Thiruvananthapuram: Governor Rajendra Arlekar on Friday touched upon Kerala’s worsening financial condition in his maiden policy address to the 16th Legislative Assembly, while outlining the welfare and development agenda of the newly elected VD Satheesan-led UDF government.

The Governor began his address by lauding the UDF-led government, stating that the people had voted for transparent governance, a compassionate administration and the restoration of public trust in institutions.

"Clean governance, fiscal discipline, and efficient administration are essential to restore public trust and accelerate development. Public institutions grow stronger with people's trust; all departments must follow clear accountability standards," the Governor said.

Stressing that the state was facing a severe financial crisis, Arlekar said one of the first major decisions of the new government was to constitute an expert committee to prepare a comprehensive White Paper on Kerala’s finances.

“My government also believes that development and welfare are not opposing ideas. Economic progress should create opportunities, while welfare measures should provide security and dignity to vulnerable sections of society. Growth without justice creates inequality, while welfare without growth becomes unsustainable. Therefore, my government shall pursue a balanced and inclusive model of development,” the Governor said in his address.

“The government strongly believes that the people of Kerala must have clarity on the actual financial condition of the state,” he added. The governor also stressed that newly-elected government will take efforts to contain corruption and excessive spending.

Quoting former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Arlekar said, “To work together is better than to work singly; to work together for the common good is best of all.”

The Governor also underscored Kerala’s achievements over the years, describing the State’s highly educated population, strong democratic values, notable social development, globally acclaimed public healthcare system, vibrant cultural fabric and progressive society as its enduring strengths.

He further said that technology shall be used extensively to improve transparency and reduce delays in service delivery.

"My government believes that public institutions become strong only when they enjoy the trust of the people. Every department of government shall therefore be required to adopt clear standards of accountability," the Governor said.

He said that Kerala has always stood as a symbol of secularism, social harmony, and democratic values and the government will protect these values with utmost commitment.

Arlekar also said that the state's social progress was built through reform movements, democratic struggles, and collective social advancements.

The policy address, the first by a UDF government in a decade, is expected to serve as the roadmap for implementing the coalition’s election guarantees, including free KSRTC travel for women, enhanced wages for ASHA workers and the proposed ‘Indira Guarantees’ welfare schemes.