In Kerala, Finance Minister KN Balagopal presented the State budget for the financial year 2024-25 in the Assembly today focussing on comprehensive progress in agriculture, industry and education sectors. The support price of rubber has been increased from 170 to 180. 1,698 crore has been allotted for agriculture sector. There is no increase in Welfare pension, which was much anticipated. Meanwhile, one instalment of dearness allowance to State government employees was announced, which was long due. The State Budget also proposed to consider a  new scheme to replace the Participatory Pension Scheme. Mr. Balagopal said that that Kerala will be free from extreme poverty by next year.<br />''Opposition leader V.D.Satheesan from Congress said that the LDF govt had put forward an unrealistic budget. <br />