Kerala Budget 2026-27: Ports, air hub and SMEs in focus as Satheesan unveils growth plan – Key Points | Today’s news
Keralam Chief Minister and Finance Minister VD Satheesan on Friday presented the UDF government’s revised state budget for the financial year 2026-27.
The first budget of the new UDF government pledged to build a ‘New Keralam’ within five years through reforms in health and education, employment generation, welfare and development of modern infrastructure.
Read also | War anxiety over West Asia is sending NRIs back into the Kerala real estate market
“This revised budget of the UDF government will serve as a blueprint for social programs to be implemented in the state over the next five years. The UDF government has come to power with a clear and decisive public mandate,” Satheesan said.
He said the budget reflects the vision of the UDF government to address these challenges through reforms, technology and investment in social and physical infrastructure.
“The government is committed to create a New Era Keralam by formulating initiatives to improve the health and education sector by making maximum use of modern technological options, creating more employment opportunities, ensuring the welfare of senior citizens and integrating the development of modern infrastructure,” he said.
Satheesan said the government inherited problems in several key sectors despite Kerala’s achievements in social development over the years.
“The public health, education and social sectors that have gained global recognition are facing serious challenges and pressures in recent times. Kerala’s social development indicators have been stagnant for years. Youth unemployment remains a matter of concern,” he said.
Satheesan highlighted the welfare measures already taken by the UDF government despite financial constraints.
“Despite the serious financial challenges the state is facing, the government has already implemented key promises under Indira’s six assurances, including free travel for women in KSRTC buses and creation of a separate ward for senior citizens. Honorariums for ASHA workers, anganwadi workers, helpers and teachers have also been increased. By boosting investment in the health and education sectors, the government wants to mark Kerala as a destination,” he said.
Read also | Airport testing, spot checks: Kerela issues new monkeypox guidelines
Emphasizing the need to adapt to social and economic changes, he said the government would focus on the welfare of senior citizens while looking for new avenues of economic growth.
“Along with providing better facilities for the elderly, we should also make the best use of their capabilities and create a silver economy. Kerala’s financial constraints and structural changes cannot be addressed through conventional methods alone. The government is committed to attracting large-scale investment through modern and innovative approaches, generating resources for the exchequer and ensuring equitable distribution of wealth,” he added.
Kerelam Budget Key Points:
– ₹400 crore for Mission Samudra, which includes all major and minor ports,
-Vizhinjam port will be linked to make Kerala a port city.
– ₹100 crore for the South Kerala Rare Earth and Critical Minerals Corridor
– ₹200 crore to establish Kerala as a major aviation and logistics hub.
– ₹100 crore to help the growth of small and medium enterprises in the state
– ₹100 crores to make the movie City in Kochi named after JC Daniel
This revised budget of the UDF government will serve as a blueprint for social programs to be implemented in the state over the next five years.
– ₹50 crore for setting up Wayanad Tribal University and Indigenous Knowledge Zone
– ₹50 crore for an international standard football stadium in Malabar
Key things
- Kerala is spending ₹400 crore on coastal development to improve trade through major ports.
- Investments in air logistics aim to make Kerala a major hub for the industry.
- Initiatives targeting SMEs and the elderly demonstrate a commitment to inclusive growth.
