Opinion | The challenge of rebuilding Kerala
6 years, 4 months ago

Opinion | The challenge of rebuilding Kerala

Live Mint  

As the flood waters recede gradually in Kerala and the Kodagu district of Karnataka, the focus will begin to shift from relief operations to rebuilding. Such fiscal laws across the world have inbuilt flexibility that allow the borrowing limits to be crossed in the case of special circumstances such as a sharp recession or wars or natural calamities. One possible way to reduce the cost of reconstruction would be the issue of special bonds at interest rates that are far lower than what the bond market would demand. This newspaper suggests that it would be worth structuring a bond where the interest costs of the borrowing are shared by three entities—the Union government can waive taxes; individuals across the world, including the Kerala diaspora, can accept lower interest rates; and the state government will be left with an interest rate that is around a third of what would otherwise have to be paid to investors. Last year’s rankings, released by the government under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, ranked Surat as the fourth cleanest city in India, after Indore, Bhopal and Visakhapatnam.Though it has slipped in this year’s rankings, the point is not whether there are parallels between what happened in Surat and what has happened in Kerala and parts of Karnataka, but that natural disasters can provide opportunities for fresh starts.

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History of this topic

Budget allocation sought to address tidal flooding issue in Kochi
2 days, 16 hours ago

Budget allocation sought to address tidal flooding issue in Kochi

The Hindu  

Kochi Mayor M. Anilkumar has urged the State Finance Minister to allocate ₹10 crore in the 2025-26 Budget for dredging and deepening the backwaters within the Kochi Corporation limits. The Mayor’s appeal comes amid complaints from residents near the backwaters and stormwater canals about the increasing instances of tidal flooding. The Mayor said that he met the Finance Minister along …

After High Court Nudge, Centre Agrees To Free Kerala Govt Of ₹120 Crore Arrears For Immediate Use In Wayanad Rehabilitation
4 days, 20 hours ago

After High Court Nudge, Centre Agrees To Free Kerala Govt Of ₹120 Crore Arrears For Immediate Use In Wayanad Rehabilitation

Live Law  

The Central government on Friday agreed to free up for now ₹120 crore debt to be paid by the Kerala government towards arrears of airlifting services provided by the Centre in 2006, 2016, 2017, so as to enable the State to put the amount for immediate use in Wayanad rehabilitation works. The development comes after the Kerala High Court asked …

Kerala announces township project for landslide-hit Wayanad amid tussle over Centre aid
1 week, 6 days ago

Kerala announces township project for landslide-hit Wayanad amid tussle over Centre aid

Hindustan Times  

The Kerala government on Wednesday approved a comprehensive rehabilitation project for landslide ravaged Wayanad district amid tussle with the Centre over the alleged lack of financial assistance. The chief minister said the government will ensure that rehabilitation measures also comprise livelihood opportunities in sectors like agriculture, animal husbandry, and micro-entrepreneurship among others to help survivors move on with their lives. …

Kerala finalises Wayanad rehabilitation plan, aims to restore homes and livelihoods
2 weeks ago

Kerala finalises Wayanad rehabilitation plan, aims to restore homes and livelihoods

India Today  

The Kerala cabinet has finalised a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for the victims of the devastating landslides in Wayanad, aiming to restore not only homes but also livelihoods. The decision was announced following discussions led by Chief Secretary Saradha Muraleedharan, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasising the collaborative efforts of Malayalis worldwide in aiding the victims. Under the plan, two sustainable …

Kerala cites need for building climate resilience through ‘anticipatory measures’ in seeking ₹4,500 crore in 2025-26 Union Budget
3 weeks, 3 days ago

Kerala cites need for building climate resilience through ‘anticipatory measures’ in seeking ₹4,500 crore in 2025-26 Union Budget

