Revised Kerala Budget: Kasaragod district gets special attention

The revised state budget for 2026-27, presented by Chief Minister VD Satheesan, has a special focus on Kasaragod district with a number of measures related to healthcare, education, infrastructure development and social support for endosulfan victims.

The budget says that special development packages being implemented in the backward districts of Kasaragod, Wayanad and Idukki will be accelerated. Education, healthcare, employment and livelihood programs will be prioritized, while special programs will be put in place in areas facing human-wildlife conflict.

The main focus of the budget is to strengthen the infrastructure at the Government Medical College, Kasargod, a premier healthcare institution of the district. The government has announced measures to improve infrastructure, fill vacancies and ensure availability of modern equipment in medical colleges in Kasaragod, Idukki, Wayanad and Manjeri. A special allocation of ₹100 crore has been earmarked for these initiatives.

The budget also includes significant relief measures for Kasaragod, the district worst affected by the endosulfan tragedy. It ensures that all eligible benefits are provided to endosulfan victims and that the government takes steps to take responsibility for the protection and care of affected families.

Ambalathara Kunhikrishnan, a prominent social activist and leader of the Endosulfan Victims Action Council, welcomed the government’s announcement to extend all support to endosulfan victims. “The government’s decision will be a huge relief to victims. The extension of support means they will get all the medical, financial and social help they need and the announcement has given them new hope,” he said. He added that the Chief Minister called him a week before the budget to understand the key demands of the victims.

After the budget discussions, the long-standing demand for a civil station at Manjeswaram also took center stage. Residents and public representatives have been pushing for the establishment of a civic station that would bring together various government offices in Manjeswaram taluk under one roof. The project is seen as key to improving access to government services for people in the northern region of Kasaragod district and there are growing demands to speed up its implementation.

While the budget gave clear focus to Kasaragod through the development of a medical college, support to endosulfan victims and a special district package, there are demands from various quarters for earmarked financial allocations for infrastructure projects, including the Manjeswaram civil station.

Published – 19 Jun 2026 19:11 IST