The budget session of the Kerala Assembly commenced today, January 23, with the policy address of Governor Arif Mohammed Khan.
During his address at the 8th session of the 15th Legislative Assembly, the Governor said Kerala has achieved economic growth of 17 per cent despite the financial crisis. He said the State was successful in creating an environment conducive to businesses.
Mr. Khan also said the State Government would continue to aim at reducing unemployment, and helping the weaker sections of society. The policy address highlighted the importance of cooperative federalism. The speech also underlined the importance of constitutional values and unity in diversity.
The Governor further said that Legislative Assemblies represent the will of the people and the spirit of the legislation, and the intention of the Legislature has to be protected. He also said that a strong nation has to have a strong Centre, empowered States, and actively functioning local governments. The recent restrictions on the borrowing capacities of the State are hampering its ability to intervene in the health, education, and infrastructure sectors.
While the speech mentioned the proposed changes to be brought in by the Government in the higher education sector, it was silent on the interventions made by the Governor in his capacity as Chancellor of state universities.
The Opposition raised slogans during the policy address. The Motion of Thanks on the Governor’s address will be moved on February the 1st, to be followed by a debate on it. State Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal will present the State Budget for 2023-24 fiscal on February 3rd.
The Assembly will meet for a total of 33 days before concluding on March 30th. The eighth session is mainly intended to get the 2023-24 Budget passed.
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