15th Five Year Plan: Former Kerala Finance Minister TM Thomas Isaac criticizes Planning Board’s decision to involve external agencies

Thomas Isaac | Photo credit: FILE PHOTO

The Keralam State Planning Board’s plan to involve consultancy firms and think tanks along with research institutions in the preparation of Kerala’s 15th five-year plan (2027-2032) has drawn criticism from CPI(M) leader and former finance minister TM Thomas Isaac.

Mr. Isaac wrote on Facebook that the decision reflects the decision of the VD Satheesan-led UDF government to convert the Planning Board into a “think tank” on the lines of the NITI Aayog. He argued that discussions in Planning Board working groups, which are usually tasked with preparing comprehensive reports for the development of a plan document, will now be curated by these external agencies.

Mr. Isaac alleged that Mr. Satheesan was doing to the Planning Board what the BJP-led Union government had done to the Planning Commission.

The board’s October 3 announcement seeks to promote “nationally recognized consultancy firms, think tanks, research institutions and other professional organizations for professional, research and technical support for the preparation of Kerala’s 15th Five Year Plan (2027-2032) and other tasks.” He adds that the council intends to prepare the plan through sectoral and thematic working groups composed of experts, government officials, academics, industry representatives and other stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Planning Board officials have called Mr. Isaac’s allegations baseless. The board’s announcement indicates that experts seconded from empaneled agencies will “supplement” the expertise available within government and task forces. Planning Board Vice-Chairman KM Chandrasekhar responded to Mr Isaac’s allegations by saying the former finance minister was trying to create controversy and that it had “no meaning”. “We want to do something that will benefit people,” he said.

Published – 05 Oct 2026 21:41 IST