The Hindu  

In seeking ₹4,500 crore in the Union Budget 2025-26 for building climate resilience, Kerala has drawn attention to a “significant economic burden” on account of climate-related disasters and the need to build resilience through “anticipatory measures.” Initiatives planned by the Kerala State Climate Change Adaptation Mission for focussed resilience-building will require an “initial finance requirement” of ₹22,500 crore between 2025 …

Budget 2025: Sitharaman holds pre-budget consultation in Jaisalmer, states demand 50-year interest-free loans
3 weeks, 4 days ago

Budget 2025: Sitharaman holds pre-budget consultation in Jaisalmer, states demand 50-year interest-free loans

India TV News  

In a pre-budget meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday, state finance ministers demanded more funds under the 50-year interest-free loan scheme. An official statement said, "The Union Finance Minister also mentioned the Special Assistance Scheme to States for Capital Investment, which was first announced in the General Budget 2020-21. Punjab, Kerala demand flexibility in borrowing As per …

Kerala reiterates demand for ₹24,000-cr. special package in Union Budget
3 weeks, 4 days ago

Kerala reiterates demand for ₹24,000-cr. special package in Union Budget

The Hindu  

Kerala has reiterated its demand for a ₹24,000-crore special economic package to tide over the “current liquidity stress,” a ₹2,000-crore rehabilitation package for landslides-hit Wayanad, and a special assistance of ₹5,000 crore for the Vizhinjam seaport project in the 2025-26 Union Budget. Several of the demands, including the ₹24,000-crore special package and the ₹5,000-crore aid for Vizhinjam port, had featured …

Kerala High Court Asks Centre If It Can 'Free Up' State Of ₹180 Crore Arrears To Enable Utilisation Of SDRF Funds For Wayanad Rehabilitation
4 weeks ago

Kerala High Court Asks Centre If It Can 'Free Up' State Of ₹180 Crore Arrears To Enable Utilisation Of SDRF Funds For Wayanad Rehabilitation

Live Law  

The Kerala High Court today asked the Central government to consider relaxing SDRF/ NDRF norms so that State government is 'freed up' of ₹180 crore outstanding debt and can put the same for use in Wayanad rehabilitation works.The observation was made by division bench of Justice A.K.Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Easwaran S, considering the pressing need for assistance in. The …

Kerala to Karnataka: Sponsorship framework in making for Wayanad victims
4 weeks, 2 days ago

Kerala to Karnataka: Sponsorship framework in making for Wayanad victims

India Today  

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in an official response to his Karnataka counterpart, expressed his gratitude for the state’s “100 homes” support to families affected in the July Wayanad landslides. According to the Kerala chief minister’s letter, his government was working towards finalising a detailed sponsorship framework that will incorporate all offers of support for the disaster-affected families. “This framework …

Kerala CM Urges PM Modi To Revoke Finance Ministry’s VGF Repayment Demand For Vizhinjam Seaport
Trending News
1 month ago

Kerala CM Urges PM Modi To Revoke Finance Ministry’s VGF Repayment Demand For Vizhinjam Seaport

ABP News  

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging to step in and reverse Union Finance Ministry's directive to reimburse Viability Gap Funding provided for Vizhinjam International Seaport project. The Vizhinjam International Seaport project, a key infrastructure initiative for Kerala, was sanctioned VGF under the Scheme for Financial Support to Public Private Partnerships in Infrastructure, managed …

Pinarayi Vijayan advocates for Kerala-Tamil Nadu cooperative model for progress
1 month ago

Pinarayi Vijayan advocates for Kerala-Tamil Nadu cooperative model for progress

India Today  

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday called for the expansion of Kerala-Tamil Nadu’s cooperative federalism model to other states. Speaking at a public gathering at Vaikom Beach after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated the renovated Thanthai Periyar Memorial and Periyar Library, Vijayan hailed the enduring partnership between the two southern states. STRENGTHENING COOPERATION Drawing parallels between the …

