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Kerala Budget 2026: CM V D Satheesan Unveils Second Land Reforms ... ETV Bharat / bharat Kerala Budget 2026: CM V D Satheesan Unveils Second Land Reforms, Mission Samudra and Welfare Push Amid Fiscal Constraints Framing the budget as a roadmap for a 'New Kerala', CM announced a series of landmark initiatives, including support for senior citizens, health and education. Chief Minister and Finance Minister V D Satheesan presenting his first budget on Friday ( Etv Bharat ) By ETV Bharat English Team Published : June 19, 2026 at 4:23 PM IST 6 Min Read Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister and Finance Minister V D Satheesan on Friday presented an ambitious and wide-ranging Kerala Revised Budget 2026 that seeks to balance fiscal prudence with welfare commitments, infrastructure expansion, industrial growth and social sector reforms. Framing the budget as a roadmap for a 'New Kerala (Puthu Keralam)', the government announced a series of landmark initiatives, including a proposed second phase of land reforms, a maritime development mission, enhanced support for senior citizens, investments in healthcare and education, and measures to stimulate employment and entrepreneurship. The budg…

Revised Budget pledges 'New Kerala' with inclusive growth, sustainable ... Thiruvananthapuram | UDF leaders on Friday welcomed the state Budget presented by Chief Minister V D Satheesan, who also holds the Finance portfolio, describing it as a development-oriented document focused on innovation, infrastructure and long-term economic transformation. In a social media post, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said the Budget sought to look beyond immediate challenges and position Kerala for the future despite fiscal constraints. He particularly welcomed the emphasis on investment, innovation, logistics, technology and employment generation, as well as the focus on the knowledge economy, space economy and aviation sectors. Tharoor described Mission Samudra as one of the most ambitious proposals in the Budget. He said the initiative recognised Kerala's coastline as a strategic economic asset by integrating ports, logistics, manufacturing, waterways and coastal livelihoods. He appreciated the emphasis on research, innovation and the space sector, and welcomed the recognition accorded to the silver economy, describing it as a forward-looking response to Kerala's demographic realities. "Imp…

Kerala Budget: Light Metro announced for Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode News Desk Last Updated: 19 June 2026, 10:31 AM IST Share CM V D Satheesan allocates ₹985.77cr for roads and bridges besides announcing new Light Metro projects for Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. Representational image Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister V D Satheesan, who also holds the finance portfolio, announced that the Light Metro project will be implemented in the cities of Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram . The initiative aims to place these cities at the forefront of infrastructure development. The Chief Minister stated that this government will execute the Light Metro projects, which had been promised by successive previous governments but were never implemented. The budget has earmarked ₹20 crore for the preliminary works of the project. In a massive push to upgrade the state's transport infrastructure alongside urban transit, the Chief Minister also announced an allocation of ₹985.77 crore dedicated entirely to the development and modernisation of roads and bridges across Kerala. Published: 19 Jun 2026, 10:31 am IST Share Related Topics Kerala Budget June 2026 Metro Rail VD Satheesan Thiruvanant…

Kerala allocates Rs 50 crore for Gen-Z startups and Rs 10 crore for ... Nation and Beyond Kerala allocates Rs 50 crore for Gen-Z startups and Rs 10 crore for Malayalam AI in 2026-27 budget TNM (With ANI Inputs) | Published On: Jun 19, 2026 ANI Photo | Kerala allocates Rs 50 crore for Gen-Z startups and Rs 10 crore for Malayalam AI in 2026-27 budget The Kerala Government, led by Chief Minister V D Satheesan, unveiled the 2026-27 State Budget on Friday, including a Rs 50 crore fund for Generation Z startups and a Rs 10 crore allocation for a ‘Malayalam AI Initiative’. During the budget presentation in the Legislative Assembly, Satheesan, who also holds the Finance portfolio, highlighted the importance of advancing Malayalam in the era of Artificial Intelligence by developing an open Malayalam dataset and supporting indigenous AI model creation with the Rs 10 crore allocation. Also Read Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi to face trial for rape in France Goan student selected for India at 2026 Pickleball World Cup in Vietnam Ashmita Chaliha reaches Macau Open 2026 semi-finals with straight games win Kerala became the first Indian state to establish a dedicated Artificial Intelligence minis…

Keralam Budget 2026-27: UDF govt allocates funds for higher education ... Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan | Photo Credit: TH The Keralam government on Friday unveiled a roadmap focused on higher education, investments, healthcare, research and welfare, with plans to transform the state into a global knowledge and innovation hub while expanding social security measures and employment opportunities. Presenting the 2026-27 State Budget in the Assembly, Keralam Chief Minister VD Satheesan announced that Keralam will be developed into a "Knowledge Valley" with the aim of making the state a preferred destination for higher education. The government plans to enact special legislation to attract leading foreign universities and encourage collaborations with premier institutions, enabling students to access world-class education within the state itself. Amendments will also be made to the Private University Bill for the initiative, for which ₹100 crore has been allocated. To boost investments, a special data-driven "Invest Kerala" cell and an Investment Advisory Council will be set up to facilitate industrial growth and attract investors. T…

Reinventing the Kerala Model - NewsClick File photo of Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan | Twitter/@vijayanpinarayi Kerala, long heralded as apioneerin social welfare and progressive governance, continues to forge a path of sustainable and inclusive development through a series of well-considered policy initiatives. In an era when states grapple with competing demands of economic growth, social equity and environmental conservation, Kerala’s governance model serves as a beacon for balanced policymaking. The state’s latest efforts, especially those unveiled in early 2025, reaffirm its commitment to eradicating poverty, fostering a knowledge-driven economy, and crafting a sustainable urban future. One of the most ambitious undertakings by the Kerala government is its goal toeliminateextreme poverty by November 2025. This initiative, which was formally announced in early January, is noteworthy for its scientific approach and comprehensive design. The government has identified approximately 64,000 families living in extreme poverty and plans to uplift them through targeted interventions. The strategy involves financial assistance, improved access to education, healthcare, …

