 lakh is set apart to start Kerala Institute of
Sports to train physical education teachers and starting courses in
Vocational training on physical education.
359. The physical education college at Kozhikode will be upgraded and
an amount of ` 1 crore is provided in the budget.
360. A Sports complex at Changanassery will be started and an amount
of ` 50 lakh is earmarked.
361. A new State youth policy has already been approved to accelerate
activities under youth welfare. To implement various schemes
under this sector an amount of ` 17.5 crore is set apart for the
Youth Welfare Board.
362. A State level Research Study Centre will be started for research
studies relating to youth. An amount of ` 60 lakh is provided in
the budget 2013-2014 for this purpose.
363. There are about 4500 youth clubs functioning under State Youth
Welfare Board. An amount of ` 25 lakh is earmarked for
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“JEEVADAYINI” a scheme for conducting at least one blood
donation camp every day in each district coordinating youth
organizations, NCC and NSS.
Other Backward Community Development
364. The Kerala State Backward Development Corporation will provide
various loans such as occupational loan, education loan, micro
credit loan and marriage loan etc. An amount of ` 10 crore is
provided to the Corporation as capital grant.
365. An amount of ` 8 crore is provided in the budget to start Post
Metric Hostel to backward community students with the assistance
from Central Government.
366. An amount of ` 2 crore is earmarked for sanctioning scholarship to
OBC students for their studies abroad.
367. An amount of ` 5 crore is earmarked in the budget to train OBC
candidates to increase their employability. Another ` 2 crore is
provided to assist OBC candidate for seeking employment in
automobile industry with the participation of private sector.
368. The scheduled castes who had been converted to Christianity will
be given all financial assistances like others. An amount of ` 5
crore is earmarked for this.
Forward Caste Development
369. An amount of ` 10 crore will be provided to Forward Caste
Development Corporation which was set up to extend various
concessions/financial assistance to the economically backward
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among forward communities. The corporation will undertake
activities such as providing scholarships, arranging trainings and
collection of relevant data etc.
Minority Welfare
370. The Minority Development Finance Corporation will be provided
an amount of ` 8.4 crore as share capital contribution to carry out
its activities.
371. An amount of ` 6 crore is earmarked for the setting up of an ITI at
Kozhinjampara, a Tamil minority area in Palakkad. I set apart an
amount of ` 1 crore for the reimbursement of 70% of course fee of
the students belong to minority community, who complete two year
ITC course purely on merit basis.
372. A housing scheme for the divorced and widows among minority
communities will be implemented under ‘SAPTHADHARA’
project. An amount of ` 5 crore is set apart for this.
Home and Judiciary
373. Kerala Police is one of the best police forces in India. Government
gives priority to its modernization, providing high standard
training, ensuring security to women, children and other weaker
sections.
374. An amount of ` 1.5 crore is earmarked for the formation of a
special unit of State special branch fully equipped with advanced
technology to combat the security threat from State Forest
boundaries with the collaboration of India Reserve Battalion.
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375. The number of cyber crimes has also increased substantially in tune
with the advancement in the information technology and
communication sector. An amount of ` 2 crore is set apart for
establishing a cyber crime centre at Kochi under PPP mode to
handle cyber crimes.
376. A Regional Forensic Laboratory will be established at Kottayam
for testing documents related to cases.
377. Government will set up �� centralized committees at Municipal
Corporations to co-ordinate law and order activities in the area. The
committee will consist of representatives from Police force,
Revenue and Health Department officials along with Corporation
Councilors. This committee will be responsible for formulating
effective and comprehensive measures and policies to prevent theft,
atrocities against women and other weaker sections in the locality.
378. An amount of ` 85 lakh is earmarked for the up gradation of
Thiruvananthapuram Traffic Police Station with all modern
facilities.
379. A judicial complex at Changanassery will be constructed to bring
all Courts under one roof and an amount of ` 1 crore is set apart
for this.
Prisons
380. The Jails in Kerala are facing acute shortage of water and this
adversely affecting its functioning. The water reservoirs will
therefore be constructed in 16 Jails.
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381. The prisoners will be equipped with employment skills by
providing various training activities.
Fire and Rescue
382. The training facilities of Kerala Fire & Rescue Services Academy,
the only Fire Service Training Centre in Kerala at Viyyur in
Thrissur District, will be modernised.
