Kerala's Budget 2025-26: Balancing Development and Revenue Boosting

Kerala's 2025-26 budget, presented by Finance Minister K N Balagopal, aims to balance fiscal responsibility and infrastructure development. It proposes increased taxes on electric and older private vehicles to address a Rs 27,000 crore deficit. The state also focuses on transforming the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board into a revenue-generating entity.

The Kerala government presented its 2025-26 budget without major populist measures, focusing instead on infrastructure and revenue enhancements.

Finance Minister K N Balagopal proposed tax hikes on electric vehicles, vehicles older than 15 years, and land to address a Rs 27,000 crore shortfall.

He highlighted a 70% increase in the state's tax revenue since 2020-21 and plans to boost Kerala's own revenue while reducing fiscal burdens.