Kerala budget allocates Rs 50 crore for Gen-Z initiatives THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Friday announced a Rs 50 crore initiative for Generation Z, describing the digitally native generation as a key driver of Kerala’s future economy and innovation ecosystem. Presenting his maiden Budget in the Assembly, Satheesan said Generation Z was among the forces rapidly transforming the world. According to him, those born and raised in the digital age regard technology as an integral part of their lives and are quick to adopt emerging innovations. “Gen Z is the fastest demographic to adopt and utilise breakthroughs in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Data Science, the Internet of Things (IoT) and Virtual Reality (VR). The creative abilities and technological excellence of the younger generation can be harnessed to develop Kerala’s start-ups, innovation hubs, research centres and smart industries, while emphasising digital ethics, privacy protection, cyber security and core human values,” he said while presenting the revised state Budget in the Assembly. “By striving to develop technological solutions to complex problems and create systemic change, …

Kerala Budget 2026-27 gives tourism Rs 325 crore, industry status push Kerala’s revised Budget for 2026-27 has given a major push to tourism, with an allocation of Rs 325.36 crore and a range of projects covering hospitality, heritage, eco-tourism and medical tourism. Presenting his maiden budget on Friday, Chief Minister V D Satheesan said the government would take steps to make tourism a priority sector in the state. He said measures would be initiated to declare tourism as an industry so that incentives available to industries could also be extended to the sector. Satheesan also said, "Necessary amendments to existing laws would be brought in to enable the use of more land in plantation areas for tourism purposes." The budget announced several projects in Alappuzha district. Satheesan said tourism amenity centres and houseboat terminals built under the Mega Tourism Circuit Project with central assistance during the UPA government period would be renovated and put to effective use. A waste treatment plant would also be set up in Alappuzha to process houseboat waste and other waste generated by tourism activities. He also announced a Pilgrimage Tourism Circuit Project in Alappu…

Kerala Budget 2026-27 Live: UDF Govt First Budget Highlights, CM VD ... Home News Kerala News Kerala Budget 2026-27 Live: UDF Govt First Budget Highlights, CM VD Satheesan... News Kerala News Kerala Budget 2026-27 Live: UDF Govt First Budget Highlights, CM VD Satheesan Speech Updates Admin June 19, 2026 0 Facebook X Pinterest WhatsApp Live tracking of the Kerala State Budget 2026 presentation. Stay tuned for live commentary, analysis, welfare schemes, and breaking news from the assembly New State Fodder Farm to be Established at Nettukaltheri Schools to Get ‘Poultry Clubs’; ₹102.88 Crore Allocated for Dairy Development New Procurement Centers to be Established for Coconut Farmers Support Price of Natural Rubber Increased to ₹250/kg ₹600 Crore Allocated for ‘Priyadarshini’ Free Travel Scheme for Women Mega Push for Next-Gen Tech: ₹50 Cr for Generative AI, ₹10 Cr for Malayalam AI Initiative Light Metro Projects to be Implemented in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode Global Furniture Hub: A specialized Global Furniture Hub will be developed connecting Kochi, Aluva, and Perumbavoor . Gold & Jewellery Hub: To transform Kerala into a premier national and global hub for gold trading and cr…

Kerala CM VD Satheesan presents maiden budget with dream projects Thiruvananthapuram: When Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan became the third chief minister to also present the state budget as finance minister, after R Shankar and Oommen Chandy, when presenting his maiden budget on Friday, it also marked milestone in his over two-and-a-half-decade-long legislative career. Since his predecessor KN Balagopal had presented a budget prior to the state assembly election in May and the LDF coalition lost majority, it was Satheesan's turn to present a 'revised budget' for financial 2026-27 in the assembly. Satheesan lost no time to follow up on the already taken steps to keep his word on the UDF's five Indira-guaraantees such as free ride for women in KSRTC buses. His budget speech also came up with several dream projects like as increase in anganwadi teachers salary and a Rs 400 crore allocation to make Kerala a port city tapping on the state's long coastline and waterways, under the name 'Mission Samudra'. Beginning his speech by quoting figures from the White Paper on Kerala’s financial position, Satheesan said the government, which came to power with a clear mandate, was…

Dream projects feature high in Kerala’s Revised Budget; Satheesan announces Land Reforms 2.0, hike in rubber MSP A glut of announcements marks Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan’s 98-minute presentation of Kerala Budget which promises ‘governance with empathy’

Kerala Revised Budget 2026-27: Rubber Support Price Hiked to ₹250 ... Home News Kerala News Kerala Revised Budget 2026-27: Rubber Support Price Hiked to ₹250, Massive Tax... News Kerala News Kerala Revised Budget 2026-27: Rubber Support Price Hiked to ₹250, Massive Tax Relief for EVs and Private Buses Admin June 19, 2026 0 Facebook X Pinterest WhatsApp THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister and Finance Minister V.D. Satheesan presented the revised state budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 during the first session of the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly. Marking the maiden budget of the newly formed UDF government, this revised fiscal plan introduces sweeping changes to the initial budget presented earlier in January. Themed around ‘Puthuyugam Kerala’ (New Era Kerala) , the budget strikes a fine balance between major infrastructure upgrades and immediate social welfare relief. Addressing the assembly, the Chief Minister highlighted that despite the state’s towering debt burden of ₹5.07 lakh crore, the government aims to generate revenue through disciplined fiscal management without imposing any excessive tax burdens on the common public. Here is a comprehensive, sector-wise breakdown of…