383. The structure and design of Fire & Rescue Services will be
modified in accordance with the modernization process of the
department. Besides, Fire & Rescue Stations will be opened at 5
Places, including Pattambi.
Finance
384. Government have initiated several steps to accelerate plan
implementation. The powers of administrative departments have
been enhanced to facilitate speedy release of funds. The ATM and
other infrastructure facilities will be provided at Treasuries to
provide better service to pensioners and other customers. A
headquarters building for Treasury Department will be constructed
at Thiruvananthapuram.
385. As per the existing rules, General Insurance Business of all Public,
Semi Government, Co-operative and Autonomous institutions
should be carried out through State Insurance Department. These
businesses will be done by Public Insurance Companies and State
Insurance Department on co-Insurance basis in future.
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386. The Accident Insurance Scheme will be implemented to
Kudumbasree, Janasree and Grihasree workers of the State. An
insurance coverage of ` 1 lakh will be provided under the scheme.
50% of the premium will be met by the beneficiaries and the rest by
the Agency concerned. Around 40 lakh people will get the benefit
under this scheme.
387. Total computerization of the Local Fund Audit Department is being
implemented as part of e-governance project declared in previous
budget. On completion of computerization, all records of the
department including previous audit reports will fully be
digitalized.
388. The service of the National Savings Agents is now being utilized
for development and service sectors. Those officers and agents who
deliver excellent service will be given due recognition. A housing
scheme in collaboration with KSHB will be formulated for the
agents who are not having any house of their own. An amount of
` 50 lakh is earmarked for this.
Law
389. An amount of ` 30 lakh is set apart to make necessary
arrangements to provide expert training to the staff of law
department in the areas of legislation and preparation of legislative
bills.
390. Amendment to the Kerala Court fee and Suit Valuation Act of
1959: In those cases referred by civil courts for arbitration,
mediation or for the consideration of Lok Adalats, the entire court
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fee paid by litigants will be reimbursed, provided the case is finally
settled.
391. While filing appeal against the decisions of Income Tax Appellate
Tribunal, the fees shall be determined on the basis of the valuation
by the Assessment Officer on net income and remedy requested.
The fee shall be determined in similar manner for the cases of
appeal memorandums filed against the order of the Wealth Tax
Tribunal also.
392. It is proposed to charge a court fee of ` 100 for testimonials on
personal documents to be used outside India and ` 50 will be
charged as court fee for attesting a personal document certified by
a notary.
393. The Arbitration Act of 1940 has been repealed by the Arbitration
and Conciliation Act of 1996. Necessary steps will be taken to
bring amendment so that the fee paid for Appeal cases under the
Arbitration and Conciliation Act of 1996 is the same for the cases
coming under the Arbitration Act of 1940.
Lottery
394. It is gratifying that’ Karunya’ lottery is getting wide acceptance,
support and co –operation from all. The services of this lottery will
be extended to more areas.
395. A new scheme by name’ Sampadya’ will be launched to facilitate
depositing a part of the lottery prize money to earn a permanent
income. The depositor will get monthly fixed amount after 3 years
and get back his entire deposit after 10 years.
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396. Government will purchase two hi- tech machines in Government
Presses for printing lottery with modern safety features.
Devaswom
397. It is this Government which took initiative to implement the
Sabarimala Master Plan which was kept idle for long years.
Government with a strong will to implement master plan is taking
steps to arrange all amenities to Sabarimala pilgrims. An amount
of ` 15.5 crore and ` 25 crore has been allotted for this during
2011-12 and 2012-13 respectively and progress has been achieved
at expected level. An additional amount of ` 25 crore is included
this year for the implementation of the various activities under the
master plan.
398. The waste disposal at Sabarimala was effectively managed during
2011-12. This achievement is due to success of the zero waste
Sabarimala project announced in the Budget Speech 2011-12 for
which an amount of ` 5 crore was allotted. An amount of ` 5 crore
is set apart for this programme in this budget also.
399. The holy groves and ponds have great role in keeping the
equilibrium of our ecosystem. Considering its importance an
amount of `5 crore was allotted last year. Government intends to
continue this project. This year also an amount of ` 5 crore will
be set apart for this.
400. A waste disposal scheme will be implemented for the ancient
Kanichukulangara Temple in connection with the ‘Chikkara’
offerings. An amount of ` 1.5 crore is set apart for this.
