District panchayat Budget proposes jobs for 5,000 women

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

District panchayat president KG Radhakrishnan, who presided over the Budget presentation, 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 envisaging revenue of ₹177,88,20,344 and expenditure of ₹163,13,02,500.

Agriculture

The budget envisages comprehensive development of the agriculture sector with an allocation of ₹18 crore. The potential for farm tourism and water tourism will be explored through the renewal of agricultural farms. Special attention was also given to the development of the dairy and fisheries sectors. A ‘high-tech agricultural vision’ is put forward.

The budget also proposes converting a heritage building in Aluva into an agricultural museum to preserve old agricultural equipment, showcase traditional seeds and provide practical education to visitors.

Education

To give impetus to the education sector, an amount of ₹15.60 crore has been allocated for related activities and modernization of computer and science laboratories in high schools and secondary schools. The Budget also plans to appoint physical education lecturers and counselors to schools to improve the mental and physical well-being of students.

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

health, housing

While ₹18 crore has been allocated for housing, ₹16 crore has been allocated for projects in the Healthcare sector. Infrastructure of primary health centers will be developed along with grama panchayats. Additionally, a special fund has been established for palliative care activities.

₹13 crore has been allocated for comprehensive development of Scheduled Caste communities. Special programs have been included to address malnutrition among this category of children.

Sanitation

An amount of 11 million rupees has been allocated to solve drinking water problems and ensure cleanliness in the district.

Other projects include setting up Indira Canteens to provide quality food at low prices, outreach activities for transgender people and assistance to liver transplant patients.