Siddaramaiah to Pinarayi Vijayan: 100-house offer for Wayanad victims still stands
Trending News
1 month ago

Siddaramaiah to Pinarayi Vijayan: 100-house offer for Wayanad victims still stands

India Today  

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, reminding him of Karnataka's promise to construct 100 houses for families affected by the Wayanad landslides and questioning the prolonged silence from Kerala’s end. The Karnataka government had communicated its offer to the Kerala Chief Secretary and the Chief Minister’s Office, but Siddaramaiah's recent letter highlights the lack …

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan slams Centre's delay in granting assistance to disaster-affected Wayanad
1 month ago

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan slams Centre's delay in granting assistance to disaster-affected Wayanad

Deccan Chronicle  

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan hits out at Centre for delaying assistance to the landslide hit Wayanad. Regarding Amit Shah's recent claim that Kerala failed to provide the necessary memorandum and assessment report, Pinarayi stated that this was not the first instance of the Union Home Minister misleading Parliament and the public about the Wayanad situation. The Chief Minister noted …

State disaster fund use follows Centre's rules: Pinarayi Vijayan on High Court criticism
1 month ago

State disaster fund use follows Centre's rules: Pinarayi Vijayan on High Court criticism

India Today  

The Kerala government has pledged full transparency in auditing the State Disaster Response Fund following the High Court’s strong dissatisfaction over the lack of clarity in its usage. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasised that the government is prepared to submit all accounts as directed by the court, but additional time is required to gather district and department-wise details. Responding to …

Pinarayi Vijayan slams Centre for 'step-motherly treatment' in Wayanad relief aid
1 month ago

Pinarayi Vijayan slams Centre for 'step-motherly treatment' in Wayanad relief aid

India Today  

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has lashed out at the central government and Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing them of spreading misinformation and neglecting Kerala’s needs in the aftermath of the devastating Wayanad landslide. The remarks come in response to Shah’s claim that the Kerala government delayed submitting a disaster assessment report, which Vijayan described as baseless and an attempt …

TN Assembly speaker Appavu slams PM Modi for neglecting flood-hit Tamil Nadu, unfair fund allocation
1 month, 1 week ago

TN Assembly speaker Appavu slams PM Modi for neglecting flood-hit Tamil Nadu, unfair fund allocation

New Indian Express  

TIRUNELVELI: Assembly Speaker M Appavu alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his cabinet ministers were watching a film while people in Tamil Nadu were suffering due to the recent floods. After attending an event in Tirunelveli on Wednesday, Appavu told the media that the union government was treating Tamil Nadu and Kerala unfairly in allocating NDRF funds, while favouring …

Railways Minister flags land acquisition delays in Kerala, Rs12,350 crore projects stalled
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Railways Minister flags land acquisition delays in Kerala, Rs12,350 crore projects stalled

Op India  

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has written to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, highlighting delays in land acquisition for major railway projects in the state. The Union Minister pointed out that the Kerala government had acquired only 64 hectares of land out of the 470 hectares required for various railway projects, despite the Centre releasing Rs2,100 crore to facilitate the process. …

Kerala CM accuses Centre of turning 'blind-eye' towards Wayanad's need for help
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Kerala CM accuses Centre of turning 'blind-eye' towards Wayanad's need for help

New Indian Express  

KANNUR: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday accused the Central government of continuing to turn a "blind-eye" to the state's need for financial assistance for the rehabilitation of the people affected by the devastating landslides in Wayanad in July this year. Vjiayan said that the Centre provided large amounts as assistance to the states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, …

Centre tells Kerala HC that state govt submitted estimate for Wayanad disaster only on Nov 13
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Centre tells Kerala HC that state govt submitted estimate for Wayanad disaster only on Nov 13

New Indian Express  

KOCHI: The Centre has informed the Kerala High Court that, following the landslide disaster in Wayanad, the state government conducted a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment exercise, estimating a requirement of Rs 2,219.033 crore for recovery and reconstruction. The Centre further submitted that to assess the loss of immediate nature, before receipt of the formal memorandum from the state government for additional …

