The upcoming Ernakulam District Panchayat budget is expected to focus on social initiatives and addressing the needs of marginalized and disadvantaged communities.
District panchayat president KG Radhakrishnan said the budget would prioritize sectors such as education, geriatric care, agriculture and palliative care, with a special focus on the elderly, differently-abled, scheduled caste communities and transgender people.
In the case of differently abled people, attention will be given to formulating programs and training methodologies to make them self-sufficient.
Unique products
Agriculture is another area that will receive special attention, Mr. Radhakrishnan said. “When we think about agriculture, we also need to focus on developing value-added products. We are thinking of identifying one product from each panchayat and promoting it. For example, we could take the case of Vazhakkulam in Manjalloor panchayat and promote pineapples. Or there may be panchayats that have sufficient paddy production and that can be promoted in one way and we will focus on one product and focus on that product from there,” said Mr. Radhakrishnan.
Special attention will be given to the development of Scheduled Caste communities. In the case of schools, emphasis will be placed on ensuring quality education. “We need to execute these plans keeping in mind the changing environment and technology and equip the classrooms with technological tools designed for the present time,” he added.
Mental health and geriatric health will be paramount, he said. The main emphasis will be placed on creating recreation spaces for seniors. “We need to create public spaces where they can engage and relax. The vast majority of older people face loneliness and social isolation and this needs to be addressed,” he added.
Agritourism is another area where the budget is likely to focus sufficiently.
Published – 18 Feb 2026 22:06 IST