‘MGNREG amendment, a setback for Kerala, borrowing limit cut short’; Governor criticizes centre in policy address

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 centre is interfering in the rights of the states. The central measures have affected the health sector as well. The tariff change in the US has adversely affected the state. Kerala has lost Rs 2,500 crore. Kerala has made strong progress in the economic sector. Electricity has been ensured without interruption. Steps are being taken to create new jobs. Compensation for agricultural damage has been ensured,' the Governor said.

Although the centre’s measures are causing an economic crisis, the government is continuing its welfare activities. The government has brought the economic problems to the attention of the central government many times. A memorandum has been submitted to the central finance minister. It has been requested to exclude the Rs 6,000 crore spent on national highway development and land acquisition from the borrowing limit. The question of federalism and constitutional rights is being raised. The government has resorted to all constitutional and legal means for the rights of Kerala,' the Governor said.

The arrears to be received from the center in various projects are Rs 5,650 crore. There is a shortage in GST allocation. The Center has reduced the borrowing limit. The Governor said that it is a crisis to limit the amount spent on the national highways project to the borrowing limit.

The Governor clarified that the amendments made by the Center to the Employment Guarantee Scheme and the reduction of 100 working days to 60 days are a setback for the state and the government has asked the Center to implement the scheme in its original form. Although the speech approved by the cabinet was handed over to the Governor, it was thought that he would not read the anti-Central 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 ten years.