Kerala administration in crisis as government formatrion delay stalls textbooks and transfers

Thiruvananthapuram: : In Kerala, administrative work has reportedly slowed down after the election process ended and the code of conduct was lifted. Although several days have passed, departments are said to be functioning in a limited way without major policy decisions.

After the election results were declared on May 4, 2026, it was expected that a new government would be formed quickly and full administrative work would resume. However, even after the results, a government has not yet been formed. With the selection of the Chief Minister and key decisions still pending, administration in several departments has slowed down, affecting routine governance and important services.

Officials say most departments are currently handling only routine tasks, while important decisions are being postponed due to the absence of a fully active government.

One of the biggest issues is the delay in official transfers, especially in the police department and other government services.

Before the elections, several police officers from inspector rank and below were transferred across districts. Normally, such transfers are reviewed or reversed after elections, but that process has not been completed this time.

Because of this uncertainty, even district-level adjustments in some departments have been rolled back following objections.

Reports also suggest that a proposal has been made to carry out police transfers only after the new government formally takes charge.

Education department faces textbook distribution delay

The education sector is also facing disruption as schools are preparing to reopen. With limited administrative decisions being taken, textbook distribution has reportedly not progressed as expected.

This has raised concern among officials, as delays in textbooks can directly affect the start of the academic year in government schools.

In some cases, officials say they are unable to move forward with approvals that require higher-level clearance from ministers or the government.

Across departments such as technical education, revenue, cooperation and health, only basic administrative work is continuing.

Officials are reportedly avoiding major decisions due to uncertainty over leadership. In some offices, senior officers are said to be on leave, which has further slowed down operations.

There are also reports that some previously announced government projects are not being actively implemented as officials wait for clearer instructions from the incoming administration.

Impact on officials and pending promotions

The delay has also affected government employees awaiting transfers and promotions. In several cases, officials are reportedly approaching retirement without receiving final decisions on their service matters.

Bureaucrats say that while day-to-day governance continues, the lack of a fully functional political leadership has created hesitation in decision-making across departments.

At present, the administration is operating in a caretaker-like mode, with no major policy changes or structural decisions being taken.

Officials expect normal administrative functioning to resume once the new government fully assumes charge and clears pending decisions across departments.