Union Minister Sounds Alarm on Kerala's Mounting Debt Burden
Union Minister of State George Kurian issued a stark warning about Kerala's financial health on Saturday. Speaking to reporters in Kottayam, he expressed deep concern over the state's escalating debt crisis. Kurian pointed out that Kerala's debt has ballooned dramatically under the current Left Front government.
Debt Figures Paint a Grim Picture
When the Left Front government first assumed power, Kerala's total debt stood at approximately Rs 1.5 lakh crore. Over the past decade, this figure has surged by a staggering 230%. It now hovers around Rs 5 lakh crore, according to Kurian's detailed account. The minister emphasized that this rapid increase signals serious financial mismanagement.
State Government's Reluctance to Embrace Central Schemes
Kurian criticized the Kerala government for its apparent reluctance to implement central government schemes. He noted that neighboring states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are actively utilizing these programs. These states are successfully securing central funds to bolster their economies and support development projects.
"The state government seems to prefer taking loans over implementing central schemes," Kurian stated bluntly. He argued that this approach exacerbates Kerala's debt problems instead of providing sustainable solutions.
Highlighting Central Government Initiatives
The Union minister highlighted the Narendra Modi-led government's commitment to comprehensive national progress. He specifically mentioned the PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana as a prime example of this determination. Kurian explained that initiatives based on the Viksit Bharat concept aim to empower society's basic sections.
One significant achievement he cited is the expansion of employment guarantee programs. The Modi government increased employment guarantee days from 100 to 125. This change represents a substantial improvement in worker security and income stability.
Tangible Improvements in Employment Guarantees
Kurian provided concrete data to illustrate these improvements. Until 2013, workers had only 36 guaranteed working days per year. Their daily wage was a mere Rs 162 at that time. The current system now guarantees 125 working days annually. Workers receive a daily wage of Rs 369 under the revised scheme.
These enhancements demonstrate the central government's focus on practical welfare measures. Kurian urged Kerala to adopt similar proactive approaches to address its financial challenges effectively.
