Chandy gives sops to poultry farmers

Amid CPM-led protest and sloganeering, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who holds the Finance portfolio, announced certain concessions especially for weaker sections as a reply to the conclusion of general discussion on the budget for 201617. The House also cut short the discussion on the budget. 

Speaker N Sakthan adjourned the House for the day due to the protests. He also suspended the sitting scheduled for February 19 and 22, as per Chandy’s request. Hitting out at the Opposition, Chandy said LDF was running away from discussion as they were afraid to face the government politically. 

Chandy in his short reply said poultry and cattle rearing would be treated as agriculture to extend benefits of power and tax concessions (now enjoyed by farmers) to them as well. 

With a view to helping families of organ donors, government would bear a portion of their treatment expenses. A detailed scheme would be worked out for this, he said. 

Chandy announced an amount of Rs 25 lakh as part of premium for the health insurance scheme for journalists in the state. Emoluments for Anganwadi teachers were hiked to Rs 10,000 from Rs 7,000, and similarly, that of ‘ASHA’ (Accredited Social Health Activists) workers to Rs 6,500. The daily wages of Rs 300 to Rs 400 given to those who prepare noon meals in schools have been increased to Rs 400 and Rs 500 respectively, he said. 

Families with members suffering from 80 per cent physical disability have been exempted from building tax.