THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala finds no space in the central budget, even during elections. The finance commissions determine loans, tax allocations and revenue deficit grants for states. However, central schemes, special grants and development schemes are available in the central budget.

This time, Kerala lacks necessary assistance for state progress, capital investment and infrastructure development. New projects in railways, airports, ports, etc., may receive funding, details forthcoming. Another possibility is accessing capex funds—interest-free with a 50-year payback period, totaling one lakh crore.

Kerala is slated to receive 2744 crores for railway development. The decision to include Anganwadi Asha workers in the Ayushman Bharat treatment scheme is positive for Kerala. The Chief Minister directly demanded a one percent increase in Kerala's credit limit or a special revival package due to a severe financial crisis, but it was not considered in the budget.

Concerns persist about the Silverline project and AIIMS Center in Kerala. No mention of Silverline in the budget; AIIMS Center won't be established in Kozhikode. Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode metros, further development of Kochi Metro, Sabaripatha, Kerala rubber in Amritkal project and coconut cultivation projects were overlooked. The demand to raise rubber support price from 170 to 250 rupees was also disregarded.