Kottayam Skywalk revival, Film City in Kochi and more: Know what Kerala ... News Desk Last Updated: 19 Jun 2026, 03:21 pm IST Share If you are looking to see what the Budget means for your district, here are some of the key announcements. M C Road | Photo: Mathrubhumi The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government on Friday presented a revised State Budget for 2026-27, outlining a range of development initiatives across Kerala. From major infrastructure projects and healthcare investments to education, tourism and industry-led growth, the Budget earmarks funds for several district-specific priorities that are expected to shape local development in the coming years. If you are looking to see what the Budget means for your district, here are some of the key announcements: Thiruvananthapuram Knowledge and Space Hub: Designated as Zone 1 of the Southern Kerala Economic Corridor, focusing on space technology and knowledge. Infrastructure: Expedited land acquisition for the Balaramapuram-Vizhinjam underground railway and the Vizhinjam-Navaikulam Outer Ring Road (₹100 crore allocated). Transport: Implementation of the Thiruvananthapuram Light Metro (₹20 crore shared with Kozhi…

Kerala Budget 2026-27: Maritime plan, infra push, here are the highlights Manufacturing zones, stuffing centres, and dry ports will be established near Vizhinjam and Kochi ports, while Vizhinjam will be developed as India's leading green bunkering port. Photo: Wikimedia Commons Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan on Friday (June 19) presented the UDF government's first Budget for 2026-27 in the Assembly, unveiling a mix of fiscal reforms, infrastructure projects, and welfare initiatives aimed at reviving the state's economy while acknowledging the severe financial pressures facing the government. The revised Budget, presented four months after the previous Left government tabled the Budget for the current financial year, reflects a Rs 20,500 crore shortfall in expected revenue compared with the estimates made in January 2026. In the Budget, prepared against the backdrop of the White Paper released by his government, Satheesan, who also holds the Finance portfolio, said the state's accumulated liabilities, including those of the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) and Kerala Social Security Pensions Limited, stand at Rs 87,012 crore. Also Read:Kerala…

Kerala Budget 2026: Understanding V.D. Satheesan's ambitious ... © Copyright 2026 The Week Online. All rights reserved. The vision is to develop Kerala into a "Port State" by linking roads, railways, waterways, industrial zones and greenfield cities into a unified maritime economy Nirmal Jovial Updated- June 19, 2026 11:31 AM IST 4 minuteRead Link Copied A phased water transport network connecting major and minor ports will also be developed An allocation of ₹400 crore has been made for Mission Samudram, including the Port City project The Chief Minister also announced the establishment of an International Maritime Museum in the state The V.D. Satheesan government announced its ambitious Mission Samudram project in the Kerala Budget 2026 that was presented on Friday. "By integrating Kerala's 600-km coastline, two international ports, one container terminal, 17 non-major ports, and several inland waterways, the government proposes to implement Mission Samudram, an ambitious programme to transform Kerala into a major maritime power on the global map within five years," Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, who also holds the finance portfolio, said in his Budget speech. The visi…

Kerala Budget 2026: One Kerala Karuthal Mission Launched to Support ... News Desk Last Updated: 19 Jun 2026, 01:03 pm IST Share The Kerala Budget has announced the 'One Kerala Karuthal Mission' to support financially struggling families through a transparent donation platform for meeting medical expenses and children's educational costs. V D Satheesan | Photo: G Sivaprasad/Mathrubhumi Thiruvananthapuram: The first Budget of the UDF government led by Chief Minister V D Satheesan has announced the launch of the 'One Kerala Karuthal Mission', a new initiative aimed at supporting economically disadvantaged families and individuals suffering from chronic illnesses. An allocation of ₹1 crore has been made for the project. The mission will function as a technology-driven, transparent digital platform designed to connect donors with families in need of financial assistance. According to the Budget, the primary objective of the initiative is to help families struggling to meet medical expenses and children's educational costs. The mission will facilitate financial support through contributions from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds, corporat…

Kerala's revised budget bets big on maritime economy, moots Rs 100 cr ... Follow TNM'sWhatsAppchannel for news updates and story links. Presenting the revised Budget for 2026–27 in the Assembly, Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan, who holds the Finance portfolio, outlined the government's vision of building a "New Kerala" through inclusive economic growth and sustainable infrastructure expansion. Highlighting challenges such as mounting fiscal pressure, off-budget liabilities, declining remittances and inflation, he announced the launch of Mission Samudra, aimed at transforming Kerala into a major maritime and economic gateway. The government has set aside Rs 400 crore for the initiative and plans to introduce a dedicated maritime policy focusing on the development of 13 non-major ports.The budget has also proposed an international maritime museum with an allocation of Rs 750 crore, JC Daniel International Film City in Kochi with an estimate of Rs 100 crore, and the creation of the MT Vasudevan Nair Cultural Park in Kozhikode with Rs 50 crore. An expert committee will be established to improve the functioning of the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). Satheesan…

Kerala Budget 2026-27 Allocates Rs 325 Crore to Tourism and Industry ... Kerala Budget 2026-27 Allocates Rs 325 Crore to Tourism and Industry Status Initiatives Header News National News Published By - Pooja Shah June 19, 2026 Reading time - 2 min. Facebook X Copy URL WhatsApp The revised Budget for Kerala in the financial year 2026-27 has made a notable allocation of Rs 325.36 crore aimed at enhancing the tourism sector. Chief Minister V D Satheesan presented his first budget on Friday, emphasising the government’s commitment to prioritising tourism as a crucial part of the state’s development agenda. The budget outlines various projects that span hospitality, eco-tourism, heritage, and medical tourism. Satheesan announced plans to elevate tourism to industry status, which would allow the sector to receive similar incentives currently available for other industries. To facilitate this transition, the government intends to introduce necessary amendments to existing regulations that govern land use, particularly in plantation areas designated for tourism activities. Numerous projects are slated for implementation in Alappuzha district. Under the Mega Tourism Circuit Project, which …

