Except for its indulgence towards the crisis-ridden plantation sector, the State Budget this year has little to offer to Kottayam.
Though the district would have liked to see some new projects, the share of the district in the budget is limited to financial support for the higher education sector and industrial units and cascading effects of the allocations of the inland fisheries, flood relief and tourism.
While the Mahatma Gandhi University will receive ₹27 crore, ₹two crore has been earmarked for the K.R. Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Art. Further, two public sector units — Kottayam Mills and Travancore Cements — have been allotted ₹seven crore and ₹two crore respectively.
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The district also stands to benefit from the restoration of the Alappuzha-Changanassery Canal and the Alappuzha-Changanassery road. Similarly, the allocation of funds for promotion of Inland Fisheries and Tourism marketing will also have a significant impact on the emerging village destinations here.
Ro-Ro services
Other key projects that will benefit the district are the introduction of Ro-Ro services in the Vaikom-Thavanakkadavu ferry route and the allocation of ₹131 crore for development of inland water routes.
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There is good news for the People’s Initiative for Meenachilar-Meentharayar-Kodooraar Relinking as a fund of ₹25 crore has been allocated for rejuvenation of the rivers.
Support price
The district, however, will continue to be the biggest beneficiary of the ₹500 crore fund as support price for rubber and the proposal to open a company on 200 acres for production of value added rubber products.
Meanwhile, Kottayam MLA Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan has sent a letter to the Finance Minister, seeking to extend financial support to a host of infrastructure projects including Pallam-Puthupally Road, Chingavanam sports institute, Gandhinagar-Medical college four lane and a parallel bridge at Kodimatha.
Other demands raised by Mr. Radhakrishnan included the flyover at Kanjikkuzhy, new block for the District veterinary Hospital and the District Homeo Hospital.
Though a host of projects were announced in connection with the Sabariala, the proposed airport at Erumely was conspicuous by its absence during the budget presentation.