Kerala CM V.D. Satheesan Raises Key Demands at Southern Zonal Council Meeting

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan raised a series of issues concerning healthcare funding, public transport, coastal protection and infrastructure at the Southern Zonal Council meeting. He expressed dissatisfaction with the Centre’s contribution under Ayushman Bharat, stating that Kerala had spent ₹1,493 crore while receiving ₹151 crore from the Centre. He sought a funding mechanism based on state utilisation and proposed linking Ayushman Bharat eligibility with NFSA data. He also called for toll exemptions for public transport agencies and highlighted the financial burden faced by Kerala’s transport system. Satheesan further sought greater financial support for coastal protection, noting the vulnerability of Kerala’s coastline, and called for special rehabilitation measures for fishing communities.

The Kerala CM also urged the Centre and neighbouring states to accelerate the Thalassery–Mysuru and Nilambur–Nanjangud railway projects. On forest routes, he opposed a blanket ban on night traffic and suggested allowing vehicles in convoys based on scientific assessments. He expressed concern over the environmental and livelihood impact of offshore mining and sought scientific studies and standard operating procedures before auctioning mining blocks. Satheesan also highlighted the need for 54 fast-track courts and 14 e-POCSO courts for cases involving women and children, while calling for the continuation of the fast-track court scheme. He stressed stronger coordination among southern states to tackle drugs and interstate crime, including real-time intelligence sharing and dedicated interstate police nodal officers.