Let Kerala say it is backward: Union Minister George Kurian

Union Minister George Kurian has said that if Kerala wants more funds from the Centre, the State should declare that it is backward in terms of education, infrastructure, and social welfare.

The remark from Mr. Kurian, while speaking to reporters in the national capital, came in the wake of intense criticism of the Union Budget 2025-26 from the ruling and Opposition fronts in Kerala.

Mr. Kurian said the Centre allocated financial packages to States that were backward on various indices.

“You announce that Kerala is backward, that it does not have roads, good education, etc. If you say that Kerala is behind other States in terms of education, infrastructure, and social welfare, then the (Finance) Commission will examine it and give a report to the Central government. The Central government will take a decision based on the report. It does not decide on its own,” he said.

Published - February 01, 2025 09:56 pm IST