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Food and Civil Supplies
401. The State Public distribution system is poised for a transformation.
The entire supply chain right from FCI depot to distribution of the
ration to card holders will be computerized. An amount of ` 50
crore is additionally provided for building a digital database of the
ration cards linking it with the Aadhar, Computerized Supply Chain
management and transparent compliant redressal system.
402. Though a survey conducted in 2009 identified around 32 lakh BPL
families, only 21 lakh families were issued BPL/AAY ration cards
so far. The Government however had taken steps to distribute
ration at BPL rate for all the listed beneficiaries for four months.
This scheme will be continued with the assistance from
Government of India.
403. The opening of fare value shops will be permitted along with
SUPPLYCO outlets. This year, one Maveli Store will be started at
each Assembly constituency. Apart from this, 50 mobile Maveli
Stores will be started during this year.
404. Government could arrest the hike in price of essential commodities
with the strong market intervention. Government have already
spent an amount of ` 205 Crore for this purpose. The supply of
essential commodities at subsidized rates through the outlets of
SUPPLYCO will be continued with a view to provide essential
commodities at subsidised rate throughout the state. The resources
for this subsidy will be found out by SUPPLYCO through a
scientific business model to be developed by expanding market of
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non subsidised products. An amount of ` 100 crore is provided to
support the subsidy scheme of SUPPLYCO.
Registration
405. The various activities to make Registration Department more
people friendly are now progressing. As part of this, a unified and
standardized format for registration of documents will be
introduced.
406. A new registration system by which any document can be
registered at any sub registrar office will be introduced on
experimental basis. This will be introduced in ten sub-registrar
offices in Trivandrum which were brought under online in 2012-13.
The project of digitizing the records kept in the Sub Registrar
offices will be extended to more offices.
407. All Sub Registrar Offices will be provided with internet
connectivity to facilitate web based services. An amount of ` 125
lakh is additionally provided for this.
408. The Travancore Cochin Science Societies Registrations Act and
Indian Societies Registration Act will be unified to simplify the
registration process. District level monitoring cells will be formed
and inspections will be conducted to control illegal chitties in the
State.
409. The e-stamping system will be implemented in the State during this
year.
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Excise
410. Considering the increased prevalence of alcoholic addiction and its
grave social consequences, Government formulated a
comprehensive anti-alcoholic awareness programmes in 2011.
Anti-narcotic clubs have already been started functioning in about
1000 Schools in the State. An amount of ` 50 lakh is set apart for
the ‘liquor free Kerala’ (Madya vimuktha Keralam) which will
be implemented jointly with Kudumbasree, Student Police Cadet
and National Service Scheme volunteers.
411. Two more mobile chemical laboratories will be set up in the State
to ensure the quality of liquor sold through licensed shops and to
obtain immediate report on the sample collected. An amount of
` 70 lakh will be provided for this purpose.
412. An amount of ` 1 crore is provided to strengthen enforcement
activities of Excise Department using wireless system in Kollam,
Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Thrissur, Malappuram,
Wayanad, Kozhikkode, Kasaragod Districts.
General Administration
413. Taking into consideration of the sentiments of youth, retirement age
of employees who are now in service will not be raised. But
retirement age of youth, who will join Government service after 1st
April 2013 is fixed at 60 ,as envisaged under National Pension
Scheme .This will in no way affect the interests of youths and
beneficial to them in future also.
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Welfare of Non-Resident Keralites
414. Some studies indicate that about 30 lakh Keralites are working in Gulf
countries. Government is implementing various schemes for the
welfare of Pravasi Malayalees who are contributing significantly to
State’s economy. Necessary steps have been taken to provide legal
aid to those who are in foreign jails even for minor crimes.
NORKA offices are now functioning in Chennai, Bangaluru,
Mumbai and Delhi. Government proposes to open new offices in
other important States with the help of Malaylee Organizations.
415. NORKA Business Assistance Centres will be started under
NORKA Calling Centre which is established to provide hotline
with Non Resident Keralites. An amount of ` 1 crore is set apart
for this purpose.
RESOURCE MOBILIZATION
REGISTRATION
416. The One Time Settlement Scheme announced for the settlement of
pending undervaluation cases in the Registration Department shall
be extended for one more year.
417. A bill was published in the Legislative Assembly for enhancing
various fees for services under the Indian Partnership Act. Steps
will be taken to pass the bill in this session. To improve the
standards in delivery of services related to Registration of
Partnership Firms, timely revision will be made in various fees
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under the provisions of The Kerala Partnership (Registration of
Firms) Rules. Steps will be taken for issuing digitally signed
Registration Certificates by collecting service charge of ` 500 per
Registration.
