Steps to address COVID challenges likely in Budget

Additional revenue mobilisation by increasing fee for govt. services on cards

Steps to overcome the socio-economic crisis caused by the second wave of the pandemic and mobilise additional revenue by increasing the fee for government services are expected to figure in the first Budget to be presented by Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal in the Assembly on Friday. Breaking the tradition of his predecessor T.M. Thomas Isaac of preparing the Budget at the seaside Inspection Bungalow at Vizhinjam, Mr. Balagopal chose the Government Guest House at Thycaud in the capital to finalise the Budget. Sticking to the core values of the 2021-2022 budget presented by Dr. Isaac on January 15, Mr. Balagopal is expected to come up with a new COVID package to alleviate the woes of those hit by the pandemic. The ₹1,000 crore needed for purchase of vaccines directly from manufacturers will form part of the package.