Pinarayi Vijayan asks Kerala MPs to press Centre on key issues in Winter Session
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Pinarayi Vijayan asks Kerala MPs to press Centre on key issues in Winter Session

India Today  

Ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held a crucial meeting with the state’s Members of Parliament on Thursday, urging them to strongly advocate for the state’s key demands in the House. PUSH FOR SPECIAL FINANCIAL PACKAGE Vijayan reiterated Kerala’s demand for a special financial package of Rs 24,000 crores, highlighting the state’s financial strain …

Wayanad Landslides: BJP Accuses State Govt Of 'Siphoning Off Relief Fund' As Rivals Question 'Delay In Central Aid'
3 months, 4 weeks ago

Wayanad Landslides: BJP Accuses State Govt Of 'Siphoning Off Relief Fund' As Rivals Question 'Delay In Central Aid'

ABP News  

In the aftermath of the landslides in Wayanad, Kerala BJP criticised the state government, alleging misuse of funds. Union Minister Suresh Gopi, when questioned by the media about the delay in central assistance for the landslide-affected region, directed the query towards Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. On the other hand, BJP leader V Muraleedharan accused the Kerala government of attempting …

Telangana Chief Minister urges Centre to release ₹2,000 crore for immediate flood relief
4 months, 1 week ago

Telangana Chief Minister urges Centre to release ₹2,000 crore for immediate flood relief

The Hindu  

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has appealed to the Central government for an immediate release of ₹2,000 crore in relief funds, citing preliminary estimates that place the State’s losses due to incessant rains at nearly ₹5,000 crore. Mr. Reddy also requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit Telangana to inspect the widespread damage caused by the heavy rains over the …

PM Modi Wayanad visit Highlights: Modi undertakes aerial survey of landslide-hit areas
5 months ago

PM Modi Wayanad visit Highlights: Modi undertakes aerial survey of landslide-hit areas

The Hindu  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in the review meeting held at the Wayanad Collectorate at Kaleptta that the Centre would provide all the help possible to further the relief and rehabilitation efforts in the landslide-hit areas of Wayanad. Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Minister Suresh Gopi, ministers of a cabinet sub-committee, senior bureaucrats and officials …

Kerala government unveils financial aid for victims in landslides-hit Wayanad
5 months ago

Kerala government unveils financial aid for victims in landslides-hit Wayanad

Hindustan Times  

The Kerala government on Friday announced financial assistance for those affected by the landslides in Wayanad who are currently housed at relief camps set up at government and aided schools in the district. The statement from the chief minister’s office added that each family currently housed at relief camps will get an emergency assistance of ₹10,000 each. Read Here: Rahul …

Govt will rebuild houses damaged by rains or flood in Karnataka
5 months, 1 week ago

Govt will rebuild houses damaged by rains or flood in Karnataka

The Hindu  

The government of Karnataka will rebuild the houses damaged in heavy rains or swept away by floods, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced in Belagavi on August 5. The State Government will provide ₹1.2 lakh compensation in addition to new houses, the CM said. That is why, we have decided to provide ₹1.2 lakh cash compensation along with a house,” the CM …

Chief Minister should first focus on flood relief works, says R. Ashok
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Chief Minister should first focus on flood relief works, says R. Ashok

The Hindu  

Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly R. Ashok on Wednesday said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should first focus on flood relief works rather than spend time giving explanations to the party high command about scandals that the government was embroiled in. Expressing his unhappiness over the flood relief works, Mr. Ashok said: “You should stop visits to New …

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Slams Union Budget for Ignoring State Needs
5 months, 3 weeks ago

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Slams Union Budget for Ignoring State Needs

