Rs 25 cr for rehabilitating of Gulf returnees to Kerala

An amount of Rs 25 crore has been earmarked for rehabilitation of the Non-Resident Keralites (NRK), who had to return home after a new labour law was implemented in some Gulf countries, Finance Minister K M Mani told the assembly today.
Mani, in his reply to the Kerala Financial Bill-2015 tabled in the House, said more funds would be allocated for Kerala diaspora who return to state.
He also reiterated the withdrawal of 1 per cent tax imposed in the Budget on rice, wheat, coconut, 5 per cent tax on maida, wheat, suji rava and 2 per cent tax on sugar.

With this a total concession of Rs 260 crore has come into force, he said, adding, that the tax were rolled back in the wake of criticism that it would lead to rise in prices of essential commodities.
Among other things, for the development Hill Palace Museum in Tripunithra an amount of Rs 1 crore has been sanctioned, he said.
Kottayam Press Club got Rs 20 lakh for the completion of a Media Complex in the Budget.
The House passed the Bill amidst protest by CPI-M led LDF Opposition, demanding Mani's resignation in the wake of an FIR registered against him in the bar scam.