Union Minister George Kurian has stirred controversy with his recent statement, suggesting that Kerala should declare itself “backward” in education, infrastructure, and social welfare to secure more funds from the central government. Speaking to the media, Kurian explained that financial aid packages are typically allocated to states that rank lower on various development indices.
“If Kerala officially states that it lacks proper roads, quality education, and adequate infrastructure, the Finance Commission will examine the situation and submit a report to the central government. Based on this report, a decision will be made regarding financial assistance,” Kurian remarked.
His comments come amid strong criticism of the Union Budget 2025-26 from Kerala’s ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) and the opposition Congress. Both parties accused the central government of failing to address Kerala’s financial demands, including a special ₹24,000 crore package and additional funds for the rehabilitation of Wayanad. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, State Finance Minister K N Balagopal, and Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan expressed disappointment, calling the budget “unfortunate” and “neglectful” of the state’s needs.
CPM state secretary M V Govindan strongly rebutted Kurian’s statement, accusing the Centre of wanting Kerala to regress rather than progress. “The central government should focus on helping Kerala advance, not suggesting that it label itself as backward to receive aid,” Govindan said at an event in Thiruvananthapuram.
The debate highlights the ongoing friction between Kerala’s state government and the Centre over financial allocations. While Kurian’s remarks suggest a procedural approach to fund allocation, the state government views them as an insult to Kerala’s achievements in social development and infrastructure. The dispute further fuels the political tension surrounding the Union Budget and the distribution of central funds among states.
