Kerala UDF's V.D. Satheesan to unveil budget amid ₹20,500cr shortfall
Kerala's new UDF government, led by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, is set to unveil its revised budget on June 19.
The big hurdle? There's a massive ₹20,500 crore shortfall left over from the previous government.
A recent white paper says the state needs to get serious about boosting its own revenue and cutting back on spending.
Budget prioritizes welfare schemes
Despite tight finances, the budget will prioritize popular welfare schemes: think free bus rides for women (costing ₹750 to ₹800 crore each year), ₹1,000 monthly aid for college-going female students, bigger pensions of ₹3,000, and health insurance up to ₹25 lakh per family.
There are also likely funds for Mission Samudra's coastal shipping plans and a tribal university in Wayanad.
The challenge: balancing these promises with Kerala's financial reality.