Kerala has pressed for greater cooperative federalism and stronger Centre-state coordination on healthcare funding, infrastructure, environmental protection and regional security at the Southern Zonal Council meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Mahabalipuram.
Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan raised a range of state-specific concerns at the meeting, including the Mullaperiyar dam, healthcare funding, railway connectivity, coastal erosion, offshore mining, public transport and inter-state security.
Kerala offers full water share from new Mullaperiyar dam
On the long-standing Mullaperiyar issue, Kerala conveyed its willingness to provide Tamil Nadu with its full water share from a new dam.
Kerala proposed that Tamil Nadu could take responsibility for the design, location and construction of the new dam, while Kerala would bear the entire cost of the project.
The proposal seeks to address the long-running concerns surrounding the existing Mullaperiyar dam while ensuring that Tamil Nadu’s water requirements are protected.
Push for Mission Samudra and Vizhinjam
Kerala also sought regional cooperation under Mission Samudra to position the state as a premier port city and maritime economic hub, with Vizhinjam at the centre of the initiative.
The state said greater cooperation among southern states could help unlock the economic potential of the region’s maritime infrastructure and strengthen its role in trade and logistics.
Opposition to Mines and Minerals Act amendments
Kerala sought the annulment of recent amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, arguing that state control over coastal sand and mineral resources needs to be protected.
The state also raised concerns over the proposed auction of offshore sand blocks along the Kerala coast and urged the Centre to defer the process until a comprehensive scientific assessment of its environmental impact is completed.
Healthcare funding imbalance
Healthcare financing emerged as a major concern, with Kerala highlighting the financial burden it carries under the Ayushman Bharat/Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP) framework.
Kerala said it spent ₹1,493 crore on the scheme last year but received only ₹151 crore from the National Health Authority, leaving the state to shoulder nearly 90% of the expenditure.
The state proposed state-specific premiums instead of a uniform national rate, aligning beneficiary eligibility with the National Food Security Act (NFSA) database and revising Central assistance based on actual expenditure.
Kerala also flagged the financial implications of the Vay Vandana scheme, arguing that expanding benefits to senior citizens without adequate Central funding could further widen the fiscal burden on states.
Toll relief sought for KSRTC
On transport, Kerala sought complete exemption or concessional toll rates for State Road Transport Undertakings, citing the financial pressure faced by public transport operators.
The state also called for greater coordination with Karnataka and the Railway Ministry to finalise alignments and Detailed Project Reports for the Thalassery-Mysore and Nilambur-Nanjangud railway lines.
Kerala further proposed replacing blanket night traffic restrictions through forest borders with scientifically determined time windows and regulated convoy movements to minimise disruption to trade and travel while maintaining safety.
Coastal erosion raises concern
Kerala highlighted the scale of coastal erosion and sought Central assistance for disaster mitigation, coastal protection and rehabilitation.
The state pointed out that around 63% of Kerala’s 586-km coastline is affected by active erosion. It sought funding support for coastal protection and resettlement under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) frameworks.
Women’s reservation and justice infrastructure
Kerala also urged implementation of one-third reservation for women in Parliament without increasing the overall numerical strength of the House.
On the criminal justice system, the state highlighted the functioning of 54 Fast Track Special Courts, including 14 e-POCSO courts. Kerala said the courts have achieved a compliance rate of more than 78% in meeting investigation timelines and sought continued Central funding for the programme.
Joint approach to inter-state security
Kerala proposed strengthening inter-state security coordination through the appointment of Inter-State Police Nodal Officers at headquarters level.
The state called for institutionalised real-time intelligence sharing and joint border operations to tackle narcotics trafficking, cyber threats and cross-border crime.
The proposals underline Kerala’s broader push for greater fiscal flexibility, stronger Centre-state coordination and regional cooperation on issues spanning infrastructure, environment, healthcare, social welfare and security.