Palakkad district panchayat vice president and Chairman of the Finance Standing Committee C.K. Chamunni presenting the 2025-2026 Budget on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: K K Mustafah
The Palakkad district panchayat Budget for 2025-26 presented on Wednesday made major allocations for key sectors such as water conservation, agriculture, and waste-free Kerala.
The Budget, which projects an income of ₹280,31,04,486 crore, expenditure of ₹257,53,63,600 crore, and appropriation of ₹22,77,40,886 crore, was unveiled by district panchayat vice president and Chairman of the Finance Standing Committee C.K. Chamunni on Wednesday.
In his address, Mr. Chamunni said the Budget had been crafted with focus on holistic development across all sectors, responding to the pressing needs of the people.
District panchayat president K. Binumol, who chaired the meeting, highlighted the district’s commitment to combating drug abuse through an intensive awareness campaign. This initiative would involve cultural interventions, primarily targeting educational institutions.
Ms. Binumol also shared updates on the Palakkuzhi hydroelectric project, which is set to be commissioned soon.
Additionally, Palakkad Small Hydro Company Limited, owned by the district panchayat, had successfully paid dividend to local bodies, the shareholders in the project.
A major aspect of the Budget is its focus on the agriculture sector. A sum of ₹10 crore has been set aside to support paddy farmers with the initial cost of farming. A special scheme for Scheduled Caste farmers will also be introduced this year.
The Budget allocates ₹3 crore for the renovation of Muthalamada Kunnanur Seed Farm, with plans to convert it into a centre for production and farmer support. Additionally, the renovated farm will serve as an eco-friendly educational space where students can learn about agriculture and soil health.
To promote rural tourism, ₹1 crore has been earmarked for a responsible tourism project that will showcase Palakkad’s agricultural heritage, local cuisine, and folk arts.
The Njattadi project, which began at the Alathur farm, will be expanded to 1,000 ha with an investment of ₹25 lakh. To strengthen the district’s water infrastructure, ₹3 crore will be allocated to improve the water distribution network, with collaboration from grama and block panchayats to ensure the maintenance and efficient use of clean water.
In an effort to protect agricultural land from wildlife, ₹1 crore has been allocated for solar fencing and other innovative measures. A milk subsidy and revolving fund will be provided to dairy farmers, while fish farming will be promoted through the release of fish hatchlings into local reservoirs. A total of ₹2 crore has been allocated for the development of fish marketing centres and the manufacturing of value-added fish products.
The Budget also earmarks ₹5 crore for the establishment of small-scale industries, while ₹9 crore will be dedicated to women-oriented projects. Several ongoing initiatives, including the Job School project, appointment of school librarians, and apprenticeship programmes in government offices and schemes such as Aparajitha and Pravaasikalkoppam will continue. Additionally, new employment schemes will be launched, and sports teachers will be appointed in schools lacking such staff.
In a move to promote inclusivity, ₹50 lakh has been allocated for the establishment of therapy centres for differently abled individuals in all 13 block panchayat centres. The Budget aims to bring tangible improvements to Palakkad’s infrastructure, economy, and social welfare systems, with a clear emphasis on sustainable development and community welfare.
Published – March 20, 2025 12:18 am IST
