NRKs' thumbs up for state budget

Dubai/Sharjah - Non-resident Keralites (NRKs) in the UAE have hailed this decision and expressed happiness that the government is finally looking into their needs.

Though the Indian budget has disappointed expatriates in the UAE, Kerala state budget has showered its Middle East diaspora with a record allocation of funds. Non-resident Keralites (NRKs) in the UAE have hailed this decision, and expressed happiness that the government is finally looking into the needs of its diaspora in the Middle East.
Kerala finance minister Thomas Isaac allocated Rs80 crore towards the welfare of Keralites living abroad in 2018-19, the highest ever announced in a fiscal year. 
K.V. Shamsudheen, the chairman of Pravasi Bandhu Welfare Trust said: "I am ecstatic at this step made by the government. Apart from the emergency funds, job portals for Malayalees in the Middle East and business initiatives, the support given for women empowerment is truly laudable."
Reghu Menon, the director of Publilink said: "We hail the government's decision. This is the first time NRKs feel like the state government is taking care of us. Many of the budget's initiatives will help the most vulnerable sections of the society, especially workers." 
Some of the NRKs in the UAE said that welfare schemes for women and taxation on alcohol are also good moves by the state government. 
Akarsh Sadasivan, a Sharjah resident, said: "The state government has set aside the biggest allocation for us, which is a heartening development. I give a big thumbs up to this budget." 
Meanwhile, Prajeesh Kumar, another Malayalee living in Sharjah, recommended that the state increase road fines for violators. "I think the state government should take a leaf out of the UAE Government and raise road fines and penalties. This is a good revenue generation method which will also curb road accidents too."
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com
(With inputs from Ashwani Kumar)
 

• UAE
• Dubai
• Sharjah