District panchayat Budget proposes jobs for 5,000 women

Providing employment to 5,000 women and setting up of ‘She Fitness Centres’ are some of the significant announcements in the Ernakulam district panchayat Budget presented on Friday (February 27).

Presiding over the Budget presentation, district panchayat president K.G. Radhakrishnan said the job portal designed to provide employment to around 5,000 women in the district was the most notable announcement in the Budget.

District panchayat vice-president Sinta Jacob presented the budget which envisages a revenue of ₹177,88,20,344 and an expenditure of ₹163,13,02,500.

Agriculture

The Budget envisages the comprehensive development of the agricultural sector with an allocation of ₹18 crore. The potential of farm tourism and aqua tourism will be explored through the renovation of agricultural farms. Special emphasis has also been given to the development of dairy and fisheries sectors. A ‘high-tech agriculture vision’ is being put forward.

The Budget also proposes to convert a heritage building in Aluva into an agricultural museum with the aim of preserving old agricultural equipment, displaying traditional seeds, and providing practical learning to visitors.

Education

In a bid to give thrust to the education sector, an amount of ₹15.60 crore has been allocated for associated activities and the modernisation of computer and science labs in high schools and higher secondary schools. In addition, the Budget also plans to appoint physical education faculty members and counsellors in schools to promote the mental and physical well-being of students.

The Budget envisages a ‘Mission 2030’ project, under which grading will be done at various educational institutions under the panchayat. Accordingly, monitoring committees will visit schools.

Health, housing

While ₹18 crore has been allocated for housing, ₹16 crore has been set apart for projects in the Health sector. Infrastructure at primary health centres will be developed in association with grama panchayats. In addition, a special fund has been created for palliative care activities.

An allocation of ₹13 crore has been made for the comprehensive development of Scheduled Caste communities. Special schemes have been included to address malnutrition among children in this category.

Sanitation

In a bid to address drinking water issues and ensure cleanliness in the district, an amount of ₹11 crore has earmarked.

The other projects include the setting up of Indira Canteens to provide quality food at low prices, welfare activities for transgender persons and assistance for liver transplant patients.