Kerala state Budget likely on March 19

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state budget is likely to be presented on March 19, according to Finance Minister’s office. Finance Minister K M Mani told reporters here on Friday that the budget  could be presented immediately after the Piravom by-election scheduled for March 18.He said that the model code of conduct, which came into effect with the election notification, would not be a problem in presenting the budget as it was the Constitutional obligation of the government to present the budget and pass the appropriation Bills before March 31. The code of conduct is in effect till March 21. But, it will not be a problem in presenting the budget.Mani, however, said that he would strictly abide by the model code of conduct by not announcing any sops for the Ernakulam district.He said as per Article 125 of the Constitution, it was mandatory for the government to facilitate the Governor’s address with the beginning of the year. The government had written to the Election Commission to allow it to present the budget on March 19 or 20, the Finance Minister said.