Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Kerala Seeks Greater Central Support at Southern Zonal Council
Kerala’s Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan spoke at a meeting of southern Indian states.
He said Kerala needs more financial help from the Central government.
Kerala reported paying much more than it received for the Ayushman Bharat health scheme.
The state also wants lower tolls for its public buses.
Satheesan asked for help protecting Kerala’s coast and supporting families who lose homes because of erosion.
He requested progress on railway projects and safer rules for night travel through forests.
He also said offshore mining should wait until scientists study its effects carefully.
Kerala wants southern states to work together against crime, drug trafficking and cyber threats.
V.D. Satheesan sought greater Central financial support and a more equitable federal framework for Kerala.
Kerala said it spent about Rs 1,493 crore on Ayushman Bharat last policy year but received around Rs 151 crore in assistance.
The state requested toll relief for the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation and support for families displaced by coastal erosion.
Satheesan urged progress on two railway lines, alternatives to blanket night-traffic bans, and scientific review before offshore mineral auctions.
Kerala also sought continued funding for Fast Track Special Courts and stronger southern coordination against crime, trafficking and cyber threats.
- Who
- Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, the Southern Zonal Council and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
- What
- Satheesan presented Kerala’s demands for greater Central financial support, state flexibility and cooperation on health, transport, coastal protection, railways, mining and security.
- When
- Thursday, at the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council.
- Where
- Chennai, at the Southern Zonal Council meeting.
- Why
- Kerala said it is bearing substantial costs and facing challenges involving healthcare funding, public transport, coastal erosion, connectivity, mineral extraction and security.
- Ayushman Bharat spending
- Kerala said it spent about Rs 1,493 crore during the last policy year.
- Ayushman Bharat assistance
- The state said it received about Rs 151 crore from the National Health Authority.
- Coastline
- Kerala has a coastline of around 586 km, with nearly 63 per cent classified as eroding.
- Toll charges
- The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation paid more than Rs 2.16 crore in tolls in June alone.
- Fast Track Special Courts
- Kerala has operationalised 54 of 56 sanctioned courts, including 14 e-POCSO courts.
- Investigation compliance
- Compliance with the prescribed investigation timeline has risen above 78 per cent.
- Railway proposals
- Kerala sought renewed progress on the Thalassery-Mysore and Nilambur-Nanjangud lines.