Kerala Governor’s political speech in assembly envisages ‘Puthuyuga Keralam’ with emphasis on clean and people-centric governance

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar addressing the Kerala State Assembly in Thiruvananthapuram on May 29, 2026 | Photo credit: Nirmal Harindran

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar’s policy address to the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly on Friday (May 29, 2026) envisioned the creation of a ‘Puthuyuga Keralam’ built on transparent and clean people-centric governance. Mr Arlekar’s speech, which lasted just over an hour, promised administrative efficiency, fiscal responsibility and a “responsible financial recovery strategy” for the state.

The policy speech, while avoiding direct criticism of the BJP-led Union government, said Kerala “strongly believes in cooperative federalism and constructive engagement” with the Centre.

Also Read: Kerala Assembly Session Highlights – 29 May 2026

Primarily, the political discourse sought to expand on the poll promises of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), particularly Indira’s assurances and the “Dream Projects” aimed at transforming Kerala into a port-led and civil aviation hub. She also reiterated the government’s plan to increase welfare pensions to ₹3,000 per month.

Individual announcements included a three-day monthly menstrual leave for school students, unrelenting, “tactical attacks” on organized narcotics networks, the establishment of Jawaharlal Nehru Science Centers to inculcate scientific temper, and a “comprehensive revision” of the Kerala Paddy Land and Wetland Protection Act8 of 2008.

The policy addresses public finances, youth unemployment, rising costs of living, insecurities in the agricultural sector and traditional industries, and environmental degradation as issues facing the state.

The main focus of the governor’s speech was on recovery strategies on the fiscal front. With arrears and fiscal constraints putting severe pressure on public finances, the policy speech noted that the government’s planned white paper on Kerala’s fiscal health would provide “a clear picture of the state’s finances and to lay the foundations for a transparent and accountable financial recovery strategy”.

Efforts would be made to protect state rights under Indian federalism and ensure “justified financial allocations and fair and just treatment by the Union Government”.

Rooting out drug networks

The political speech promises a “zero tolerance approach” to drug mafias and criminal networks. Modernization of the excise department and “Operation Toofan” under the police department are among measures designed to root out drug networks.

Climate resilience, waste management, water conservation, river protection and sustainable urban planning will be prioritized in every budget and development programme, the policy speech said. A new water policy will be proposed to ensure sustainable water use, quality improvement and integrated management of water resources. The highlight of the newly aligned policy will be water credits to incentivize water management in catchment areas.

On the industrial front, the policy speech outlined the UDF government’s plans to transform Kerala into a globally competitive, innovation-driven and sustainable industrial economy.

Revision of Land Laws

In the case of land, the Kerala Conservation of Paddy and Wetlands Act, 2008 will be “comprehensively revised” to permanently address issues related to land conversion, according to the policy manifesto. The government also proposes to set up a Commission to review all land laws, it said.

Other key areas of government policy include strengthening public health institutions and increasing domestic electricity generation through the use of renewable sources and the introduction of energy storage systems.

In the field of elderly care, the UDF government has announced a new department for the sector. The policy address announced plans to make all cities in Kerala age-friendly. ‘Care Cabins’ will serve as support centers in Collectorates, offering legal aid, health care and protective services to the elderly.

In the field of higher education, the government proposes to establish the Academic Syndicate as the supreme body for dealing with administrative and management-related matters. Other important areas of government policy focus include the popularization of public transport and initiatives to make Kerala India’s first “orphan-free” and “women-friendly state”.

Published – 29 May 2026 13:08 IST