Kerala budget

Sir,- Against the backdrop of near bankruptcy of the State's finances, the Kerala budget has followed the familiar pattern of increasing taxes. The ``honeymoon'' has turned sour just two months after the new UDF Government was sworn in. The much-talked about `White Paper' on the State finances, and the public debate on it, concealed more than what it revealed. A four per cent tax has been levied on branded bread which reminds us of the option given by the French Queen, Marie Antoniette, to her subjects.

The budget proposes to set up an investment growth fund to attract overseas NRKs (non-resident Keralites). But, in the present context of US-64 debacle and the state of finances, the fund will have few takers. Lastly, taxing liquor trade to the hilt will wear out the goose that lays the golden egg. The sale of `seconds' will flourish.

Subbiah Venkataraman,

Thiruvananthapuram

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Opinion
Previous : Let hearts take over
Next     : The General saw only Kashmir