THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a startling admission that has amplified criticism of the state’s financial management, Kerala Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal informed the State Assembly that the Finance Department does not possess the exact figures for various pending arrears, including Dearness Allowance (DA) owed to state employees.
The revelation came during the 14th Session of the 15th Kerala Legislative Assembly on October 17, 2025, in response to a set of crucial questions raised by MLAs, including Shri. Anwar Sadath. The Minister’s repeated and vague response—”Information is being collected“—in reply to queries about the precise quantum of arrears for social security pensions, DA, and dues to the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), has been slammed by the Opposition as evidence of the government’s “financial bankruptcy.”
Minister’s Vague Reply in Assembly
Questions were raised regarding the current outstanding amounts for:
- Social Security Pensions
- Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears for government employees.
- Dues to KSRTC
- Steps to clear the accumulated arrears for various sectors.
Instead of presenting concrete numbers, which are typically expected from the Finance Department, Minister Balagopal repeatedly offered the non-committal answer, “Information is being collected.” The official document of the assembly proceedings also confirms this, with the Minister’s column against multiple detailed questions stating only ‘വിവരം ശേഖരിച്ചുവരുന്നു’ (Information is being collected).
A ‘Disastrous Failure’ of Financial Management
The Opposition has seized upon the admission, arguing it exposes a severe lack of financial accountability and planning. Critics point out the irony that the Finance Minister, who had previously promised to release a White Paper on the state’s financial condition, failed to even present the most fundamental figures concerning amounts owed to government employees and institutions.
”This reply is the biggest proof that the state’s financial affairs are completely in disarray. If the Finance Minister doesn’t even know the extent of the arrears, then who is managing this department?”
— Leader of the Opposition
The incident, according to political observers, casts a harsh spotlight on the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government’s management of state finances and is likely to become a major talking point in the ongoing political discourse.
