Thiruvananthapuram: Finance Minister KN Balagopal announced in his Budget speech that a VS Centre will be established in memory of late Chief Minister and veteran CPM leader VS Achuthanandan. An allocation of ₹20 crore will be made for the project.

The minister said VS’s life of struggle is a burning chapter in Kerala’s social history, and the centre in Thiruvananthapuram is intended to document his legendary struggles and life, and to pass them on to future generations.

He also stated that ₹10,189 crore, accounting for 28.5% of the state plan outlay for 2026–27, will be earmarked as development funds for local self-governments.

The minister further pointed out that the government has lifted 1,03,099 individuals from 64,006 families out of extreme poverty. Under the rehabilitation housing scheme for fisherfolk, 3,408 houses have been provided. Through the LIFE Mission, houses have been given to 4,81,935 families, he said.