Applause for Oomen Chandy from region

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.