Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Budget puts thrust on women-oriented projects

₹1,356.27-crore Budget envisages low carbon emission in city

The city Corporation’s ₹1,356.27-crore Budget for the financial year 2022-23, with a projected surplus of ₹272.61 crore, presented by Deputy Mayor P.K. Raju on Wednesday makes a considerable allocation for women-oriented projects, while setting its sights on addressing carbon emissions in the city. The Budget presentation went over three hours as Mr. Raju had an unprecedented number of 181 projects to read out.

Mayor Arya Rajendran earlier delivered a speech extending the Corporation's support for the State government's SilverLine semi-high-speed rail project and also criticised the policies of privatisation followed by the Union government

Among the projects presented, the Deputy Mayor laid a major stress on the Low Carbon Ananthapuri project which combines solar power projects, social forestry, a push for electric vehicles, sustainable waste management practices, use of alternative products instead of plastic and promotion of public transport to address issues related to pollution. In addition, the ₹6-crore solar city project will continue with the ongoing process of installation of solar panels to meet the power needs of more government buildings.

The civic body will run 'Gramavandi' services in association with the KSRTC to provide more public transportation options on the suburbs. The rent-an-electric-bike project, with an allocation of ₹25 lakh, will provide an environment-friendly way of exploring the city. Another ₹2 crore has been allocated to purchase electric autorickshaws and electric scooters.

The considerable allocation as part of gender budgeting combines projects for women’s safety, revenue generation, entrepreneurship, accommodation, rest houses and awareness campaigns against dowry. Gender spaces, named after Dakshayani Velayudhan, member of the Constituent Assembly of India, will be set up in different parts of the city.

The ₹50-lakh ‘She-hub’ project provides co-working spaces for women employed in the IT sector. Allocations have also been made for a she-fitness centre and a she-lodge. The Sreejwala project is aimed at promoting women with sporting talents.

As part of the She-cart project, ₹50 lakh has been allocated to purchase vehicles for women self-help groups to transport their products. A ₹30-lakh project has been formulated for training/apprenticeship for women who have completed BSc nursing, general nursing courses or paramedical courses.