A Budget for Holistic Development Across All Sectors in Kerala: CM Pinarayi VIjayan

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has responded to the state budget presented today by the Finance Minister in the Assembly, describing it as a people -oriented plan aimed at comprehensive development and welfare across all sectors.

Vijayan said the LDF government has been striving over the past decade to transform Kerala into a modern and developed middle- class society, a goal first defined in the 14th Five-Year Plan in 2022. “Such a middle -class society must rest on two pillars. First, creating a welfare state for the people in accordance with the guiding principles envisioned by our Constitution. Second, accelerating economic growth by promoting capital investment and improving infrastructure. Kerala is moving rapidly towards both objectives, and the proposals presented in today’s budget, when implemented quickly, will enable holistic progress in the state,” he said.

The Chief Minister addressed criticisms suggesting that schemes announced in the budget could not be implemented over the past decade, dismissing them as immature allegations stemming from disappointment. “Many projects once deemed impossible have been realised over the last ten years, from national highway development to the second phase of the Vizhinjam port. No one can claim ignorance of these achievements,” he said.

Pinarayi Vijayan emphasised that the government has given significant attention to welfare initiatives alongside development over the last decade, and the current budget continues this trend. He noted that Asha workers had already received a 1,000 -rupee increase in honorarium before the budget, and an additional 1,000 rupees has now been allocated. Anganwadi workers, pre-primary teachers, and literacy instructors will also receive a 1,000-rupee monthly increase.

The budget further promises full payment of remaining DA and DR arrears for government employees and pensioners, with one DA instalment to be released alongside February salaries, offering relief to government staff. From April 1, the existing Contributory Pension Scheme will be replaced by the Assured Pension Scheme. The government has also adopted the five-year principle for salary revisions, following the tradition of previous left-led governments.

Chief Minister recalled that the government had pledged in July 2024 to clear all arrears under the welfare pension scheme, and he said the government is fulfilling all such commitments.

The budget includes a historic allocation of 100 crore rupees for mitigating human-wildlife conflicts. Employment guarantee schemes have been allocated an additional 1,000 crore rupees compared to previous years.

Funds have been earmarked to modernise auto-rickshaw stands and establish gig hubs with modern facilities for gig workers, reflecting the government’s concern for all sections of society. Higher education initiatives include free undergraduate education at aided arts and science colleges and a 400 -crore rupee allocation for the ‘Connect to Work’ scholarship programme, supporting students and job-seeking youth.

Pinarayi Vijayan said the budget provides relief to workers, farmers, the middle class, government employees, and the business community alike. Simultaneously, it serves as a strong political response to central government actions that, he said, undermine Indian federalism and constitutional values. “Unjust restrictions on loan limits and the withholding of constitutionally mandated tax shares and other dues by the Centre are financially straining states. This budget documents Kerala’s steadfast resistance to such violations of state rights,” he added.