Breaking from election-year norms, Kerala Finance Minister KN Balagopal presented a detailed budget Thursday, affirming the LDF’s governance continuity. Amid buzz for year-end polls, the Pinarayi Vijayan government’s fiscal roadmap spotlights welfare for the underprivileged, healthcare innovations, and education accessibility.
Accident insurance now covers every student from primary to higher secondary, with ₹15 crore annual funding ensuring peace of mind for parents. Free undergraduate education in arts and science heralds a new era of inclusive higher studies.
‘ Medisip 2.0’ upgrades health insurance for civil servants from February 1, with superior perks and extensive hospital tie-ups, extending to retirees, PSU personnel, and co-op workers. ‘Life Saver’ project revolutionizes accident care, offering free first-five-day treatment in govt and select private setups via ₹15 crore outlay.
A dedicated ₹50 crore scheme insures families beyond Karunya’s reach. ASHA health workers’ pay bumps by ₹1,000 monthly. To soothe minority apprehensions post-revision, nativity cards via new laws and ₹10 crore harmony fund promote unity.
This budget masterstroke balances immediate relief with structural reforms, cementing Kerala’s legacy in progressive policymaking.