Thiruvananthapuram: Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac on Wednesday announced a ₹5,000-crore special package for the development of Idukki district.
Perhaps he was addressing the criticism that he had given the hilly region the cold shoulder in the 2019-20 State Budget.
Concluding the budget discussion, Dr. Isaac announced the package combining the Central and State schemes to address woes of the district.
Idduki was severely battered by floods and landslips recently, crippling its tourism and farm sector.
Raising, hopefully, a consolidated amount of ₹1,500 crore this fiscal, the government will restore Idukki's economy.
The funds would enliven production of tea, pepper, cardamom, value-added fruit, livestock, poultry and dairy products.
Funds will be used, among other plans, to rehabilitate people who lost their houses and livelihoods in the floods.