Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Satheesan Seeks Flexible Scheme Funding, Offshore Mining Curbs
Kerala asked the Central government to make some welfare schemes more flexible.
The request was made at a meeting of southern states in Mahabalipuram.
V D Satheesan said health insurance premiums should be different for each state.
He said this would better reflect the needs of individual states.
He also wanted the scheme to use the National Food Security Act database to decide who is eligible.
Kerala asked the Centre to pay a share based on what is actually spent.
The state also sought limits on offshore mining.
The report says Kerala has raised similar concerns about how the Centre and states share financial responsibilities before.
Kerala sought a more equitable and flexible funding model for centrally sponsored schemes.
The request was made at the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting in Mahabalipuram on Thursday.
V D Satheesan called for state-specific premiums under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
He proposed aligning scheme eligibility with the National Food Security Act database.
Kerala also sought Central funding based on actual expenditure and curbs on offshore mining.
- Who
- Kerala and V D Satheesan.
- What
- Kerala sought state-specific funding and eligibility changes for centrally sponsored schemes, including Ayushman Bharat, along with curbs on offshore mining.
- When
- At the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting held on Thursday.
- Where
- Mahabalipuram.
- Why
- Kerala said centrally sponsored schemes should better reflect state-specific needs and actual expenditure.
- Meeting
- 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting
- Location
- Mahabalipuram
- State representative
- V D Satheesan
- Health scheme
- Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
- Eligibility proposal
- Align eligibility with the National Food Security Act database
- Funding proposal
- Revise the Central share to reflect actual expenditure
- Additional demand
- Curbs on offshore mining