Kochi neglected yet again, says T.J. Vinod; Mayor rebuts charge

Ernakulam MLA criticizes State government for neglecting Kochi in budget allocations, Mayor highlights funds allocated for city's development.

The sidestepping of Kochi by the State government during the past few years, even though the city made significant contribution to the State’s revenue, was evident in Friday’s Budget as well, Ernakulam MLA T.J. Vinod has said.

This attitude of the government is much like the Centre’s neglect of Kerala. “As a people’s representative, I generally submit at least 20 budgetary proposals. But no project worth its name was allotted to Kochi during the past few years. The government also owes an explanation as to why no funds were allocated for the Ernakulam KSRTC bus stand which has been in a dilapidated condition for years,” he said.

A ₹2,000-crore housing project of the Kerala State Housing Board was mentioned in the 2024 Budget. Not a stone has been moved for the project. All this shows that Kochi got precious little, while old projects are being re-announced again and again. Above all, members of the public are being befooled, year after year, Mr. Vinod said in a release.

Rebutting statements that Kochi did not get its share of funds, Mayor M. Anilkumar said ₹15 crore had been set apart for a road cluster that the Kochi Corporation had sought in a memorandum submitted recently to the Finance Minister. Another ₹5 crore has been allocated for tourism development in Fort Kochi, while the beach and the city’s coastline protection could benefit from the substantial allocation in the Budget for the purpose. In addition, the Kochi metro and the Water Metro had been given over ₹400 crore, he added.