KOZHIKODE: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has won applause from merchants and traders for his Malabar development package announced in the budget. They have welcomed the special attention given to developing the inadequate facilities in the region.
However, Malabar Chamber of Commerce (MCC) president C. Mohan said the budget would disappoint those who were expecting a boost for the small-scale sector. “But we appreciate the efforts taken to develop our region, unlike previous years,” he said.
Using the unused land of Gwalior Rayons in Mavoor for Public-Private Partnership project and the allotment of Rs 14 crore for Beypore, Ponnani and Kozhikode harbours are major highlights of the budget, in addition to the funds sanctioned for the completion of the Vellimadukunnu- Manchira road development, said Mr C.K. Chakunni, member of Calicut Development Authority.
The MCC also welcomed the packages announced for Wayanad –the regional empowerment package of Rs 19 crore; Kasargod- Rs 87.98 crore; Koduvally bypass- Rs 2.5 crore; Kacherikkadavu, Chanokund bridges in Kannur- Rs 10 crore; grant for Hajj committee - Rs 1.5 crore; government Mental Health Centre, Kuthiravattom- Rs 10 crore and city development project for Kannur- Rs 10 crore.
Industrialist P.K. Ahammed said that it was a popular budget. “ The people of Malabar will benefit if all the projects are implemented,” he added.
