INTRODUCTION
The Kerala Finance Minister KN Balagopal, on 3rd February 2023, presented the state Budget for fiscal year 2023-24 in the State Assembly. The LDF government has once again focused on infrastructure development, education, healthcare and welfare measures, despite increasing attacks on fiscal federalism. The fiscal deficit is estimated at Rs 39,662 crore which is 3.5% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), while the revenue deficit is estimated at Rs 23,942 crore (2.1% of GSDP). In an effort to increase its tax revenue, the government has introduced a cess on petrol, diesel, and liquor, which will go towards the Social Security Seed Fund.
In this backdrop, CPPR is organising a webinar to decode and discuss the Kerala Budget 2023-24. CPPR, throughout the years, has been active in budget discussions. We have rich literature on budget analysis including published articles and video discussions. CPPR is active in pre and post-budget discussions in popular news channels both in Kerala and national media.
KEY DISCUSSION POINTS
The suggested critical points for discussion are given below:
- Is Kerala headed for a debt-trap or will this year’s budget be able to address the state’s revenue deficits?
- Implication of introducing Social Security Cess on fuel and liquor.
- Tax hike on two-wheelers, cars, buidlings, etc.
- Feasibility of allocating Rs.1000 crore for the newly-introduced ‘Make in Kerala’ project to increase domestic production, as well as employment, entrepreneur and investment opportunities in Kerala.
- Sustainability of allocating Rs.2,000 crore to combat price rise through market intervention.
MODE: Online
TIME: 3 pm to 4:30 pm
FORMAT: The session is structured as a panel discussion for 45 minutes. The dialogue will be followed by questions from the audience for another 45 minutes.
SPEAKERS:
Dr Jose Sebastian, Chairman and Director of Institute for Enterprise Culture & Entrepreneurship Development, Thiruvananthapuram
Dr C S Shaijumon, Associate Professor. Department of Humanities. Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram
MODERATOR: Ms Anu Maria Francis, Associate – Research, Centre for Public Policy Research, Kochi
DATE: 6th February 2023