418. Timely revision will be made for various fees related to
Registration of Chits.
419. Timely and rational revision of fees for various services delivered
from the Registration Department shall be made.
420. In order to prevent evasion of stamp duty in the stock and
securities market, stamp duty shall be levied on the basis of
value of stock and securities transacted. Certain documents for
which the stamp duty was not revised for a very long time shall
be revised such as, ratification deed to ` 500, Articles of
Association (AoA) of a company to ` 10,000, Cancellation deed
to ` 500, copy or extract under article 23(i) and 23(ii) of Kerala
Stamp Act to ` 20 and ` 50 respectively. The maximum stamp
duty levied under article 40(b) (i), 40(b) (ii), 40(c), 40(d) shall be
done away with. The stamp duty for Partnership deed shall be
revised to ` 5000, Revocation of Partnership deed to ` 1000,
Revocation of settlement to ` 500 and surrender of lease to `250.
Adjudication fee under section 31 of Kerala Stamp Act shall be
revised to ` 50 and levy of fine under section 34 and 39 of Kerala
Stamp Act shall be doubled. Since the Fair value of land is
finalized and published in the state, necessary amendment shall be
made in section 28 and 29 of Kerala Stamp Act for enforcing
compliance.
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421. It is noted that certain tendencies are prevalent in the sphere of
real estate sector causing undue increase of land value. I feel that
some measures are necessary so as to control this. In this
direction, resale of a land purchased, within a period of 3 months
from the date of registration of the purchase deed shall be
subjected to double the stamp duty of the previous conveyance
deed.
422. In order to arrest evasion of stamp duty from the transactions
involving share/stock transfer, to control economic offenses under
Chit Funds Act,1982 and the Prize chits and Money Circulation
Schemes (Banning) Act, and to reduce the revenue loss from
registration of chitty, an “Economic Monitoring Cell” shall be
constituted in the Registration Department.
423. Fees under Kerala Special Marriage Rules 1958 shall be revised
timely.
424. Fees under Travancore Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable
Societies Registration Act, 1955 shall be revised. Along with this,
necessary amendments shall also be made in the Societies
Registration Act, 1860.
425. I feel certain concession on prevailing rates of Stamp Duties need
be given as fair value of land has been published. The existing rates
of Stamp Duty are therefore reduced by 2%.
426. Stamp duty exemption of 50 % shall be given to the Kerala State
Housing Board for transactions involving land and sale of flats.
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427. Additional revenue of around ` 200 crore and tax concessions for
an equal amount is expected from the above is expected from the
above measures.
COMMERCIAL TAXES
428. Considering the impending GST, most of the neighboring States
like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry have
already increased the tax rate of items other than essential
commodities and industrial inputs to 14.5% from 13.5%.
Additional funds are needed by the Government for implementing
various social welfare and development programmes. Goods
attracting tax rate of 13.5% mainly consist of luxury items,
automobiles, white goods and other consumer goods. Any increase
in the tax rate of these goods would not affect the price levels of
essential commodities. Hence rate of tax of such goods will be
raised from the present 13.5% to 14.5%. By doing so there is no
likelihood of tax loss through trade diversion since there will be
uniformity of tax rate in the southern region and will also be
beneficial in the interest of state revenue once GST is rolled out in
the country. Such an increase has also been proposed by the
Expenditure Review Committee, Kerala.
429. I am particular that this measure should, in no way affect the
common man. Hence, I exempt rice and other varieties of rice
namely broken rice, puffed rice, parched rice and beaten rice which
is consumed by the common man, from tax. Rice is also exempted
in many States including Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. This is in
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continuation of my policy initiative announced in last year’s
budget, wherein, tax rate of certain essential commodities like
cereal flour, maida, edible oil, pulses etc. were reduced from 4% to
1%.The view that, essential goods have to be exempted under
Goods and Service Tax regime, is getting wider acceptance and in
this context, the present step is a rational one. Adjusting the
revenue loss on account of exempting rice and certain rice products
from tax, the additional revenue mobilization expected is
` 650 crore.
430. Taking into account the health hazards caused by smoking, the tax
rate on cigarettes and similar products, excluding beedies were
increased to 15% last year. The rate of tax on cigarette in Tamil
Nadu is 20% and in Karnataka, 17%. The ill effect of smoking and
the burden it imposes on the society is known to all of us. This
compels me to increase the tax rate of cigarettes and similar
products, excluding beedies to 20% from the present 15%.
