State does not need Centre's permission to carry out welfare activities: Chief Minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that there is no need for the central government's permission to carry out welfare activities in the state. The CM severely criticized the Centre while inaugurating the headquarters of the Treasury in Pattom.

"It is said that welfare activities can be done only with the special permission of the Centre. The LDF government will not get intimidated by such threats. It is alleged that Kerala is borrowing more. Who does not borrow? India's foreign debt is 49 lakh crores. The Centre, which borrowed 3.5 lakh crores this year, is telling Kerala not to borrow. Anyone, whether it is the Centre or Kerala, will have to borrow as per requirements. However, the money should not be wasted," the CM said.

"The Centre should not think that its responsibility is to rebuke the state governments. States stand for the welfare and prosperity of the nation. Like other states, Kerala is also a part of the country. However, the Centre is viewing some states, including Kerala, indifferently. The Centre is ignoring even the legitimate demands of the states. The welfare policy of the state government is different from that of the Union government. While the Centre ensures the welfare of the corporates alone, Kerala is engaged in ensuring the welfare of the poor and the downtrodden in the society and we will continue with that," he added.