Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan on November 13, 2023 termed “baseless” the Kerala Government’s argument that the Centre was primarily responsible for the State’s financial problems.
Blaming extravagance and financial mismanagement by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government for the fiscal crunch experienced by Kerala, Mr. Muraleedharan presented a set of figures on Central transfers under various components, saying that the Centre has transferred funds in all eligible instances to the State. Funds may have been withheld in instances where the State has either failed to apply within the deadline or adhere to norms, according to him.
Lapses on the part of the State Government had led to the State losing ₹750 crore in pay revision arrears under the 7th Pay Revision Commission. The State did not keep the March 31, 2022 deadline for submitting its recommendation for receiving the money. Although the Centre had issued two reminders, the State had not responded, according to him.
