Kerala CM VD Satheesan says delimitation needs to be scrutinised
The Chief Minister discussed his vision for the state, the fiscal crisis, and the silver economy during an interaction with The Indian Express.
Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan said that while he is not against delimitation, the process has to be scrutinised. He shared these views during an interaction with The Indian Express National Opinion Editor Vandita Mishra and Deputy Editor Liz Mathew.
Speaking on the state's fiscal situation, Satheesan said Kerala is facing a fiscal crisis. He noted that committed expenditure, including salaries, pensions, and interest, accounts for 80 per cent of revenue, while debt is more than Rs 5 lakh crore.
The Chief Minister stated that he did not increase taxes in the first budget despite pressure to do so. He said that to stimulate the economy, the government must first spend, noting that providing nearly Rs 4,000 crore to the poor and lower middle class during Onam helped create market demand.
Satheesan outlined a long-term target to transform Kerala into a port city by leveraging its 600km coastline and various ports. He also aims to make Kerala an aviation hub by developing facilities at its four international airports.
Addressing demographic shifts, the Chief Minister said the state has become the first to create a department for senior citizens. He described this as the silver economy, which aims to integrate elderly citizens with youngsters, such as providing seniors as mentors for startups.
Regarding his leadership, Satheesan said he aims to correct mistakes and works with knowledge partners and experts on projects. He added that he has given confidence to officers that they will be protected if they act in good faith.