Kerala Fm

“The capital expenditure portion has not been reduced in the 2023 budget. For the centrally aided projects, the Centre is now directly transferring via direct benefit transfer. So, it is not reflected in our capital expenditure," said KN Balagopal.

LIVE: Is Kerala growth model broken? Kerala FM on state’s slowing growth and high debt

Kerala state budget has raised many a eyebrows on the additional cess on fuel and liquor. The state is heavily dependent on tourism, remittances, both of which have been badly hit during the pandemic. Listen to what the state’s Finance Minister KN Balagopal has to say on steering the state through difficult financial times.

Hope Budget 2023 corrects Centre's fiscal approach towards states: Kerala FM K N Balagopal

Budget 2023: The Left leader, who is critical of the Union government's approach towards the states in terms of GST implementation and devolution of central funds, also said the "serious discrimination" showed towards Kerala should be stopped.