Kerala budget: VD Satheesan announces world-class football stadium in ... News Desk Last Updated: 19 June 2026, 11:26 AM IST Share The state government has allocated an initial ₹50 crore for the project, which aims to deliver a state-of-the-art sporting facility equipped with modern infrastructure. Representational Image | Canva Thiruvananthapuram: A world-class football stadium is to be constructed in the football-centric Malabar region to scout local talent and host international fixtures, Chief Minister VD Satheesan announced during his budget address on Friday. The state government has allocated an initial ₹50 crore for the project, which aims to deliver a state-of-the-art sporting facility equipped with modern infrastructure. The stadium is part of a broader fiscal package for sports and youth affairs, which has received a total budgetary allocation of ₹173.77 crore. As part of this funding, the government will also launch a comprehensive scheme to fully renovate and modernise playing fields across college campuses statewide. Also read : Kerala budget 2026-27: State set to be transformed into major Asian aviation logistics hub 'Mission 2036' With a long-term vision to elevate…

Kerala Budget pledges Rs 2,076-crore health boost, maritime push, and ... THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister VD Satheesan on Friday presented the revised Budget for 2026-27 in the Kerala Legislative Assembly, the first budget of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government that assumed office last month. "Budget will form a roadmap for the State’s development trajectory for the next five years. Kerala’s social and development indicators have been declining. Youth employment is rising. The government is committed to improving the health and education sectors, enhancing job opportunities, ensuring the well-being of senior citizens. The budget will pave the way for a Puthuyuga Kerala (New-age Kerala)," said Chief Minister VD Satheesan during his preparatory speech before the budget. The CM in his budget speech announced the constitution of an expert committee to restructure the functioning of KIIFB. It said KIIFB’s off-budget borrowings and debt burden had created economic instability in the state. Mission Samudra will be launched with an allocation of Rs 400 crore to develop Kerala into a major player in the global maritime sector. A maritime policy focusing on 13 no…

Kerala Budget offers a basket of goodies for districts, city KOCHI: The state budget has much in store for Ernakulam district and Kochi city. Compared to previous years, allocations were better in terms of infrastructure development. According to Industries Minister P Rajeeve, the government has presented a budget that follows up on its vision of the development of the commercial and industrial sector, along with the infrastructure development of the district. “The budget allocation will be very helpful for the development of Ernakulam district,” he said. Some of the highlights are the Rs 2,150-crore international commercial housing complex at Marine Drive, Rs 239 crore for the second phase of Kochi Metro, and Rs 10 crore for Operation Breakthrough. Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) founder chairman D Dhanuraj saidthe budget was very good for Kochi in terms of allocation. “Be it infrastructure development or other sectors, Kochi has received a good share of budgetary allocation. But the key question is where will all this money come from. If in the past civic bodies and institutions were not completely utilising plan funds, the situation today is even if these bodies deci…

Kerala budget proposes 'Invest Keralam' with eye on ease of doing ... Onmanorama Staff Published: June 19, 2026 01:19 PM IST 2 minuteRead Link Copied Successive governments in Kerala have spoken about improving the ease of doing business in the State. The latest budget has sought to take that agenda forward through the proposed 'Invest Keralam' initiative, aimed at creating a more investor-friendly ecosystem. The scheme proposes a series of measures to simplify the process of doing business and attract quality investments to the State. To support this initiative and strengthen Kerala's startup and entrepreneurial ecosystem, the government has earmarked ₹100 crore under the Kerala MSME Growth Scheme. The budget noted that despite Kerala's strengths in human capital, literacy, healthcare and education, factors such as limited land availability, high land and labour costs, and delays in obtaining clearances have often discouraged investors. To address these challenges, the government will establish a specialised, data-driven cell called 'Invest Keralam'. The cell will function as an apex single-window system, providing investors with access to land, regulatory and statutory cle…

UDF's 1st Kerala budget signals shift from welfare to infra, investment Home India Governance Kerala coastline at its centre, UDF's 1st budget signals shift from welfare... Governance Kerala coastline at its centre, UDF’s 1st budget signals shift from welfare to infra, investment The revised 2026-27 Budget focuses on port-led growth, investment corridors and land reforms, along with support for fishers, farmers, youth and senior citizens. Aneesa PA 19 June, 2026 07:49 pm IST Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Linkedin Kerala CM VD Satheesan presents the state Budget | Source: X/@vdsatheesan Follow Us : Text Size: A- A+ Thiruvananthapuram: In its first budget after coming to power, the Congress-led UDF government focused on investment and infrastructure, marking a significant departure from the previous LDF government’s interim budget, which centred more on welfare measures. The revised 2026-27 Budget announced a Rs 400-crore Mission Samudra, a Congress pre-poll promise aimed at transforming Kerala into a ‘port city’ by leveraging its 600-km coastline. It also proposed the Southern Kerala Economic Corridor linking Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha, alongside a Rare Earth and Critical…