Additional revenue of ` 120 crore is expected from this.
431. The last point of sale in the State in case of cigarette trade is carried
out by the secondary and other petty dealers. I intend to keep them
out of the intricacies of taxation. Hence, an option would be
provided to the manufactures and first sellers of cigarette and
similar products except beedies in the State to remit tax on
MRP at first point of sale so that the subsequent ales are exempted
and at the same time the Government does not lose tax also.
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432. The rate of tax of foreign liquor other than beer and wine is
proposed to be increased from present 100% to 105%. Additional
revenue expected from this measure is ` 250 crore.
433. As per Kerala Tax on Paper lotteries Act an ordinary draw is taxed
at ` 25 lakh and Bumper draw at ` 50 lakh. It will be enhanced to
` 30 lakh and ` 60 lakh respectively. Additional tax revenue
expected from this is ` 16 crore.
434. In order to dissuade the public from excessive use of plastic
products, last year the tax rate of plastic carry bags was increased to
20%. However, while carrying out amendment certain
discrepancies had occurred with respect to entry regarding plastic
carry bag. It will be clarified that plastic carry bags having self
carrying feature of ‘vest type’ alone will attract higher tax rate of
20%. On the same line, the tax rate of disposable plastic cups,
plates, leaves and polypropylene carry bags, is also proposed to be
increased to 20%. Additional revenue of ` 25 lakh is expected
from this measure. This will also help in protecting our
environment from hazardous effect of this non bio-degradable
material.
435. Manufactured sand is presently taxable at 5% and there is no
compounding scheme in this sector. There have been numerous
representations from these units demanding for a suitable
compounded scheme as is the case with crusher units. A
Committee will be constituted at the department level for studying
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about the introduction of a compounding scheme for manufactured
sand as mentioned above.
436. All dealers who have turnover of ` 5 lakh in a year are liable to
take registration and those dealers whose turnover exceeds ` 10
lakh in a year are liable to pay tax. Approximately only 2 lakh
dealers are registered with the Department, at present. This points
to the fact that there are many more dealers who should have been
registered under the Act. Economic Census Report, Expenditure
Review Committee Report and AG’s Report have also
highlighted this situation. With the implementation of e-
Governance the registration process has been simplified
considerably and there is little excuse for these dealers to remain
outside the tax net. During pre budget consultations the Chamber of
Commerce and the Trade Organizations have pledged their support
in working together with the department in bringing such dealers
under the tax net. These dealers are mainly the last link in the VAT
chain and their non registration causes some value addition to
escape tax, not to mention the fact that these dealers may be used as
a conduit to sell the unaccounted goods of wholesale` Widening
the tax base is therefore the need of the hour and requires our
immediate attention.
437. For the small dealers the department has a simplified system of tax
called presumptive tax. It is surprising to note that the small traders
are not availing of this simplified system even at the risk of
imposition of heavy penalty on detection. I propose to introduce a
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scheme to bring these traders under the tax net. The scheme
would be known as “One time incentive to new registrant scheme”.
The details of the scheme would be as below:
i) It will be operational from 1st April, 2013 to 30th
September, 2013.
ii) All dealers who are liable to be registered should
voluntarily apply for registration during this period.
iii) This scheme will not be available for importers,
manufacturers and works contractors. It will also not
apply for dealers against whom departmental action
has been initiated before 1-4-2013.
iv) There will not be any enquiry into the previous tax
liability of the dealers who take registration during
this period. Further, dealers who get so registered shall
be totally exempted from tax liability for the previous
period.
I specifically appeal to all the trade organizations and trading
community to avail this facility and to co-operate with the
Department in the interest of the State.
After this period is over, an intensive drive will be conducted by the
department utilizing all resources with data from departments like
local bodies, food safety, mining and geology, industries and
income tax etc. to detect those traders who have wilfully decided
not to take registration even after being mandated by the act to do
so. I am constrained to state that there will be no leniency in
initiating action against such defaulters. Government will provide
necessary resources for formation of additional squads, hiring of
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vehicles and awareness campaign etc. which is required for
successful implementation and effective monitoring of the scheme.
A sum of ` 5 crore is earmarked for this purpose. Additional
revenue generation expected from this measure is ` 50 crore.
