Thiruvananthapuram, June 18: The first Budget of Kerala’s new UDF government will be presented on June 19 by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, who also holds the Finance portfolio. The Budget is expected to outline the government’s welfare plans, economic priorities, and roadmap for the next five years.
This will be the 25th Budget in Kerala’s history to be presented by a Chief Minister holding the Finance Department, and the first Budget of the UDF government after returning to power in 2026.
First Budget of the Satheesan Government
V.D. Satheesan took oath as Kerala Chief Minister in May 2026 after the UDF returned to power following a decade in opposition. He retained the Finance portfolio and will personally present the Budget in the Assembly.The Budget is expected to focus on welfare schemes, financial discipline, and economic growth. The government has already indicated that it wants to correct Kerala’s financial challenges and improve revenue collection.
How Will It Differ From the Last Budget?
The previous Budget was presented by former Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal under the LDF government. That Budget focused heavily on welfare spending, pensions, salaries, and development projects. The new UDF Budget is expected to place greater emphasis on:
- Financial reforms
- Revenue growth
- Infrastructure projects
- Investment promotion
- Welfare commitments made during the election campaign
Officials have also spoken about the need for better fiscal management because of a large gap in expected central funds.
Key Announcements People Are Waiting For
Many people are watching to see whether the Budget includes:
- Increase in welfare pensions
- Fulfilment of election promises
- Mission Samudra coastal development project
- Higher support price for rubber
- IT sector expansion
- Coastal infrastructure projects
- New employment initiatives
- Measures to stop tax leakage
- Stronger GST collection systems
These issues are expected to receive significant attention during the Budget presentation.
Focus on Economy and Development
Chief Minister Satheesan has already stated that economic revival will be one of the government’s top priorities. Major announcements are also expected in health, education, infrastructure, ports, and aviation sectors.
The Budget is likely to serve as the blueprint for the UDF government’s development agenda and reveal how it plans to balance welfare spending with financial stability. All eyes will now be on the Kerala Assembly as the Satheesan government presents its first full economic vision for the state.