KERALA MAY ENHANCE THE INCOME AND BRING DOWN THE EXPENDITURE

The State of Kerala is passing through some of the worst times in it's financial history. The successive governments have not done anything considerable to enhance  the revenue of the state. For decades our revenue is primarily centred on taxes, liquor sales and lottery. Something is received from tourism too. We are practically more depended on loan that too without any available resources for repayment. If the reports are reliable the state of Kerala has a liability of 48 lakhs crores which is the highest among all states. Taxes imposed on people have almost reached an unbearable stage. Yet no measure is being taken to check the expenditure.  There are a number of Commissions active in the state with a good number of staff and with other administrative expenses. Some of these can be dispersed forth with. Traveling expenditure of ministers and other government staff may be brought down considerably. Expenditure towards entertainment by various offices can be suspended for a give period of time. Running of government vehicles may be limited to a certain level. Recruitment to all departments may be suspended forth with. Modification, painting and other related expenditure on government occupied buildings may be suspended for some time. Such other avenues to bring down expenditure may be found and action as deemed fit may be taken.

Parallel to this government should try to enhance the revenue by various means. For instance, with a new policy, we may be able to start about 5,000 or more small and medium industries in the state with no investment  by the government. In the same way more investment can be brought in the private sector in the tourism arena targeting more tourists and deploying more people. There are many such innovative ideas can be put into practice to enhance the income of the state. Let us sideline politics and concentrate on the development of the state and comfort of the people.

K V George