Kerala Cabinet Clears 404-Crore Second Phase of Chellanam Sea Wall Tuesday 30, June 2026 English E-paper Trending Topics English Kerala Published onJan 22, 2026, 12:21 PM|2min read Thiruvananthapuram:Kerala Minister P Rajeev, in an official Facebook post, announced that the Cabinet has approved the second phase of the Chellanam tetrapod sea wall, awarding the 404-crore-rupee project to ULCCS under the nomination system. Sharing the development with satisfaction, Minister P Rajeev said he had first decided on building the Chellanam tetrapod sea wall during his first meeting in the Assembly after assuming office. The first phase of the project, spanning 7.3 km with an investment of 347 crore rupees, was completed in 2023. The minister expressed personal satisfaction at the progress. As previously planned, the Cabinet has now cleared the way for constructing the remaining 6.1 km of the tetrapod sea wall to complete the project. On average, the state government spends over 66 crore rupees per kilometre for shoreline protection in Chellanam. Rajeev noted that even when representatives from the same party were in power both in the state and at the Centre, completing this proje…

Kochi gets film city, industry hubs and infrastructure push in budget, but ... Onmanorama Staff Published: June 19, 2026 10:14 PM IST 6 minuteRead Link Copied Kochi: The revised State Budget for 2026-27 unveiled a string of major allocations and ambitious projects for Kochi and, largely, for Ernakulam district, including a ₹100-crore international film city, industrial manufacturing hubs, healthcare upgrades, and transport infrastructure. Yet, despite the district emerging as one of the prominent beneficiaries of the budget presented by Chief Minister and Finance Minister VD Satheesan, Kochi Corporation found itself largely left out, with almost none of its key civic demands making the cut. The civic body had high hopes in the budget as the CM himself comes from Ernakulam district and the corporation is ruled by the UDF. Welcoming the budget, Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden said that after a long time, the State had presented a budget that would bring ‘great joy to Kochi’. He described the proposed JC Daniel International Film City as a matter of ‘great pride for Ernakulam’ and expressed gratitude for the inclusion of the Goshree connectivity projects, which he said he had personally …

Kerala plans three-district Economic Corridor to promote space, rare ... ADVERTISEMENT Kerala state government will earmark the three southern districts Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha as the 'Southern Kerala Economic Corridor' to integrate the strengths of the region into a unified economic zone of national strategic importance. While Thiruvananthapuram has a world-class deep-sea port at Vizhinjam and space and technology institutions, Kollam is known for rich deposits of critical mineral and rare earth deposits along the coast and Alappuzha has a blue economy of unmatched potential. The establishment of the Corridor will see Thiruvananthapuram (Zone 1) transformed into Kerala's Knowledge and Space Technology Hub; Kollam (Zone 2) into the nerve centre for mineral processing and rare earths and Alappuzha (Zone 3) elevated as India's Blue Economy capital, V.D. Satheesan, Chief Minister of Kerala, who also holds Finance Ministry portfolio, said during his maiden Budget presentation in the State Assembly on June 19. Satheesan said a detailed project report will be prepared through an expert agency to map out the necessary infrastructure and formulate the requisite admi…

Kerala Budget: CM Satheesan pledges 'New Kerala' with inclusive ... Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheeshan (file photo) | Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan, who also holds the Finance portfolio, on Friday presented the revised Budget for 2026 27 in the Assembly, pledging to build a "New Kerala" with inclusive growth and sustainable infrastructure development. Citing severe fiscal stress, hidden liabilities, lower remittances and inflation as key challenges before the government, the CM unveiled Mission Samudra to build a port-led economy, elevate the state as a global maritime and economic hub. The government is committed to stimulating the economy through broad-based development strategies, attracting large-scale investments across various sectors, mobilising financial resources for the public exchequer, and ensuring the equitable distribution of wealth, the CM said. "To achieve these objectives, the government has outlined flagship initiatives," he said. By integrating Kerala's 600-kilometre coastline, two international ports, one container transshipment terminal, 17 non-major ports, and numerous ot…

Kerala's Revised Budget Prioritises Renewable Energy and Green ... Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan presents the Revised Budget 2026-27 in the State Assembly on Friday. Thiruvananthapuram, 20 June: The Kerala government has placed renewable energy at the heart of its long-term energy strategy, with the Revised Budget for 2026-27 allocating significant resources to strengthen clean energy infrastructure and enhance energy security. Presenting the Budget in the State Assembly, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan announced an allocation of ₹100 crore for renewable energy, green hydrogen, and other alternative energy initiatives. The funding will support projects such as floating solar power systems, pumped hydro storage projects (PSPs), large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS), and community-based energy storage solutions at the panchayat level . The Chief Minister highlighted the strategic importance of Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PSP) in balancing renewable power generation and meeting future energy demand. He also outlined Kerala’s ambition to emerge as a Green Hydrogen Hub by leveraging renewable energy resources to produce green hydrogen, green ammonia, and green methano…

Mission Samudra, ₹25 lakh health insurance & Land Reforms 2.0: Key ... Onmanorama Staff Published: June 19, 2026 02:59 PM ISTUpdated: June 19, 2026 04:52 PM IST 5 minuteRead The Kerala Budget for 2026-27, presented amidst a difficult fiscal situation with significant revenue shortfall and mounting liabilities, prioritises a blend of welfare measures, infrastructure development, and investment reforms. A flagship initiative is 'Mission Samudra', a ₹400 crore programme designed to transform Kerala into a maritime powerhouse within five years by integrating its coastline, ports, and inland waterways. The Budget also focuses on boosting investment and employment through mechanisms like 'Invest Keralam', promoting MSMEs, and fostering growth in the knowledge, education, and healthcare sectors. Link Copied Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister and Finance Minister V D Satheesan on Friday presented the UDF government's maiden Budget in the Kerala Assembly, unveiling a mix of welfare measures, infrastructure projects, healthcare initiatives, investment reforms and economic development programmes. Presenting the revised Budget for 2026-27, Satheesan said the government was addressing …

