Kerala Assembly Adopts Resolution Protesting Centre's 'Discriminatory Neglect'
The Kerala Legislative Assembly, on Wednesday, formally adopted a significant resolution moved by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan under Rule 118. This resolution expresses profound concern and registers a strong protest against what the state government has described as the persistent neglect and discriminatory treatment by the Central government across a spectrum of critical issues. The resolution was passed in the notable absence of the opposition, which chose to boycott the day's proceedings entirely.
Chief Minister's Stance on Federalism and National Integrity
While moving the resolution, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan articulated a vision where India's stature and dignity on the global stage are intrinsically linked to the security, development, and prosperity of all its constituent states. He warned that weakening individual states would inevitably lead to the weakening of the nation as a whole. The Chief Minister underscored that the Indian Constitution itself upholds the federal principle through its well-defined three-tier system of governance, a foundation he argued is being undermined.
Chronicling Years of Unaddressed Demands
The resolution detailed a history of frustration, stating that numerous legitimate demands raised by Kerala over several years have failed to receive due consideration from the Union government. This, it asserted, has sown widespread disappointment among the people of the state. Such an approach, the assembly contended, runs counter to democratic federal values and raises serious alarms about achieving balanced and equitable national development.
The resolution emphasised that holistic national growth is only attainable when all regions develop in a balanced manner. It criticised recent Union Budgets for increasingly eroding this constitutional principle and proceeded to list several long-pending issues specific to Kerala.
Key Areas of Contention and Alleged Neglect
- AIIMS for Kerala: A primary grievance highlighted was the state's long-standing demand for an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). The resolution noted that the Kerala government had identified land and completed most acquisition procedures, but the Centre has taken no follow-up action.
- MGNREGA Funding Cuts: Serious concerns were raised regarding the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). While Kerala has been a leading implementer, the conversion of the programme to VB-G RAM-G reportedly slashed central assistance from 100% to 60%, causing an estimated loss of Rs 3,800 crore. Furthermore, the allocation in the 2026-27 Union Budget was reduced nationally by Rs 58,000 crore (from Rs 88,000 crore to Rs 30,000 crore), a cut with significant adverse implications for Kerala.
- Railway Infrastructure Stagnation: The resolution lamented the slow pace of Kerala's rail network despite heavy passenger traffic. It pointed out that covering the 573km stretch between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod takes nearly 13 hours. Other grievances included the denial of approval for a proposed coach factory, inaction on surveys for additional railway lines, and a lack of budgetary allocation.
- Vizhinjam International Seaport: The Vizhinjam port project was cited as another area of discriminatory treatment. The resolution stated that despite repeated requests, the Centre sanctioned only a repayable viability gap funding (VGF) facility, whereas similar VGF was granted as a non-repayable grant to projects in other states.
- Kannur Airport and Disaster Management: The assembly noted that the demand for 'point of call' status for foreign airlines at Kannur airport remained unconsidered. On disaster management, it criticised the inadequate central compensation for the Mundakkai-Chooralmala disaster and amendments to central law that removed provisions for loan write-offs for victims.
Fiscal Grievances and Borrowing Constraints
The resolution levelled serious allegations regarding fiscal matters. It stated that the state's borrowing limit was curtailed by Rs 5,944 crore in the last quarter of 2026-27, with an additional Rs 3,323 crore deducted under the Guarantee Sinking Fund. Such last-minute reductions, it argued, severely impact welfare programmes and infrastructure projects.
Further fiscal criticisms included:
- The decision of the 16th Finance Commission to discontinue revenue deficit grants.
- The withholding of Rs 965.16 crore due to Kerala under Integrated GST (IGST).
- The Centre's failure to compensate states for revenue losses from GST rate reductions.
- The requirement for Kerala to bear 25% of land acquisition costs for national highway projects—a condition allegedly not imposed on other states—and the Centre's refusal to exclude this expenditure from the state's borrowing limit.
In totality, the resolution paints a picture of a state feeling marginalised and its developmental aspirations hampered by what it perceives as a pattern of central neglect and inequitable treatment, challenging the very spirit of cooperative federalism enshrined in the Constitution.
