Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan criticises Union Budget for ignoring key demands, including Wayanad aid and AIIMS
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the union budget on Saturday for neglecting the state's major demands across different sectors.
The chief minister said that Kerala had sought a special package to support the rehabilitation of people displaced by the devastating landslides. Still, the Centre did not approve any funding for Wayanad in the budget. The state had requested a special package of ₹24,000 crore specifically for Wayanad.
Vijayan also mentioned that the Centre has continued to overlook the state's long-standing demands, including the establishment of an AIIMS and a railway coach factory.
While Rs 25 lakh crore has been allocated for the states, Kerala is not even in a position to receive Rs 40,000 crore. Is Kerala being punished for its advancements in various sectors, including education? he asked.
Vijayan said the Centre has not addressed other important demands, such as an increase in the support price for rubber, paddy, and coconut. None of the projects submitted in these sectors have received approval. Additionally, there are no restrictions on the import of rubber.
Chief Minister Vijayan stated that the Union Budget has turned into a political document that denies Kerala's aspirations. The demands of the agricultural and industrial sectors have not been adequately considered. Furthermore, subsidies in agriculture and allied sectors have been drastically reduced.
He said the budget has not allocated anything significant for the employment guarantee scheme, which is crucial for providing relief to the poorest of the poor.
Kerala's Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal expressed that the Union Budget for 2025 is very disappointing for the state. He noted that various schemes and projects have been announced for states where the central government has special political interests.
The state requested a special package of ₹5,000 crore for Vizhinjam, which is poised to become the most significant port in the country. Additionally, there was a demand to eliminate the requirement for repayment of the Viability Gap Fund (VGF) sanctioned by the Centre.
The state also asked the central government for permission to borrow ₹6,000 crore that had already been spent by Kerala. However, the Centre has not considered these demands.
