Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government is facing a financial crunch in its anti-Maoist operations after the central government slashed its annual funding by 75%, leaving the state struggling to pay the hefty lease for its police helicopter. The annual funding has been reduced from ₹20 crore to less than ₹5 crore, creating arrears of over ₹3 crore for the helicopter’s monthly rent of ₹80 lakh.
The helicopter, leased specifically for anti-Maoist surveillance, has been a subject of controversy, with allegations that it is primarily used for VIP travel rather than its intended purpose. Its only major operational sortie, a surveillance flight over the forests of Kozhikode, was reportedly unsuccessful.
A Contradictory Stance
The central government’s decision to cut the funds came after the Kerala Police itself declared the state largely “Maoist-free.” Following the arrest of Maoist leader Santhosh (Ravi) in February, the police had claimed to have effectively dismantled the extremist network in the state, leading the Centre to remove Wayanad, Palakkad, and Malappuram from the list of Maoist-affected districts.
However, in what is being described as a contradictory move, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan recently met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, requesting the restoration of the funds. The state government argued that the threat still persists and that Kannur and Wayanad should be retained on the list of affected districts to justify the continued financial support.
Contractual Obligation
The funding crisis puts the state in a difficult position as it is bound by a three-year contract for the helicopter, amounting to a total of ₹28.8 crore. This means the state exchequer will have to bear the cost of the lease, which includes fuel, maintenance, staff salaries, and parking fees, regardless of whether central assistance is available. The reduction in funds is also expected to impact other anti-Maoist activities, including Thunderbolt commando training and community policing initiatives.