Administration and licensing of money lenders is done through the
Kerala Money Lenders Act. Considering the increase in
administrative charges and various electronic services offered to
money lenders, it is proposed to increase the license fee from
existing ` 3000 to ` 10,000 per annum.This will result in
generation of ` 8 lakh as additional revenue.
CONCESSIONS
438. Considering the request of the trade, a new Amnesty Scheme will
be introduced in 2013 for those dealers who could not avail the
benefit of the earlier scheme due to various reasons. Availing the
scheme, arrears up to 31-3-2005 under Section 23 B of KGST
Act can be settled on the same condition as it existed in the last
scheme. The arrears as per this scheme should be paid before 31st
December, 2013. The intention of the Government is to settle such
arrears once and for all. Therefore, it will be specifically provided
that, if the matter is to be settled under the amnesty scheme, cases,
if any, pending in any Appellate Forum or Courts, will have to be
withdrawn. Also, it is clarified that the right to bring the same
issue before any appellate or judicial authority after the settlement
under amnesty scheme will have to be forfeited.
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439. In 2008, Government had granted exemption from CST with
respect to certain rubber commodities subject to the condition that
it should have suffered VAT in the State. In 2011, on the request
of the trade, centrifuged latex and field latex were removed from
the purview of this notification. It was also made clear that a
dealer would be entitled for CST exemption only if the interstate
sale is to a registered dealer under the CST Act. This rectified
the earlier notification. Misinterpreting the subsequent notification
some assessing authorities are wrongly disallowing CST
exemption even in the case of interstate sale to a registered dealer
under CST Act. It will be therefore clarified accordingly. With
regard to interstate sale to unregistered dealers during the 2008
notification period the CST liability will be assessed as per law
and input tax if any under the provisions of KVAT Act will be
granted. The bonafide action based on the 2008 notification will
be protected and any penal action with respect to non-payment of
CST will be dropped.
440. Kerala is the biggest producer of cardamom in India, but the trade
in this sector mainly happens interstate through the Auction
Centres of Spices Board. It has been the long standing demand of
the Kerala Traders, that the present tax structure gives undue
advantage to other State deale` Presently, Kerala dealers are
required to pay 5% VAT and in case of interstate sale 2% CST
also, whereas outside dealers pay only 2% CST. Even though
Kerala dealers are eligible for refund of VAT paid, it happens only
in the subsequent year. This puts obstacles in creation of level
playing field in the Auction Centre by exposing the Kerala dealers
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to block more funds for the same level of trade. This has also been
identified by the Spices Board as an area requiring urgent attention
of the State Government. In order to resolve this issue, I propose
to reduce the rate of tax of cardamom at the point of sale of
auction only, through authorized auction centres of Spices Board,
to 2%.
441. Apart from this, I have received a number of representations in
respect of hill produce varieties like pepper, areca nut etc.
regarding equalization of our tax rates with the rates prevailing in
our neighboring States. This issue requires immediate
attention. I propose to a committee will be set-up to study the
taxation issues affecting this sector. Necessary reforms would be
under-taken based on the report.
442. Waterbed is widely used in geriatric care in our State. Presently
the same is taxable at 13.5%. Considering the fact that other
medical equipments are taxable at 5%, the tax rate of waterbeds
will also be reduced to 5%.
443. Refund of VAT is granted to UN and other similar international
bodies. Such a provision will be incorporated in the Kerala Tax on
Luxuries Act to exempt these bodies from Luxury Tax.
444. ‘Theeramythri’ is a welfare program of Fisheries Department,
Government of Kerala, meant for the upliftment of fisher women.
To promote this endeavour, products manufactured and sold by
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‘Theeramythri’ units under its brand name on the point of sale by
them would be exempted from VAT.
445. House boat owners who opted for compounded tax under Luxuries
Tax Act were exempted from payment of VAT on cooked food
served in house boats with effect from 1-4-2011. Their request is
to give retrospective effect to the provision from 1-4-2006
onwards, the date on which compounding was introduced to
house boats under luxury tax. Food served in a house boat is a
part of composite service; hence the request of house boat owners
deserves consideration. It is therefore proposed that the
exemption from cooked food under VAT will be given
retrospective effect from 2006.
446. Presently, municipal plastic waste attracts 13.5% VAT. To
facilitate the disposal and recycling of this environmentally
hazardous waste, it is proposed to reduce the rate of tax on this
commodity to 5%.
