Governor Rajendra Arlekar addressed the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Friday (May 29, 2026). The policy address chiefly focused on welfare and development measures, including a new water policy with water credits, menstrual leave for school students, strengthening Responsible Tourism and seeking support for its proposals in the Assembly and among the public.
A special Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan had earlier given its approval for the Governor’s policy speech.
As per the schedule announced by the House, the discussion on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address will be held from June 1 to June 3.
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar leaves the House after his policy address, which has sought support of the people and the Assembly for the government’s proposals
Responsible Tourism initiative to be strengthened to woo more tourists, says the Governor in his policy address
The government plans to announce up to three days of menstrual leave for school students every month. Six months of maternity leave to be given to women who work in unorganised sector
New water policy proposed covering aspects such as water use and integrated water management. Water credits proposed as part of the policy.
Sports infrastructure to be modernised. Talent spotting at grassroots-level will be strengthened, says policy address. Sports training centres will be upgraded into elite-level high performance institutes that are capable of delivering world-class coaching, sports science support, and competitive training environments.
All cities in Kerala to be made elderly-friendly, says policy address
ITIs under the SC Development department will be revamped through modernisation of workshops and laboratories, and introduction of new-generation courses, smart classrooms, digital learning facilities, and establishment of Centres of Excellence in high-demand sectors.
Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2008 to be revised to resolve issues related to land conversion. Other land laws also to be revised. Bypasses will be developed as four-lane roads through public-private partnerships. Housing scheme for Scheduled Tribe families to be launched
Steps will be taken to tap solar and wind energy as part of the efforts to make Kerala self-reliant in electricity generation. Energy storage systems, including large battery systems and distribution transformer-based ones on the anvil.
Registration process for migrant workers through a unified portal proposed. Production centres proposed at Industrial Training Institutes, says policy address.
Kerala IT Mission to be revitalised by including the AI mission. Electronics and semiconductor mission also to be formed. Existing IT parks to be expanded.
The government will adopt effective steps to address human-wildlife conflicts in the state. The government will undertake the demarcation of boundaries between agricultural and forest lands to protect the property rights of farmers, whose land ownership has been affected by old reserve forest notifications. The Forest Department will adopt a three-tier strategy involving containment, mitigation and compensation to address human-wildlife conflicts. A scientific estimation of wildlife population will be undertaken.
The government will launch a Statewide anti-drug mission in the new academic year involving the collaboration of the Home, Excise, Health and Education Departments. Public distribution system will be strengthened and the government will adopt effective steps to rising cost of living. The price monitoring mechanism will be strengthened to check hoarding, black marketing and artificial escalation in the price of essential commodities. Selected Supplyco supermarkets will be modernised. The number of Maveli ration shops will be increased.
Focus on climate-resilient development in coastal areas, says policy address. Government also proposes to establish a Blue Economy Cell.
Excise Department will be modernised with enhanced enforcement capacity. Digital surveillance tools and cyber monitoring systems will be adopted to rein in drug trafficking.
Academic Syndicate to be established as an apex body for coordinating administrative and governance issues in the higher education sector. Special focus to develop globally competitive higher education institutions in the state to reduce academic migrations and retain talented students in Kerala. Steps will be taken to ensure UGC approved degrees are recognised in Kerala in a uniform manner. A statewide apprenticeship exchange platform connecting students and industry will be developed.
Governor Arlekar during his address to the Assembly says government schools and colleges will be upgraded with modern technologies.
Jawaharlal Nehru Scientific centres to be established to inculcate scientific temper in students, the address says.
Academic Syndicate to be established as an apex body for coordinating administrative and governance issues in the higher education sector, Mr. Arlekar announces.
Policy address promises steps to restore public trust in cooperative institutions and to ensure financial discipline in their functioning.
The address also promises implementation of a comprehensive film policy.
During his policy address at the Kerala Assembly, Governor Arlekar proposes white paper on State’s fiscal health. He says it will reflect a transparent and responsible recovery strategy.
“The State government’s policy will be founded on the concept of Puthuyuga Keralam and clean governance, fiscal responsibility and administrative efficiency,” he says.
Free health insurance coverage of ₹25 lakh for every family under the Oommen Chandy Health Insurance Scheme.
Mr. Arlekar also announced that welfare pensions to be increased to ₹3,000 per month.
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar’s address to the 16th Kerala Assembly begins with the band playing the Vande Mataram followed by the National Anthem.
Published - May 29, 2026 09:35 am IST
Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram / Live news
Source: The Hindu - India News