Deccan Chronicle  

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday slammed the budget presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament, stating it appears to discriminate between states. The chief minister noted that most states including Kerala have been overlooked in the Finance Minister's announcements, which were prefaced with the '8 Goals of National Importance'. The chief minister said after examining …

Kerala promises to underwrite half the cost of ₹3,000-crore Angamaly-Sabari rail project contingent on Centre’s loan
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Kerala promises to underwrite half the cost of ₹3,000-crore Angamaly-Sabari rail project contingent on Centre’s loan

The Hindu  

Kerala has made a firm commitment, expressing its willingness to underwrite half the cost of the ₹3,000-crore Angamaly-Sabari railway project contingent on the Central government extending a loan to cover the estimated amount. Replying to a submission moved by Congress legislator Eldhose P. Kunnappillil in the Kerala Assembly on June 27, V. Abdurahiman, the Minister for Railways, said the Centre …

Kerala facing a very serious liquidity crunch, demands ₹24,000 crore special package
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Kerala facing a very serious liquidity crunch, demands ₹24,000 crore special package

Op India  

The CPI government of Kerala, facing an acute liquidity crisis, has made a new request for financial support from the Modi government. The Kerala finance minister added that despite taking possible measures to enhance its own tax revenue and non-tax revenue, the state is “going through a very serious liquidity crunch”. He also claimed that Kerala is contributing towards aspects …

Centre approves borrowing limit of ₹21,253 Crore for Kerala to tackle economic crisis
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Centre approves borrowing limit of ₹21,253 Crore for Kerala to tackle economic crisis

Op India  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has come forward to assist Kerala in a bid to alleviate the state from the economic crisis as the Centre has sanctioned borrowings up to Rs 21,253 crores. In a post on X on Saturday, Chandrasekhar mentioned, “PM @narendramodiji’s govt steps up to assist Kerala’s economic crisis Government of India sanctions borrowings up to Rs 21,253 …

Centre sanctions Rs 21,253 crore borrowing limit for Kerala amid economic crisis
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Centre sanctions Rs 21,253 crore borrowing limit for Kerala amid economic crisis

India TV News  

Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Sunday took to social media platform X to announce financial support from the Centre to Kerala. Talking to X, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Chandrasekhar said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has come forward to assist Kerala in a bid to alleviate the state from the economic crisis as the Centre has …

941 out of 1,102 projects under AMRUT scheme completed in State
8 months ago

941 out of 1,102 projects under AMRUT scheme completed in State

The Hindu  

A total of 941 projects out of the 1,102 projects which were awarded to various agencies under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation scheme have been completed in Kerala with the expenditure currently at 79.88% of the allocated amount. Much progress has been made in projects related to construction of storm water drainage, with 85.83% of the ₹322.50 …

Pinarayi Vijayan counters PM Modi’s portrayal of Kerala as a State in decline
8 months, 4 weeks ago

Pinarayi Vijayan counters PM Modi’s portrayal of Kerala as a State in decline

The Hindu  

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on April 16 sought to refute Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s alleged portrayal of Kerala as a State in economic and social decline. Mr. Vijayan said Kerala had moved the Supreme Court against the Centre’s decision to haul down the State’s borrowing limit by premising the decision on an erroneous interpretation of Article 293 of the …

What is Kerala’s fiscal autonomy suit all about? | In Focus podcast
8 months, 4 weeks ago

What is Kerala’s fiscal autonomy suit all about? | In Focus podcast

The Hindu  

Is it okay for the Union government to impose limits on how much a State government can borrow? This question, raised by the Kerala government, has been referred to a Constitution Bench by the Supreme Court. The key constitutional question that the Supreme Court wants a five-judge bench to decide is: whether ‘fiscal decentralistion’ is an integral aspect of Indian …

‘A gesture of compassion’: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan defends CPI(M) leaders’ visit to Panoor bomb blast victim’s residence
9 months ago

‘A gesture of compassion’: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan defends CPI(M) leaders’ visit to Panoor bomb blast victim’s residence

