Thiruvananthapuram: COVID-19 situation has shaken even the base of Kerala’s economy, damaging and suspending nearly all areas, alongside stopping the livelihoods of people.
Diaspora’s contribution that propped the economy largely could dry up.
Chief Minister put the total impact of the pandemic at 80,000 crore.
Over the year, the state has been on a shoestring, requiring curbs on treasury transactions.
The state was just coming from two devastating floods, currency ban, and GST, when COVID-19 emerged, further worsening the situation.
However, there have been no measures to cut back on extravaganza.
For the two consecutive years, annual plan had to be cut down.
Meanwhile, a commission is working on salary revision, and that blow will come next year.
The situation necessitates a white paper on the state’s economy. Considering the call for tightening the belt, one months’ salary deferment could set aside 2500 crore.
Over 200 crore reached in COVID-19 relief fund.
Flood relief fund has not yet been used, amid allegations of appropriation by some in the ruling alliance.