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IndiaEconomyOverlooked from the right5 days ago

Don't curtail schemes in budget citing fiscal constraints, K.N. Balagopal tells UDF government

K.N. Balagopal, a senior CPI(M) leader and former Finance Minister, advised the UDF government not to reduce public spending or welfare programs in the upcoming Revised Budget due to fiscal concerns. He emphasized maintaining existing schemes benefiting marginalized groups and highlighted the need for the state government to push the central government to release Kerala's share of the Revenue Deficit grant.

Senior CPI(M) leader and former Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal on Tuesday urged the United Democratic Front (UDF) government not to curtail spending or schemes in the upcoming Revised Budget citing fiscal constraints.

The previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) had left State finances in a comfortable position, and the UDF is now in a position to build on it, Mr. Balagopal told a press conference here.

The former Finance Minister’s comments have come ahead of the presentation of the Revised Budget by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Friday.

Existing schemes, especially those benefitting marginalised sections, minorities and the SC/ST communities, should not be curtailed, Mr. Balagopal said.

On the alleged delay by the UDF government in releasing the ‘Sthree Suraksha’ pension, he pointed out that the last LDF budget, presented in January this year, had earmarked ₹3,720 crore for the Chief Minister’s ‘Sthree Suraksha Scheme’ which assures a financial assistance of ₹1,000 per month to women.

Mr. Balagopal also urged the State government to pressure the Centre to release Kerala’s share from the funds set aside as Revenue Deficit (RD) grant. Although the 16th Finance Commission has not recommended RD grants, the Centre has with it approximately ₹6.5 lakh crore under this component. Himachal Pradesh has already passed a resolution seeking restoration of the RD grants, the former Finance Minister said.

Published - June 16, 2026 06:39 pm IST

Read the full article at The Hindu →
Source document: K.N. Balagopal's Press Conference Statement

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The HinduIndependentLeft5 days ago
Don't curtail schemes in budget citing fiscal constraints, K.N. Balagopal tells UDF government

K.N. Balagopal, a senior CPI(M) leader and former Finance Minister, advised the UDF government not to reduce public spending or welfare programs in the upcoming Revised Budget due to fiscal concerns. He emphasized maintaining existing schemes benefiting marginalized groups and highlighted the need for the state government to push the central government to release Kerala's share of the Revenue Deficit grant.

Bias read (Left): The article presents the views of a prominent CPI(M) leader, a leftist political figure, who criticizes the current UDF government's potential fiscal decisions. The framing emphasizes the importance of maintaining social welfare schemes and criticizes the UDF government's approach, aligning with the

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  • press_releaseK.N. Balagopal's Press Conference Statement