Kerala government is introducing a new mechanism to ensure timely implementation of budget projects

Chief Minister VD Satheesan

The Kerala government has decided to introduce a new mechanism to ensure timely and effective implementation of projects announced in the budget.

Addressing reporters after the state cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Chief Minister VD Satheesan said the new system is aimed at addressing delays and deficiencies that have affected the implementation of budget projects in the past and to ensure more credibility in budget announcements.

Round table conference

As part of this initiative, the government will organize a round table conference from September 16 to 18 in Thiruvananthapuram. The program will bring together officials from different ministries and a wide range of stakeholders to develop detailed implementation plans for major projects.

In the revised budget, the government announced 73 projects covering more than 40 departments. Of these, there are 63 interdepartmental projects requiring the involvement of multiple departments, the remaining projects fall under individual departments.

According to the Chief Minister, interdepartmental coordination was often the main reason for delays in project implementation. The new mechanism is intended to address deficiencies by clearly defining the responsibilities of each department and stakeholder, establishing implementation timelines, and identifying appropriate implementation and economic models for individual projects.

The projects were grouped into six clusters, with 34 projects selected for detailed discussion. A knowledge partner was also selected to support the exercise.

Roundtable conferences will explore the scope of each project, its strategic objectives and key components, as well as its implementation and economic models. Detailed project reports (DPRs) will then be drawn up for each project.

The government plans to involve a wide range of stakeholders in the discussions, including think tanks, policy experts, academics, research and technical institutions, multilateral and bilateral development partners, financial institutions, investors, industry and industry associations and startups.

Mr. Satheesan added that the terms of reference for the exercise have already been prepared. Besides, projects were categorized department wise and allotted to respective departments at the time of budget announcement itself, he said.

Another government decision

Other decisions include the appointment of a panel of senior advocates to act on behalf of the state. The retirement age of district judicial officers in Kerala has been raised to 62 years. The decision was taken in accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court, Mr. Satheesan pointed out.

Former Kerala High Court Judge C. Pratheep Kumar has been appointed as the Ombudsman for Local Self-Government Institutions.

The Cabinet also sanctioned ₹5,000 from the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund for a survivor of the attack at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Kozhikode Government Medical College in 2023.

Published – September 9, 2026 12:09 PM IST