State Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal presented the sixth consecutive Budget of the LDF government in the Kerala Assembly, focusing on welfare spending and infrastructure development. The budget highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing sustained fiscal neglect by the Centre. Despite upcoming Assembly elections, a full budget was presented instead of a vote-on-account budget.
Balagopal emphasized that the government had fulfilled its promises and was open to public scrutiny of its development and welfare initiatives. He stated that Kerala was moving towards a “new normal” and anticipated significant transformation in the coming decade. The Budget also included strong criticism of the Centre, accusing it of undermining Kerala’s social harmony and federal values.
One of the key highlights of the Budget was the continued emphasis on welfare pensions. An allocation of Rs 14,500 crore was made for welfare pensions in the upcoming financial year, with a significant portion dedicated to women’s security pension. Balagopal noted that welfare pensions had been incrementally increased during the LDF’s tenure, benefiting nearly 30% of the state’s population.
The Finance Minister highlighted that government assistance now reaches close to one crore people, with a total distribution of Rs 54,000 crore as welfare pensions over a decade by the end of the government’s second term. Despite challenges, Balagopal assured that Kerala’s debt remained manageable and that the state had made significant progress over the past four years. The Budget also expressed the state’s protest against what was described as neglect by the Centre.
Balagopal criticized the Centre for reducing Kerala’s tax share, limiting borrowing capacity, and imposing financial constraints. He commended Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s efforts in advancing National Highway development in the state, attributing the progress to political determination. The Budget, released close to the Assembly elections, not only focuses on welfare commitments but also conveys a strong political message, positioning the LDF government as a guardian of social security and Kerala’s fiscal rights within the federal structure.
