Ernakulam District Panchayat Budget to give thrust to welfare measures

The upcoming Budget of Ernakulam District Panchayat is expected to focus on social welfare initiatives and cater to the needs of marginalized and disadvantaged communities.

District panchayat president KG Radhakrishnan said the Budget will prioritize sectors like education, geriatric care, agriculture and palliative care, giving special emphasis to the elderly, differently-abled, Scheduled Caste communities and transgender persons.

In the case of differently-abled people, the focus will be on formulating programs and training methodologies that will make them self-sufficient.

unique products

Mr Radhakrishnan said agriculture was another area of ​​special focus. “Looking at agriculture, we also need to focus on developing value-added products. We are thinking of identifying a product from each panchayat and promoting it. For example, we can take the example of Vazhakkulam in Manjalloor panchayat and promote pineapple. Or there may be panchayats with abundant paddy production, which can also be promoted. We will focus on one panchayat and one product, brand it that way and focus on value-added products from there.” Mr Radhakrishnan.

Special emphasis will be given to the development of Scheduled Caste communities.. As far as schools are concerned, the focus will be on ensuring quality education. “We need to make these plans taking into account the changing environment and technology and equip the classrooms with technological tools appropriate to the age,” he said.

He said that mental health and elderly health will be given priority. The focus will be on creating recreation areas for the elderly. “We need to create public spaces where they can interact and relax. The vast majority of seniors face loneliness and social isolation, and this needs to be addressed,” he added.

Farm tourism is another area likely to receive adequate focus in the Budget.