Kerala new Finance minister K N Balagopal announced the second Covid package of Rs 20,000 crore to deal with the challenges posed by Covid in the state.  He also allocated Rs 2800 crore for emergency-related activities in the health sector. The Minister  said vaccines to all above 18 years would be given free and for that Rs 1,000 crore have been set aside in the package.

In his first budget speech, the 57-year-old Balagopal also said: "It would include Rs 2,800 crore for emergency Covid situation; Rs 8,900 crore for those who have had serious issues with their livelihoods; Rs 8,300 crore will be used for providing interest subsidies." This is the second Covid package that has been announced by the Pinarayi Vijayan government, the first came in March last year which was also to the tune of Rs 20,000 crores.

Balagopal just before leaving his residence with the budget papers in his hands had said his budget would emphasize on tackling the pandemic.  "Covid pandemic has taken a heavy toll of the economy and we have decided to consider health of prime importance," said Balagopal in his speech in the assembly. Taking a dig of the Centre's vaccine policy, he said the export of vaccines was not done in a professional way.

Rs 635 crore has been set aside to strengthen the health centres across the state besides new blocks will be built in Medical Colleges. Rs 50 lakh has been set aside to start the preliminary studies for setting up a centre here similar to the US-based Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Balagopal said.

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