Auto rickshaw stands will become smart micro hubs; special package announced for Haritha Karma Sena

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The final budget of the second Pinarayi Vijayan government has announced special packages for autorickshaw workers and members of the Haritha Karma Sena. Group insurance has been announced for auto and taxi workers as well as Haritha Karma Sena workers.

A two per cent interest subsidy will be provided on loans taken through public sector banks to purchase electric autorickshaws. An amount of Rs 20 crore will be set aside for this scheme. A one-time scrappage bonus of Rs 40,000 will be given as financial assistance to buy environment-friendly autorickshaws. Finance Minister K N Balagopal also said in his budget speech that autorickshaw stands will be developed into smart micro hubs.

The minister began the budget presentation at around 9 am by criticising the central government. He said Kerala has continued to grow despite strong neglect from the Centre. He accused the Centre of choking Kerala financially and cutting down its tax revenue. This is the 12th budget of the Pinarayi Vijayan government and the sixth budget presented by K N Balagopal in the Assembly.