Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Budget has written a new chapter in Kerala’s education sector. Finance Minister KN Balagopal announced that free education, currently available up to Plus Two, will now be extended to the degree level.

Students studying in Arts and Science colleges across the state will benefit from the move. The decision is expected to bring major relief to students from ordinary families who are often forced to discontinue higher studies midway due to financial difficulties.

The Budget includes several popular announcements. The minister said ₹3,820 crore has been earmarked for women’s security pension. ₹14,500 crore has been allocated for welfare pensions, while ₹400 crore has been set aside for the Connect Scholarship. The honorarium of ASHA workers has been increased by ₹1,000, he added.

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The minister further pointed out that the honorarium for ASHA workers, anganwadi employees and literacy instructors has been increased by ₹1,000. Despite what he described as neglect by the Centre, the state has managed to stay afloat, he said. The Centre has reduced the state’s share of taxes, cut the borrowing limit, and virtually sounded the death knell for the MGNREGA scheme, the minister added.

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