Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held a series of high-level meetings in New Delhi over two days, appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union Ministers for urgent Central intervention to address the state’s mounting fiscal pressure, disaster recovery, and pending development projects.
During his meeting with the Prime Minister on Friday, Vijayan highlighted Kerala’s achievements and ongoing challenges, emphasising the need for immediate assistance across four key areas: finance, disaster relief, infrastructure, and healthcare.
The Chief Minister reiterated the state’s demand for ₹2,221.03 crore in grant assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to rehabilitate those affected by the Mundakkai Choral Mala disaster.
He urged that the amount be sanctioned as a grant rather than a loan to ensure swift relief and reconstruction efforts.
Vijayan also sought the restoration of Kerala’s borrowing limits, the refund of IGST recoveries, and the reversal of restrictions on off-budget borrowings.
He requested permission to borrow an additional 0.5 per cent of GDP and special consideration to cover 25 per cent of the land acquisition costs for national highway projects.
Focus on Infrastructure and Health Development
The discussions extended to pending infrastructure works, with Vijayan urging Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to expedite ongoing national highway projects, including NH 66, NH 744, NH 866, and the Ernakulam and Punalur bypasses. Gadkari reportedly assured prompt action and timely release of acquisition funds.
The Chief Minister further appealed for the establishment of AIIMS at Kinaloor, Kozhikode, and a School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) in Kerala to boost healthcare and urban development.
He also proposed setting up an ICMR National Institute for Geriatric Care and Healthy Ageing to address the state’s ageing demographic through research and policy initiatives.
Vijayan emphasised that these interventions are vital for Kerala’s financial stability and social welfare, aligning with national objectives of disaster resilience, sustainable growth, and public health improvement. Union Ministers reportedly responded positively, assuring cooperation and prioritising attention to Kerala’s key demands.
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