The State Budget for 2026-27 earmarked ₹950.89 crore for the labour and labour welfare sector. This is an increase of ₹436.45 crore (84.83%) in the plan allocation as compared to 2025-26.
Minister for Finance K.N. Balagopal earmarked ₹5 crore for a new scheme to provide safe and quality lodging for women employed at Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram and Infopark in Kochi.
An amount of ₹107 crore is earmarked for continuing financial assistance of ₹1,250 a month to workers in traditional sectors such as beedi, khadi, bamboo, cane, fishing and processing, cashew, coir, screw pine mat and handicrafts.
Other allocations include ₹5.75 crore for uplift of labourers from other States; ₹36 crore to the Kerala Academy for Skills Excellence (KASE) for implementing skill development activities; ₹44.6 crore for modernisation, strengthening, and upgrade of ITIs and establishment of new ones; ₹17.5 crore for ‘Sharanya’ scheme; and ₹7 crore for ‘Kaivalya’ scheme for the differently abled.
The Budget earmarked ₹65 crore for rehabilitation of those returning from abroad by ensuring sustainable livelihood; ₹35 crore for ‘Santwana’ project that ensures social security of expatriates; ₹18 crore for smooth functioning of the Kerala Non-Resident Keralites Welfare Board; ₹6.5 crore for the Pravasi Dividend Scheme implemented through NORKA Welfare Board; and ₹7.3 crore for organising Loka Kerala Sabha and allied activities.
Published – January 29, 2026 11:37 pm IST