The Hindu  

Amidst accusations connecting the Communist Party of India to the Panoor bomb blast incident in Kannur district, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has defended the party leaders who had visited the residence of Sherin, a victim of the blast. Holding that stern action will be initiated against those attempting to make bombs, he asserted that there was “no need to …

Tamil Nadu’s borrowings from banks being projected as Centre’s relief for flood
9 months, 1 week ago

Tamil Nadu’s borrowings from banks being projected as Centre’s relief for flood

The Hindu  

DMK president and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Wednesday said that borrowings that were made by the Tamil Nadu government from international financial institutions, such as the Asian Development Bank, for flood management were being projected as relief given by the Union government. ‘Not a rupee given’ According to the Chief Minister, the sum of ₹5,000 crore, which was projected …

Kerala govt. refusing Centre’s ₹5,000 cr. one-time package is treachery, says Union Minister V. Muraleedharan
10 months ago

Kerala govt. refusing Centre’s ₹5,000 cr. one-time package is treachery, says Union Minister V. Muraleedharan

The Hindu  

The Kerala government refusing ₹5,000 crore, the one-time package offered by the Centre as per the suggestion of the Supreme Court, is “treachery and a challenge to the people of Kerala,” Union Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan has said. Speaking at a Face to Face programme organised by Kollam Press Club here on March 13, Mr. Muraleedharan …

Will Allow Additional Borrowing By Kerala If They Withdraw Suit, Centre Tells Supreme Court
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Will Allow Additional Borrowing By Kerala If They Withdraw Suit, Centre Tells Supreme Court

Live Law  

The Supreme Court was informed on Monday that talks to resolve the deadlock between the Centre and the State of Kerala over the former's curbs on the state's borrowing limits has not yielded any results.A bench of Justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan was hearing the Kerala government's prayer for interim relief in its suit filed against the Union of …

Kerala | A protest and a predicament
11 months, 1 week ago

Kerala | A protest and a predicament

The Hindu  

In India, Centre-State relations have often been characterised by friction. The decision by Kerala’s Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front government to take its running battle against the “crippling” policies of the Bharatiya Janata Party -led government at the Centre and its “neglect” towards the State all the way to Jantar Mantar, a place in New Delhi often used for protests, …

Kerala Budget: Not quite up to expectations
11 months, 1 week ago

Kerala Budget: Not quite up to expectations

New Indian Express  

A crisis is an opportunity, and the context of Kerala's budget for 2024 was configured for such spectacular and solid announcements. Though the announcement "Programmes are being planned to attract investment to the tune of at least Rs 3 lakh crores within the next three years" generated a lot of interest at the beginning of the budget speech, no clear …

Kerala’s public debt comes down to ₹2.38 lakh crore
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Kerala’s public debt comes down to ₹2.38 lakh crore

The Hindu  

Amid the financial strains that put the Kerala government in a fix making it difficult for it to meet its fiscal obligations efficiently, a document tabled by Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal in the Assembly on Tuesday revealed that the State’s public debt has come down to ₹2.38 lakh crore at the end of March 2022-2023. As per the accounts of …

State needs ₹ 188-crore relief fund, says Udhayanidhi Stalin
1 year ago

State needs ₹ 188-crore relief fund, says Udhayanidhi Stalin

The Hindu  

“As per the damage assessment done in southern districts till now, covering life, livestock and propertoies, we would require ₹ 188-crore relief fund,” said Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development Udhayanidhi Stalin. Speaking at the Collector’s office here on Monday, Mr. Udhayanidhi said that they were taking all possible measures to rectify the damage and most probably everything would …

Nearly 21 lakh beneficiaries in Chennai, nearby districts, covered under cash relief disbursal
1 year ago

Nearly 21 lakh beneficiaries in Chennai, nearby districts, covered under cash relief disbursal