447. The rate of tax of lead oxide, which is an industrial input, will be
reduced from 13.5% to 5%.
448. Acceding to the long standing demand of fisherman and SSI units,
tax rate on ice will be reduced from 5% to 1%.
449. Footwear manufacturing is a developing industry in the State. At
present footwear priced up to ` 200 is taxable at 5%, beyond
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which it is taxable at 13.5%. It is proposed to hike this limit
to ` 500.
450. All renewable energy devices are taxable at 5%. In order to
promote non conventional energy sources, it is proposed to reduce
the tax rate on solar energy devices and spare parts from existing
5% to 1%.
451. Presently rubber latex dipped goods namely; industrial gloves,
agricultural gloves and finger caps are taxable at 5%. House hold
gloves will also be included in this category.
452. HDPE woven fabrics commonly called 'agro-shade net' are used
for making shade-net house for protecting crops and plants and
for packing goods for covering. The tax rate of the same was
clarified by the Department as 12.5% in 2009, since it was not
included in the Third Schedule goods. Considering its uses, I
propose to reduce the tax rate of this item from 13.5% to 5%.
453. Cooked food and beverages sold in the canteen of Milk Supplier’s
Cooperative Societies will be exempted from tax with effect from
1-4-2011.
Simplification of procedures and procedural safe guards
454. At present dealers can acquire delivery notes in Form No.15 either
online or manually. Considering the demands raised by many
trade organisations, this practice will be continued.
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455. Transit passes are issued at the entry check post to vehicles
carrying goods destined to other States but passing through our
State and are surrendered at the exit check post within a prescribed
time limit. For better tracking of these goods and vehicles, this
process would be computerized and a nominal fee of ` 100 will be
charged for issuance of transit pass.
456. After the introduction of e-filing, under Luxury Tax Act and
Kerala Money Lenders Act last year, provision for revision of
electronically filed returns could not be incorporated in the Act.
An enabling provision will be brought in the Acts, to remove the
difficulty faced by the dealers.
457. At present, dealers are permitted to switch over from Presumptive
category to regular category by filing 25A declaration within 15
days of reaching the turnover limit, so as to get the benefit of input
tax credit. This short time span is creating difficulty to small
traders.To remove theirdifficulty, the period will be extended to 30
days.
458. Application for amendment of Registration Certificate, including
addition of new items will be made online. The option to view the
dealer details online will also be allowed to the dealers.
Submission of registration application under CST Act will also be
made online.
459. Last date for filing Annual Return along with enclosures will be
extended up to May, 31st from the present April 30th.
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460. Period of filing audited statement of accounts for dealers other
than companies will be extended up to 31st December and for
Companies, up to 31st January.
461. In KGST Act, Deputy Commissioners are competent to extend the
period for completion of assessments recording reasons for the
same. Such a provision could not be incorporated in KVAT Act
when it was introduced. This necessitates extension of period of
all pending assessments so as to cover limited number of
assessments pending to be completed due to reason such as interstate
investigation etc. As such, an amendment provision identical
to that of KGST Act, conferring powers to the Deputy
Commissioners for extension of time limit, will be introduced in
the KVAT Act and Kerala Tax on Luxuries Act.
462. Commercial Taxes Department has implemented mandatory e-
Payment of taxes. The natural corollary is to implement electronic
refunds also. As a step in this direction, it is proposed to
implement online submission of refund application and issuance
of refund orders. Actual payments of refunds to the dealer’s bank
account will be implemented as and when the treasury systems are
made online. Till that time credit of the refundable amount will
be made in the subsequent return of the dealer.
463. Commercial Taxes Department has already implemented online epayment
for major type of remittances. As a further step in this
direction, online e-payment facility will be extended for the
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payment of security deposits demanded by intelligence squads and
check posts and for payment of tax deducted by Awarders.
464. In line with KVAT Act, the maximum fee for compounding of
offences under KGST Act and Kerala Tax on Luxury Act will be
increased to ` 8 lakh.
465. Inter-state investigation regarding the use of bogus statutory forms
with regard to certain commodities is progressing. Therefore in
order to protect, the revenue, including CST, the period for
completion of all\ pending assessments and re-assessment as on
31-3-2013 under KGST and KVAT Acts will be extended by one
year. Considering the pendency of large number of assessments
under Kerala Luxuries Tax Act, its period of completion also will
be extended by one year.