Kottayam Skywalk revival, Film City in Kochi and more: Know what Kerala ... Kottayam skywalk revival, Kochi Film City & more: Know what Kerala Budget 2026 offers your district # News Desk Last Updated: 19 June 2026, 03:22 PM IST M C Road | Photo: Mathrubhumi The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government on Friday presented a revised State Budget for 2026-27, outlining a range of development initiatives across Kerala. From major infrastructure projects and healthcare investments to education, tourism and industry-led growth, the Budget earmarks funds for several district-specific priorities that are expected to shape local development in the coming years. If you are looking to see what the Budget means for your district, here are some of the key announcements: Thiruvananthapuram Knowledge and Space Hub: Designated as Zone 1 of the Southern Kerala Economic Corridor, focusing on space technology and knowledge. Infrastructure: Expedited land acquisition for the Balaramapuram-Vizhinjam underground railway and the Vizhinjam-Navaikulam Outer Ring Road (₹100 crore allocated). Transport: Implementation of the Thiruvananthapuram Light Metro (₹20 crore shared with Kozhikode). Hea…

CM Satheesan Vows New Vision Budget for Kerala Despite Severe ... Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Wednesday said his government was preparing its first budget under severe financial constraints and would have to find additional resources to implement its development plans Ahead of the presentation of the UDF government's first budget in the State Assembly on June 19, Satheesan, who also holds the Finance portfolio, said the government was working with limited funds despite having ambitious plans. Referring to the budget presented by the previous Left government in February this year, he said, "We are facing many constraints and limitations. This is a revised budget, and we have to work within those realities." Taking a dig at the previous government, the CM said he was in a position where he had to mobilize an additional Rs 20,500 crore to fund the Rs 35,000 crore budget plan. "I have the impossible task of pulling off a miracle," he said. "My task is to somehow generate the remaining resources needed. Unless we can raise that amount, we will not be able to implement this year's planned projects," he said, reacting to a query during a press conference held after the stat…

Kerala Budget 2026-27: Land reforms 2.0, EV road tax cut and Rs 50 ... Kerala Chief MinisterVD Satheesan, who also holds the finance portfolio, on Friday (June 19) presented the revised stateBudgetfor 2026-27, unveiling a package of tax relief measures, vehicle-tax changes to promote electric mobility, targeted support for Gen‑Z startups and some interesting initiatives for Artificial Intelligence (AI). The package aims to ease the tax burden on households and businesses, mobilise revenue through one‑time settlements, and accelerate the state’s technology and innovation agenda. Tax reliefs, amnesty schemes and revenue picture CM Satheesan announced several taxpayer concessions and amnesty schemes designed to clear long-pending dues and provide relief to small taxpayers. The revised Budget estimates revenue receipts at Rs 1,69,646.37 crore against revenue expenditure of Rs 2,05,001.67 crore, leaving a revenue deficit of Rs 35,355.30 crore. Capital expenditure (net) is estimated at Rs 19,651.41 crore, public debt (net) at Rs 52,364.13 crore, and an overall deficit of Rs 41.23 crore. Additional expenditure of Rs 1,080.95 crore brings the cumulative deficit to Rs 1,504.63 crore for …

Kerala Budget 2026-27 unveils Mission Samudra for a port-led state Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan, who also holds the Finance portfolio, on Friday presented the revised Budget for 2026–27 in the Assembly, setting out a plan to build a "New Kerala" through inclusive growth and sustainable infrastructure development. Highlighting severe fiscal stress, hidden liabilities, lower remittances and inflation as major challenges, he announced Mission Samudra to build a port-led economy and position the state as a global maritime and economic hub. He also said the government would pursue broad-based development, attract large-scale investments, mobilise financial resources for the public exchequer and ensure equitable distribution of wealth. "To achieve these objectives, I will now outline the government's flagship initiatives," Satheesan said in his Budget speech. Under Mission Samudra, the government plans to bring togetherKerala's 600-kilometre coastline, two international ports, one container transshipment terminal, 17 non-major ports and other water-based resources to give the state a major presence on the global maritime map within the next five years. The plan is to turn Kera…

In revised Kerala Budget, 'Knowledge Valley' to keep students from ... Positioning Kerala as a maritime and aviation logistics hub, setting up a Knowledge Valley to stem student migration, promoting a “silver economy” to harness the expertise of senior citizens, and bringing a comprehensive land management policy to attract investment are among the key initiatives announced in therevised Budgetfor the current fiscal year, presented by Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Friday. One of the majorBudgetannouncements that Satheesan, who also holds the Finance portfolio, made is the proposed restructuring of the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), which the previous Left government had turned into a vehicle for off-budget borrowing and infrastructure financing. “The debt repayment obligation of KIIFB is Rs 20,000 crore. KIIFB relies on off-budget borrowings at interest rates significantly higher than those incurred on standard sovereign state borrowings. This has inexorably pushed the state’s borrowings and debt burden beyond permissible limits, triggering grave macroeconomic imbalances. Taking cognisance of these challenges, we will constitute an expert committee to ini…

Kerala Budget: Private investment the only way to boost State’s economy, says Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan He dismisses Opposition allegations that the UDF is promoting privatisation and says that the government intends to introduce new economic models.

