Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar’s policy address to the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly on Friday (May 29, 2026) envisioned the creation of a ‘Puthuyuga Keralam,’ built on people-centric, transparent and clean governance. Mr. Arlekar’s address, which lasted for a little over an hour, promised administrative efficiency, fiscal accountability and a “responsible financial recovery strategy” for the State.

The policy speech, while skirting direct criticism of the BJP-led Union government, stated that Kerala “believes strongly in cooperative federalism and constructive engagement” with the Centre.

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Primarily, the policy speech sought to expand on the poll promises of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), particularly the Indira Guarantees and the ‘Dream Projects’ aimed at transforming Kerala into a port-led hub and a civil aviation hub. It also reiterated the government’s plan to hike the welfare pensions to a monthly ₹3000.

Prominent among individual announcements were a three-day monthly menstrual leave for school students, unyielding, ‘tactical assaults’ on organised narcotics networks, the establishment of Jawaharlal Nehru Scientific Centres to inculcate scientific temper and a “comprehensive revision” of the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2008.

The policy address listed public finance, youth unemployment, rising living costs, uncertainties in the farm sector and traditional industries and environmental degradation as challenges faced by the State.

A major thrust of the Governor’s address was on recovery strategies on the fiscal front. Observing that outstanding liabilities and fiscal constraints place severe pressure on public finance, the policy speech noted that the white paper planned by the government on Kerala’s fiscal health would provide “a clear picture of the State’s finances and for laying the foundation for a transparent and responsible financial recovery strategy.”

Efforts would be made to protect the State’s rights within the framework of Indian federalism and secure “rightful financial allocations and fair and equitable treatment from the Union government.”

Uprooting drug networks

The policy speech promises a ‘zero-tolerance approach’ towards drug mafias and criminal networks. Modernisation of the Excise Department and an ‘Operation Toofan’ under the Police Department are among measures proposed for uprooting the drug networks.

Climate resilience, waste management, water conservation, river protection and sustainable urban planning will be given priority in every budget and development programme, the policy speech said. A new Water Policy will be drafted to ensure sustainable water use, quality improvement and integrated water-resource management. A highlight of the realigned policy will be water credits for incentivising water management in basins.

On the industrial front, the policy speech outlined the UDF government’s plans for transforming Kerala into a globally competitive, innovation-driven and sustainable industrial economy.

Reviewing land laws

In the case of land, the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2008 will be “comprehensively revised” to permanently resolve issues related to land conversion, according to the policy speech. The government also proposes to establish a Commission to review all land-related laws, it said.

Other thrust areas in the government policy include strengthening public health institutions and ramping up internal electricity generation by tapping renewables and deploying energy storage systems.

In the area of elderly care, the UDF government had announced a new department for the sector. The policy address announced plans to make all cities in Kerala elderly-friendly. ‘Care Cabins’ will serve as support centres at Collectorates, offering legal aid, healthcare and protection services to senior citizens.

In higher education, the government proposes to establish an Academic Syndicate as an apex body for handling administrative and governance-related matters. Other important focus areas in government policy cover popularisation of public transportation and initiatives for transforming Kerala into India’s first ‘orphan-free’ State and ‘most women-friendly State.’