THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: At a time when the state of Kerala is grappling with a severe financial crisis and tight treasury restrictions, the LDF government has courted fresh controversy. Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal has cleared an allocation of ₹4 crore for the rental charges of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s helicopter.
What has raised eyebrows is not just the hefty sum, but the fact that the government has opted to pay three months’ rent in advance, even as bills for various welfare schemes and public works remain pending across the state.
Treasury Restrictions Relaxed
Since August, the state has maintained a strict treasury ceiling, requiring special clearance for bills exceeding ₹10 lakh. However, this rule was reportedly bypassed or relaxed on December 20 to ensure the immediate release of funds to Chipson Aviation Private Limited, the firm providing the helicopter service.
The Breakdown of the Deal
The ₹4 crore allocation covers a five-month period from October 20, 2025, to March 19, 2026. This includes clearing two months of arrears and providing a massive advance for the upcoming three months (December 20 to March 19).
Key details of the rental agreement include:
- Monthly Rent: ₹80 Lakh
- Flying Hours: 25 hours per month included in the base rent.
- Overtime Charges: An additional ₹90,000 for every hour flown beyond the initial 25 hours.
Opposition Slams ‘Double Standards’
The opposition has been quick to hit out at the government, labeling it a “government of arrears” for the common man but a “proactive payer” for the Chief Minister’s luxury. Critics point out that while the state struggles to fund social security pensions and essential services, the Chief Minister’s aerial travel remains a top priority.
This is not the first time the helicopter deal has flown into stormy weather. In 2020, the government’s decision to rent a chopper following a recommendation by then-DGP Loknath Behera faced intense backlash, leading to the contract not being renewed initially. However, during its second term in 2023, the Pinarayi government decided to revive the service. Reports suggest that the government has previously paid over ₹22 crore to Pawan Hans Limited before switching to the current provider.
As the state’s debt continues to mount, this latest expenditure has reignited the debate over “VIP culture” and fiscal responsibility in Kerala’s governance.
