Kerala Approves Graphene Policy; Cabinet Clears Key Decisions

Thiruvananthapuram: The State Cabinet has approved the Kerala Graphene Policy to promote research, production and industrial use of graphene in the state. With this decision, Kerala aims to position itself as a major centre for graphene technology, which is widely seen as a material of the future.

Graphene has the potential to bring significant changes across sectors such as electronics, energy, healthcare and manufacturing. The new policy focuses on promoting research and practical applications of graphene and related materials. It seeks to support industrial growth, encourage innovation and create sustainable employment opportunities.

The government plans to build a strong ecosystem by supporting start-ups, strengthening research and development, ensuring technical assistance and building global partnerships. The policy also includes financial consultancy and marketing support to help enterprises grow.

Among other decisions, the Cabinet approved the Kerala Advocates’ Welfare Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2026, amending the 1980 Act. The maximum benefit payable at the time of retirement or in case of death has been increased from ten lakh rupees to twenty lakh rupees. Financial assistance for major surgeries and cancer treatment has been raised from one lakh rupees to two lakh rupees.

• The Cabinet also approved the establishment of an Additional Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Changanassery.

• KSEB Ltd has been permitted to extend its power purchase agreement with NTPC for three more years.

• The eleventh pay revision for employees of the Co-operative Service Examination Board was approved subject to conditions. The earlier decision to grant the tenth pay revision was ratified.

• Approval was granted to transfer 4.74 acres of land held by Technopark to KSPACE, subject to conditions. This is in place of 3.67 acres from the earlier proposed land that had to be set aside for constructing a rainwater harvesting system.

• The Cabinet also cleared the tender for constructing a modern gas crematorium at Haripad Municipality.

• The service of Dr Santosh Babu, who serves as Managing Director of Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Limited on contract and holds additional charge as Managing Director of Kerala Fiber Optic Network Limited and Executive Director of Information Kerala Mission, has been extended for one year from October 10, 2025.