Thiruvananthapuram: The LDF government’s final budget on January 15 will propose another increase in the social welfare pensions. According to reports, the budget will also increase the Minimum Support Price for rice and coconut. Subsidy of rubber will be increased as part of price fixation programme.

Finance Minister Dr Thomas Isaac will present the state budget on Friday.

Following the LSG polls, the state government has increased the social welfare pension to Rs 1500 from Rs 1400. It is hinted that the welfare pensions will be increased by Rs 100 in the new budget.

According to reports, the budget will announce new welfare programmes as the LDF government aims to impress people in all sectors of the society ahead of the polls. At the same time, the pension for expatriates will also be hiked. The rehabilitation programme for the expatriates will be expanded.

The Kerala budget 2021 will give priority for projects to solve unemployment. A modern concept will be announced to create job opportunities in all sectors apart from the traditional jobs amid the pandemic.

The finance department hopes that the projects for employment opportunities will be the major topic of discussion this budget.

Kerala is procuring paddy by paying an additional amount of Rs 9.23 for the price declared by the centre. The budget will also focus on increasing the state share to procure paddy.

At present, the basic price of rubber is fixed at Rs 150. Giving relief to the farmers, the government will increase the basic price of rubber in the budget. This will automatically increase the subsidy to rubber farmers.

Earlier, the government announced an amnesty scheme for clearing the arrears of tax before the GST regime. Amid the pandemic outbreak, the government is likely to extend this scheme.

Meanwhile, sources close to the finance department revealed that KIIFB will not implement any new projects. It is examined that KIIFB will take 5 to 8 years to complete the approved projects worth Rs 56,000 cr. KIIFB would not be able to take over new projects before giving fund for these projects.