Keralam unveils revised deficit-budget, bets on port-led ... Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan | Photo Credit: - Keralam Chief Minister VD Satheesan who also holds Finance portfolio, on Friday presented a revised Budget for 2026-27, projecting a cumulative deficit of ₹1,504 crore after accommodating additional expenditure of ₹1,080.95 crore, while avoiding major new resource mobilisation measures. The revised estimates mark an improvement over the interim Budget presented in January by predecessor KN Balagopal, which had projected a cumulative deficit of ₹1,773.46 crore amid mounting commitments on welfare pensions and salary revisions. Presenting the maiden Budget of the new government, Satheesan said escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, the risk of lower NRI remittances and inflationary pressures from volatile crude oil prices had compounded the state’s financial challenges. Despite the difficult backdrop, the Budget lays out a vision for a “New Age Keralam,” combining economic growth with social justice and environmentally sustainable infrastructure development. The government plans to leverage technology to strengthen he…

New-age Kerala Budget 2026: Satheesan's Plan for Knowledge Valley, Jobs ... Welfare pledges, fiscal stress and investment push shape ‘New Age Kerala’ vision Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Friday presented his maiden State Budget, unveiling an economic roadmap centred on governance, welfare, investment and long-term growth. Holding the Finance portfolio alongside the Chief Minister’s office, Satheesan tabled the revised 2026–27 Budget in the Assembly, joining a select group of Kerala Chief Ministers to present a Budget while in office. Beginning his speech with figures from the White Paper on Kerala’s finances, Satheesan said the government’s goal was to build a “New Age Kerala”. He said the Budget was anchored on the theme of ‘Good Governance and Compassion’, balancing infrastructure development with social welfare. However, the Chief Minister warned that the state faced mounting fiscal pressure due to lower revenue generation and obligations linked to infrastructure financing. To address financial concerns, the government announced an expert committee to review the functioning of KIIFB. Satheesan also flagged future liabilities, including salar…

Kerala Tourism Industry Welcomes State Budget; Landmark Step Towards ... 🔊 Listen to this Kerala’s tourism industry has welcomed the State Budget for its significant steps towards granting industry status to the tourism sector – a long-pending demand. The Confederation of Kerala Tourism Industry (CKTI) said the budget lays a strong foundation for future growth and will boost investor confidence. CKTI President E.M. Najeeb said the budget reflects the Government’s vision of a “New Age Kerala” (Puthuyuga Keralam). “By positioning tourism as a priority sector and moving to extend industry benefits to it, the Government has acknowledged tourism’s vital role in Kerala’s economic and social development. This is a historic move for the entire tourism fraternity,” he said. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan announced a total allocation of ₹325 crore for the tourism sector in the revised 2026-27 budget, with the official grant of Industry Status as a major highlight aimed at attracting greater investment and growth. CKTI welcomed the move, noting it will enable tourism enterprises to access incentives available to other sectors, spurring investment and employment. Najeeb called for continued fo…

From Rare Earth Corridor to Light Metro: Top infra projects announced ... Kerala Budget 2026, Kerala Budget 2026 Explained:TheKerala governmenton Friday announced several infrastructure projects aimed at improving the state’s economy and connectivity. Presenting the budget for the financial year 2026-27, Chief Minister V D Satheesan, who is also holding the finance portfolio unveiled a a series of major infrastructure projects, including the launch of Mission Samudra, the fast-tracking of the Balaramapuram-Vizhinjam underground railway line and the Vizhinjam-Navaikulam Outer Ring Road project. TheBudgetalso outlined plans for an Economic Corridor, a Rare Earth and Critical Minerals Corridor, and light metro systems in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. Speaking in the assembly, the Chief Minister said that government will launch Mission Samudra to integrate the state’s 600-km-long coastline, two international seaports, a container transhipment terminal, 17 non-major ports and numerous other aquatic resources. The government has allocated an amount of Rs 400 crore for the Mission Samudra projects which includes the Port City. “Envisioning Kerala as a cohesive ‘Port City,’ this in…

Kerala Revised Budget 2026-27 - en.channeliam.com The Revised Budget 2026–27, presented on June 19, 2026, lays out Kerala’s shift toward an investment-led, technology-driven economy under the vision of“Puthuyuga Keralam” (New Age Kerala). It comes at a time of heavy fiscal pressure, including an accumulated debt burden of ₹87,012 crore and widening revenue gaps, and focuses on industrial growth, governance reform, and social protection. The state faces a tight financial situation with high debt and limited fiscal space. The plan outlay has been cut from ₹35,750 crore to ₹30,370 crore due to revenue shortfalls. Kerala’s total debt stands at ₹5.07 lakh crore, while committed expenditure like salaries, pensions, and interest takes up 77% of revenue receipts. Interest payments alone account for 20.9%, and capital expenditure remains low at 1.3% of GSDP. An Expert Committee will be formed to restructure KIIFB and review its borrowing framework. Mission Samudra (₹400 crore) aims to build a unified port and coastal economy, linking Kerala’s long coastline with major maritime infrastructure including Vizhinjam and boosting coastal employment. Economic corridors include the Southern Kera…

15,000 Startups and 1 Lakh Jobs by 2026: Pinarayi Vijayan Unveils ... Saturday 04, July 2026 English E-paper Trending Topics English Kerala Published onMay 08, 2025, 02:27 PM|3min read Kochi:Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has declared that the Kerala government aims to create one lakh (1,00,000) new jobs by supporting 15,000 startups in the coming year. He made the announcement while inaugurating the Ernakulam district-level interaction as part of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government’s fourth anniversary celebrations.In his speech, the Chief Minister emphasized that Kerala's startup ecosystem has undergone a significant transformation over the past nine years. "In 2016, we had just 3,000 startups. Today, that number stands at 6,300. These ventures have attracted 5,800 crore rupees in investments and generated around 60,000 jobs. This is a clear reflection of the strength of Kerala's youth and the government’s consistent efforts," he said.Pinarayi Vijayan also highlighted that Kerala now ranks among the top states in India for startup support and innovation. The narrative that Kerala is not investor-friendly has changed decisively. “Kerala is now number one in the cou…

