As the LDF government's third budget is unveiled, here are a few things on which expectations are woven around amid a financial crisis that would have to be dealt with deftly by finance minister Thomas Isaac.
• Efforts to rein in fiscal deficit while borrowing avenues are shrinking
• How the LDF govt tries to check a slump in rubber prices
• Attracting fresh funding to give a fillip to start-up sector
• A revival package for the ailing state-run transport carrier
• A boost to the construction sector, which is one of the worst hit by GST, is an uphill task
• Small and medium-sized industries are desperately seeking a stimulus but the govt's options are limited
• How the govt rolls out a fool-proof mechanism to make the NRI bond scheme attractive
• Balancing shrinking borrowing options without curbing the politically sensitive social sector spending
• Roping in large-scale investments for schemes to be implemented in coastal areas in the aftermath of devastation caused by Cyclone Ockhi
• Keeping all and sundry in good humor with not much options for doling out sops a year ahead of general elections
