Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday (February 7, 2025) stoutly defended the Kerala Budget 2025-26 as “an illuminating roadmap thoughtfully and empathetically calibrated to give a new impetus to the State’s aspirations.”
He said the Budget sought to circumvent the Central government’s financial constraints imposed on the State to ensure sustainable development, social welfare, and a high physical quality of life index for Kerala.
Also read | Kerala Budget 2025-26 LIVE updates
He said the document touched upon every aspect of life. It aspired to infuse new life into various sectors. “Importantly, the Budget is a political message to those who seek to financially cripple Kerala by exploring and tapping into new areas of revenue”, Mr. Vijayan added.
Mr. Vijayan said the Budget sets short-term social welfare goals and long-term development goals. It aspired to raise resources from new sources without taxing the people overmuch.
He said the government wanted to send a loud and clear message that it would not abandon the State’s development or public welfare despite the Centre’s repeated denial of Kerala’s due.
Mr. Vijayan said the Budget strives to insulate Kerala from the upward-spiralling inflation threatening the national economy and people’s lives.
He said the Budget aspired to create a knowledge-based economy, build critical infrastructure, improve living standards and ensure the future of youth.
Mr. Vijayan said the Budget is focussed on elevating the higher education sector and the public health system to state-of-the-art standards.
Published - February 07, 2025 03:29 pm IST