Infrastructure
466. Recognizing the need to reform the check-posts by increasing
transparency and efficiency, the Government had integrated the
check-post functions at Amaravila and constituted a team to study
the integrated check-posts at Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat with a
view to adopt the best practices. The team had recommended
some short term and long term measures. Steps for land
acquisition are in progress, for a well planned integrated checkpost
at Walayar. Since, it is felt that land acquisition and
construction may take some time; the functioning of an integrated
check-post utilizing the existing infrastructure will be made
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operational at Walayar immediately with facilities for
simultaneous checking by all departments at a time. Intelligent IT
enabled systems for automatic data transfer with the usage of
sophisticated devices, will be implemented. This will
considerably reduce vehicle checking time, increase transparency,
efficiency and reduce evasion.
467. When GST is implemented, we must be equipped fully for taxing
the vast base including the service sector also. In the preceding
years to the implementation of GST we must take intense steps to
increase the revenue. It will also help the State in getting due
compensation for any loss against the initial uncertainties in
revenue base of GST. So a major overhaul in the tax machinery
with complete revamping, restructuring and training of human
resources is necessary. Steps will be taken in this direction.
468. Considering the geographical nature of the high ranges, a
Commercial Tax Circle Office will be established at Cheruthoni in
Idukki. This will considerably reduce the hardships faced by the
dealers of surrounding areas.
469. For land acquisition and construction of a Commercial Tax
Complex at Kannur, ` 5 crore is earmarked.
470. From Commercial Taxes Department, after adjusting the
concession granted amounting to ` 67.78 crore, from the
revenue mobilization steps stated above for ` 1138.33 crore, the
actual additional revenue mobilization will be ` 1070.55 crore.
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CONCLUSION
472. The year passed by was activity filled with the motto
‘development and care’. I conclude this speech with gratification
of having provided financial stability for the developmental surge
of the state and strengthened State’s financials.
473. I present this budget which aims to spend the plan outlay in full,
which is higher by 21.34 per cent than the current year’s outlay. I
hope that the shortfall of ` 241.56 crore in share of central taxes in
this year will get compensated in the coming year.
474. Now, let me present the abstract of the Revised Estimates for
2012-13 and the Budget Estimates for the year 2013-14.
Revised Estimate for 2012-13 (` in crore)
Revenue Receipts 48269.21
Revenue Expenditure 51675.65
Grants for creation of capital assets 2797.30
Revenue Deficit (-)3406.44
Actual Revenue Deficit (-)609.14
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Capital expenditure 6882.21
Loans & Advances(Net) (-)1056.68
Public debt(Net) 10753.94
Public account (Net) 482.29
Overall Surplus/Deficit (-)109.10
Opening balance at the beginning of the year (-)529.23
Closing balance at the end of the year (-)638.33
Budget Estimate for 2013-14 (` in crore)
Revenue receipts 58057.88
Revenue expenditure 60327.85
Grants for creation of capital assets 3472.06
Revenue deficit (-)2269.97
Actual revenue deficit 1202.09
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Capital Expenditure 8613.00
Loans & advances (Net) (-)989.66
Public debt(Net) 11844.38
Public accounts (Net) 470.04
Overall Surplus 441.79
Carry over Surplus/Deficit (-)638.33
Closing Balance (-) 196.54
Additional expenditure announced 1400.58
Concessions announced 67.78
Additional Resource Mobilisation 1138.33
Cumulative Deficit at the end of the year (-)526.57
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Sir,
475. Despite the serious challenges and crisis it had to overcome,
Government could make a giant leap in state’s development and
bring in fiscal stability. While sharing my gratification on such an
accomplishment, I am reminded of the advice that Bhagavan
Sreekrishna gave to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra:
uddhared atmanatmanam
natmanam avasadayet
atmaiva hy atmano bandhur
atmaiva ripur atmanah
(A man must elevate himself by his own mind, not degrade himself. The
mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well)
476. One can receive support from outside; but should not depend on
that alone. We should identify our resources and utilise it to its full
potential. We should be able to realise the creativity within us and
utilise it for the general welfare.
477. The development goals of the state should not be hindered with
counterproductive actions. That will amount to weakening
ourselves, making ourselves our enemies. The ruling and
opposition parties should not be enemies; but should be the
companions in the journey to development. This should the
‘success mathra’ for a glorious future of our state. Let this inspire
us and be the guiding spirit.
Jai Hind