KOCHI: The annual budget is all-inclusive and aims at a comprehensive development of all sections of the society, said Mayor Soumini Jain. Addressing a press conference after the budget presentation, Ms Jain said though some of the proposals are repetitions, development was a continuous process. “The budget is realistic based on facts and figures, and all the proposals have feasible solutions which can be implemented without any technical glitches,” she said. Deputy mayor T.J. Vinod, who presented the budget, said even while more focus was given to increase tax revenue, the budget proposals had a social commitment addressing all sections of society.
On the feasibility of special development charges for the buildings near Metro stations and Metro viaduct, he said other cities like Bangalore had it. He also claimed an increase in property tax (Rs 65.46 crore), professional tax (Rs 24.29 crore) and advertisement (an increase of Rs 20 lakh) in comparison with the previous fiscal. As of March 25, it had cleared Rs 87.12 crore dues to contractors. Now, the civic body owes Rs 34 crore to contractors. Standing committee chairpersons V.K. Minimol, Shiny Mathew, Gracy Joseph, A.B. Sabu, P.M. Haris and K.V.P. Krishna Kumar also attended the press conference.