Committed to creating 'New Age Kerala': CM Satheesan unveils roadmap in ... Committed to creating ‘New Age Kerala’: CM Satheesan unveils roadmap in his maiden budget By IANS | Updated: June 19, 2026 10:05 IST 2026-06-19T10:02:41+5:30 2026-06-19T10:05:08+5:30 Preferred on Preferred on Next Thiruvananthapuram, June 19 Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan presented his maiden state Budget on Friday, marking a significant ... Committed to creating ‘New Age Kerala’: CM Satheesan unveils roadmap in his maiden budget Thiruvananthapuram, June 19 Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan presented his maiden state Budget on Friday, marking a significant milestone in his over two-and-a-half-decade-long legislative career. Satheesan, who became a minister for the first time after assuming the Chief Minister’s office, also took charge of the Finance portfolio and presented the revised Budget for 2026-27 in the Assembly. With this, Satheesan has joined the rare list of Chief Ministers who have presented a Budget while holding office. Before him, only R. Sankar and Oommen Chandy had presented Budgets as Chief Ministers in Kerala. Beginning his speech by quoting figures from the White Paper on Kerala…

Kerala Budget 2026-27: Ports, aviation hub and MSMEs in focus as ... - Mint Keralam Chief Minister and Finance Minister VD Satheesan on Friday presented the revised state budget of the UDF government for the financial year 2026-27. The newUDF government's first budget pledging to build a “New Keralam” with in five years through reforms in health and education, employment generation, social welfare, and moderninfrastructure development. "This revised budget of theUDF governmentwill serve as the roadmap for the welfare schemes to be implemented in the state over the next five years. The UDF government came to power with a clear and decisive public mandate," Satheesan said. He said theBudgetreflects the UDF government's vision of addressing these challenges through reforms, technology, and investments in social and physical infrastructure. "The government is committed to creating a New Era Keralam by formulating initiatives aimed at improving the health and education sectors through the maximum utilization of modern technological possibilities, generating more employment opportunities, ensuring the welfare of senior citizens, and integrating modern infrastructure development," he…

Kerala budget allocates Rs 385 crore for tourism; K-Homes plan sparks ... THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Setting the stage for development, the budget has allocated Rs 385.02 crore for the tourism sector. K-Homes, a new product that aims to use the empty and unoccupied homes across the state for tourism accommodation, remains one of the key announcements in the budget. The government has allocated Rs 33.60 crore more to the tourism sector compared to previous years, yet the industry is apprehensive that a large share of projects remain incomplete owing to a 50% cut in plan funds. The K-Home initiative has received mixed response from the industry. The plan is to pilot the project within a 10-km radius of tourism destinations, including Fort Kochi, Kumarakom, Kovalam and Munnar. However, allocating Rs 5 crore for marketing and piloting the project has irked homestay operators in the state. Kerala Homestay and Tourism Society (HATS) director M P Sivaduttan told TNIE that allocating funds for such an initiative is upsetting as the government hasn’t till date allotted a penny for struggling homestays. “Even the Union government has acknowledged homestays and has announced Mudra loans. Homest…

Kerala Budget bets big on Gen Z: State govt allocates over Rs 200 cr to ... Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan on Friday presented a revised Budget for the state; the United Democratic Front (UDF) government’s first financial blueprint for the next five years. Among other announcements, the Budget placed “Generation Z” at the centre of its vision for a knowledge-driven economy. CM Satheesan, who also holds the state’s finance portfolio, unveiled a series of higher education and skills initiatives in the revised Budget for 2026-27. The package is aimed at making Kerala a global knowledge hub. It also seeks to reduce the outflow of students and skilled youth to other states and countries. Satheesan proposed two flagship initiatives in the revised Budget. The first is the Kerala Knowledge Valley, a planned world-class higher education hub. The second is the Global Job Watch Tower, a state-level mission to track future skills and employment trends. The Kerala Knowledge Valley will combine advanced academic programmes, research parks and centres of excellence. The government plans to attract Indian and international universities through a dedicated legislative framework. Rs 100 cror…

UDF govt unveils ₹400-crore Mission Samudra to transform Kerala into ... Onmanorama Staff Published: June 19, 2026 09:32 AM ISTUpdated: June 19, 2026 10:25 AM IST 2 minuteRead Kerala's government has launched 'Mission Samudra', a £400 million maritime development initiative, to establish the state as a significant port-led economy and maritime power. The five-year project will integrate ports, road and rail infrastructure, and greenfield projects, including a proposed underground rail corridor to Vizhinjam port, aiming to bolster connectivity. Key components of the project include the establishment of an International Maritime Museum, development of regional economic hubs (knowledge/space technology, rare earth industry, blue economy), and a shipbuilding hub, with employment priorities for coastal communities. Link Copied Thiruvananthapuram: The UDF government's maiden Budget presented by Chief Minister and Finance Minister V D Satheesan in the Kerala Assembly on Friday unveiled an ambitious ₹400-crore maritime development programme, Mission Samudra, aimed at transforming Kerala into a major port-led economy and maritime power. The five-year project seeks to integrate port…

Kerala Budget allocates ₹1,500 cr in general education to improve ... Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 19 (PTI) The revised Kerala Budget for 2026-27 allocated close to₹1,500 crore to the general education sector to improve the quality and academic standards of government-run schools in the state. It also outlines steps to promote and ensure menstrual hygiene among girls as well as encourage scientific awareness among students to transform Kerala into a global knowledge hub. IIT Madras awards degrees to 1,460 graduates from its global online learning programme Chief Minister V D Satheesan said that under the 'Menstrual Hygiene Initiative for Empowering Girls' availability of sanitary napkins to all girls will be ensured and facilities will be provided for their safe and environmentally friendly disposal. The other objectives of the scheme are to maintain clean and hygienic school toilets, create girl-friendly campuses, generate awareness, conduct workshops and ensure state and district-level monitoring, he said. In order to promote scientific awareness among students and transform Kerala into a global knowledge hub, a new scheme titled 'Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Scientific Temper' w…