The state budget evokes mixed reactions from the youth, professionals, do-it-yourselfers and fishermen

Vishnu Shankar

Agnas Poulos

Jackson Pollay

Varsha S

Reactions to the state budget remained mixed, with some sections of society welcoming its emphasis on job creation, social measures, technology-led growth and maritime development. Others expressed concerns about implementation, financial sustainability and the potential impact of large-scale infrastructure projects.

Mohammad Yaseen, head of NSUI at Central University of Kerala and a native of Kollam, feels that the budget touches almost every sector. According to him, the focus on futuristic development, especially through Mission Samudra and development of Vizhinjam as a major maritime hub, could create job opportunities for the youth. “The biggest problem in Kerala today is youth unemployment. Mission Samudra and development of Vizhinjam port can create new job sectors and help retain talented youth in the state,” he said.

Vishnu Shankar, a postgraduate law student at Kariyavattom, said the budget reflected an attempt to prepare students for emerging employment sectors. “The allocation to Gen-Z and next-generation technologies such as artificial intelligence, data science and robotics is encouraging. The government seems to be looking beyond conventional job opportunities,” he said. Mr. Vishnu also welcomed the proposed Sidharthan Anti-Ragging and Student Welfare Act, the Student Distress App and the ombudsman system proposed for colleges.

However, he felt that the budget should have paid more attention to strengthening the existing public educational institutions. “Major projects are important, but many government colleges and universities still require urgent improvements in infrastructure, laboratories and libraries,” he added.

A clear commitment

Varsha S., an IT professional based in Thiruvananthapuram, said Budget has demonstrated a clear commitment to technology, innovation and future skills. “The Global Job Watch Tower, Kerala Knowledge Valley, research parks and the Malayalam AI initiative indicate that the government is trying to align education, research and employment with the future demands of industry,” she said.

“The direction is right, but the scope is still limited. Vision alone will not build careers or companies. The real test will be whether these announcements become funded and time-bound projects,” she added.

Agnas Poulose, a UPSC aspirant and job seeker from Pathanamthitta, viewed the budget through the lens of job creation. “Measures that encourage business, create new jobs and support skills development can give hope to thousands of jobseekers,” she said.

From the perspective of a housewife, Mary KV from Pathanamthitta said that the welfare measures will directly affect the lives of ordinary families. “Rising healthcare costs, education costs and transport fees are a big problem for families. Free bus travel for women and support for female students can reduce household expenditure and improve access to opportunities,” she said.

Sreekumar KM, a former government official from Kozhikode, offered a more cautious assessment, questioning whether the state finances would allow effective implementation of all the proposals announced. “If even 50 percent of the promises can be fulfilled, it can be considered a successful budget,” he said.

Resolved requirements

While the fishing industry has welcomed the budget, concerns remain over the blue economy and proposals for port-led development. Jackson Pollayil, state president of the Kerala Swatantra Matsya Thozhilali Federation (KSMTF), said several long-standing demands raised by the fishermen seem to have found a place in the budget. “The most important thing for us is the kerosene subsidy. It is not enough to announce it every year, it must be distributed regularly,” he said.

Mr Pollayil noted that fishermen are experiencing significant loss of working days due to climate-related warnings preventing them from venturing out to sea. He welcomed indications that compensation for such losses might finally be provided.

However, he expressed serious concerns about proposals linked to maritime infrastructure and the blue economy. “We are not against development. But if large corporate interests are allowed to dominate the exploitation of marine resources without adequate safeguards, it could threaten the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen and those who depend on allied sectors,” he said.

Writer Malavika Devi JR is an intern at The Hindu Thiruvananthapuram

Published – 20 Jun 2026 21:24 IST