THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : Kerala govt has extended its financial austerity measures for the fourth consecutive year, originally started in Nov 2021 in response to Covid-triggered crisis. The steps include curbs on extravagant spending , such as the beautification of govt offices , purchase of new furniture and vehicles for official use . However, increasing exemptions have undermined the effectiveness of the austerity efforts.
The govt faces the challenge of repaying Rs 24,100 crore in principal amounts borrowed from external sources between 2016-17 and 2023-24 over the next three years..