Thiruvananthapuram: “Kerala is grappling with financial difficulties due to the absence of GST compensation and reduced grants,” Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said during his maiden policy address at the 13th session of the 15th Kerala Legislative Assembly on Friday.
The Governor also said that the government remains committed to the rehabilitation of Wayanad, with plans to complete the construction of the township within a year. Steps will also be taken to address issues faced by the extremely poor and ensure housing for all, as part of ongoing initiatives.
The government is resolute in its commitment to rebuilding a new Kerala, with a focus on eradicating landlessness. Kerala continues to set an example in developmental achievements. Over the past decade, the state has faced major natural disasters. To tackle climate change, a project will be developed with central assistance, the Governor said.
The government is expected to make popular announcements as this is a year of local body elections. The governor was received for the first time in the Kerala Assembly by the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Speaker AN Shamseer and Parliamentary Affairs Minister MB Rajesh.
The 2025-26 Budget Session, the 13th session of the 15th Kerala Legislative Assembly, will spread over 27 days from January 17 to March 28. There will be no Question Hour on January 20, 21 and 22, the days when the Governor’s address would be taken up for discussion. At least in the last two decades, the Question Hour has never been cancelled.
Finance Minister K N Balagopal will present the 2025-26 Budget on February 7. Between the Governor’s address and the Budget presentation on January 20, 21 and 22, will be discussions on the resolution offering thanks to the Governor’s address.
The discussion on the general budget will be held on February 10, 11 and 12. On February 13, the last batch of supplementary grants for the previous 2024-25 Budget will be considered. This will be followed by a break from February 14 to March 2. Then, for 13 days from March 4 to 26, the House will discuss the budget proposals department-wise. The session would conclude on March 28.