Kollam District Panchayat Vice President SR Arun Babu will present the budget for the year 2026-2027 on Tuesday. | Photo credit: C. SURESHKUMARC
The Kollam district panchayat budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 focuses on comprehensive development with special emphasis on sustainable infrastructure, agriculture and health. Presented by Vice President SR Arun Babu on Tuesday, the budget projects a surplus of ₹₹₹27.29 crore, with projected revenue of ₹268.95 crore and expenditure of ₹210.93 crore. A significant part of the budget is devoted to the revitalization of the agricultural landscape through specialized branding and value-added programs.
The ‘Cashew Delight’ project, allocated ₹ 50 lakh, seeks to restore the glory of the local cashew industry by expanding cultivation and setting up factories for value-added products such as cashew apple juice.
Similarly, the ‘Kollam Harvest’ initiative aims to label and market jackfruit products in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra, while the ‘Kathirmani’ project is raising a substantial ₹4 million to expand traditional Matta rice cultivation over 1,500 acres.
To modernize this endeavour, Kuriyottumala Farm will be transformed into an ‘Agro Galaxy’, an international standard training center and exhibition centre, backed by an investment of ₹50,000 to promote agri-tourism and advanced farming techniques. To mitigate human-animal conflict, ₹50,000 has been earmarked for installation of solar hanging fences and steel crash fencing in border areas using sensors for real-time maintenance.
The district is also tackling the menace of stray dogs through the ‘Sahajeevanam’ project, which is earmarking ₹1.5 crore for shelters and sterilization efforts. In addition, a ₹3 crore portable ABC center project will be launched in collaboration with grama panchayats to provide localized solutions for animal birth control in areas without permanent facilities. The health sector, in particular maternal and child care, is receiving a major boost with dedicated funding for Victoria Hospital. The budget earmarks ₹1 crore for a luxury patient waiting area with air-conditioned halls and digital token systems to improve the experience for patients and passers-by. Key highlights include innovative medical interventions such as ‘kangaroo mother’ chairs for premature babies, nutritional kits for post-partum women and continued support for the Ayurvedic system of Ayurvedic palliative care at Ayurpalayam. In addition, a major project of ₹ 3 crore has been planned to set up Buds School, a residential school and hostel for autistic children to ensure their long-term care and training even in the absence of their guardians. The ‘Soura Tejas Kollam’ project aims to convert all district-owned schools and hospitals to solar power with an investment of ₹10 crore. On the industrial front, the ‘Karmashakti 2026’ plan will provide ₹ 3.20 crore for upgradation of mini-industrial estates, while the ‘Naisargika’ initiative will set up a bio-degradable diaper manufacturing unit to promote eco-friendly hygiene products. To boost the local economy through tourism, the ₹5 crore ‘Neela Haritham’ project will feature pedal boats and water activities, complete with a budget tourism cell offering free educational tours for underprivileged students in KSRTC buses, ensuring that the development remains inclusive and environmentally friendly.
Published – March 3, 2026 8:17 PM IST
