Reduction of ward fund in Kozhikode budget gets flak

KOZHIKODE: In the discussion held on Friday over the budget for the financial year 2017-18, the opposition councilors of the Kozhikode municipal corporation criticised the reduction of ward fund. They alleged that the budget sans any unique projects and is a cheap replica of the projects envisaged by the union and state governments. Ruling LDF members however opined that the budget is a model one which gives priority to women empowerment and people friendly. UDF councilor Ushadevi opined that the statistics given in the budget are different from the state government records.

Nallalam councilor Kunhamutty said that the proposed income from bus stand rent has been reduced by half in the present budget. "It shows that the Deputy Mayor is not confident about the budget," he said. He added that the Corporation should purchase 10 acre land to start industrial hub where many can get jobs. Noted incident during the first day of discussion was the speech of BJP councilor Ponnath Shyma who supported the budget while rest of the opposition were against it. The discussion will continue on Saturday and is expected to pass the budget unanimously.