‘Kerala on the path of development’; Governor's policy speech begins in assembly

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The last assembly session just before the assembly elections has started. Governor Rajendra Arlekar is delivering his policy speech. The Governor was received by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Speaker A N Shamseer and Minister M B Rajesh. The Governor said that Kerala is on the path of development. The assembly has been scheduled till March 26 this time. The assembly will adjourn after the governor's policy speech today. The complete budget for the year 2026-27 will be presented on January 29th. A public discussion and vote on the budget will be held from February 2 to 5. The assembly will not convene from February 6 to 22. The Governor clarified that the amendments made by the Centre to the employment guarantee scheme and the reduction of 100 working days to 60 days is a setback for the state and the government has requested the Centre to implement the scheme in its original form. Although the speech approved by the Cabinet was handed over to the Governor, it was expected that he would not read the anti-Centre remarks in the House.

The Governor began his policy speech by listing the achievements of the government, including the eradication of extreme poverty. The Governor told the House that Kerala is on the path of development and has made great progress in the last ten years.