COVID situation: the state's annual plan revamped

Thiruvananthapuram: The state government decided to smarten up the annual plan to address financial slump following COVID situation. 

One year plan has now been halved into two six-month-long semesters, with schemes to be implemented on priority.

The total outlay of 1421.81 crore, made up by unconditional fund of already recognized plans, and centre share, will be readjusted.

Rs 5282.06 crore will be spent in the six month period from between April first and September first. 

Remaining 8932.75 crore has been rescheduled for projects between October and March 31, 2021.

The decision could severely affect the already announced projects.  Deferring the share of central project might delay them.

Given the fact that the plan was approved before the financial year, the projects could have begun implementing from April 1.

However, COVID and lockdown got in the way, alongside causing major dip in the government revenue.

Only a fraction of outlay had been decided to spend in the first six months, leaving major share for the next half.

That will also depend on the financial situation in future. Also, priority will be on health-related works, hygiene, livelihood and food security.

The state’s share for the plan in the current fiscal is 27610 crore. Of which 16563.21 crore is mandatory allocation and the remaining 11046.79 is unconditional fund.

The state’s share for the centrally formed projects is 3168.02.