The Hindu  

The disbursement of flood relief amount in cash has covered nearly 21 lakh beneficiaries in Chennai and parts of three neighbouring districts. This will be done separately, says a government official, adding that “we have ensured the payment of relief only after bio-metric verification of the beneficiaries.” Meanwhile, the Madras High Court’s suggestion of Direct Benefit Transfer only through bank …

Kerala cabinet okays urban policy panel
1 year ago

Kerala cabinet okays urban policy panel

Hindustan Times  

The Kerala cabinet on Wednesday approved the formation of a comprehensive urban policy commission whose recommendations and findings will play a key role in the development activities planned in the state for the next 25 years. The promise of an expert commission to deal with the challenges of urbanisation, which officials say the first in the country, was made in …

Tamil Nadu seeks Rs 5,000-crore Central assistance for flood-ravaged Chennai
1 year, 1 month ago

Tamil Nadu seeks Rs 5,000-crore Central assistance for flood-ravaged Chennai

Deccan Chronicle  

New Delhi: An interim Central assistance of Rs 5,000 crore has been sought by the Tamil Nadu government to provide relief to people and rebuild infrastructure damaged by incessant rains in Chennai and some other districts of the state. Raising the issue through a zero-hour mention in the Rajya Sabha, Tiruchi Siva, a leader of the DMK which rules the …

Navakerala Sadas: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan defends ‘streamlined approach’ to handle complaints
1 year, 1 month ago

Navakerala Sadas: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan defends ‘streamlined approach’ to handle complaints

The Hindu  

Amidst Opposition scrutiny, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has defended the “streamlined approach” to handle complaints during the ongoing Navakerala Sadas. Addressing the media at Payyannur in Kannur on November 20, 2023, Mr. Vijayan cited “time constraints” for not personally receiving complaints and announced the introduction of 20 counters per venue dedicated to handling petitions and complaints during Navakerala Sadas. …

Centre not responsible for financial crunch in Kerala, says Union Minister V. Muraleedharan
1 year, 2 months ago

Centre not responsible for financial crunch in Kerala, says Union Minister V. Muraleedharan

The Hindu  

Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan on November 13, 2023 termed “baseless” the Kerala Government’s argument that the Centre was primarily responsible for the State’s financial problems. Blaming extravagance and financial mismanagement by the Left Democratic Front government for the fiscal crunch experienced by Kerala, Mr. Muraleedharan presented a set of figures on Central transfers under various components, …

Adverse Central policies will deprive Kerala of ₹57,400 crore this fiscal, says Balagopal
1 year, 2 months ago

Adverse Central policies will deprive Kerala of ₹57,400 crore this fiscal, says Balagopal

The Hindu  

Balagopal on Friday accused the Centre of launching an intensified offensive against the State on the fiscal front. Adverse Central policies will deprive the State of ₹57,400 crore in Central transfers and loan approvals in the current fiscal, Mr. Balagopal said in a statement on the State’s financial status. The situation is such that the State may have to bank …

Kerala’s borrowing limit cut drastically: Balagopal
1 year, 7 months ago

Kerala’s borrowing limit cut drastically: Balagopal

The Hindu  

In a move that could severely affect State finances, the Centre has drastically cut down the State’s borrowing limit, Finance Minister K.N. According to the Minister, the State would be deprived of about ₹20,000 crore due to the slashed borrowing limit and revenue deficit grant in 2023-24. The State’s open market borrowings had come under the spotlight after the Centre …

Kerala on upward development, social welfare trajectory: Pinarayi
1 year, 7 months ago

Kerala on upward development, social welfare trajectory: Pinarayi

The Hindu  

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said Kerala was on an upward trajectory in terms of sustainable development, social welfare and quality of life parameters. Mr. Vijayan claimed that instead of making decisions ad hoc, the government acted with long sight by adopting a sustainable, future-proof development model focussing on transforming Kerala into a green, investment-friendly knowledge economy. Hence, the government …

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