Thiruvananthapuram, 04 June (H.S.):The Kerala government is set to table a much-anticipated White Paper on the state's financial condition in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday, with Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, who also holds the Finance portfolio, expected to place the document before the House.

Ahead of its presentation, the State Cabinet is scheduled to meet in the morning to hold detailed discussions on the contents of the White Paper, which is expected to provide a comprehensive assessment of Kerala’s fiscal position and the challenges facing the state economy.

According to indications from government sources, the document will examine what the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) describes as financial mismanagement, revenue leakages and excessive expenditure during the previous decade under the Left Democratic Front (LDF) governments. The White Paper is also expected to analyse the financial liabilities arising from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), issues related to tax collection, and the utilisation of funds received from the Union government under various schemes.

The report is likely to include details on central allocations received by the state, expenditure patterns, diversion of funds, and the current status of the state treasury. It is expected to present a detailed picture of Kerala’s fiscal health and identify factors that have contributed to the state's financial constraints.

The White Paper has generated considerable political interest after Chief Minister Satheesan recently told the Assembly that the document would reveal the true condition of the state economy and provide what he described as a factual response to the financial legacy inherited from the previous government. He had also indicated that the report would explain the extent of central assistance received by Kerala in the past and the changes in funding patterns over the years.

The Opposition, however, has dismissed the government's claims. Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan said the White Paper should not be used as a tool to silence criticism from the opposition benches. He maintained that the opposition would respond in detail once the document is officially presented and its contents become available.

Meanwhile, the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Policy Address will conclude in the Assembly later in the day. Chief Minister Satheesan is expected to reply to the debate before the House takes up further business.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman