Thiruvananthapuram, June 22

Even as Kerala grapples with a severe financial crisis, the state government has come under fire for allocating a hefty ₹80.40 lakh for a book translation project undertaken by the Kerala Legislative Assembly. The funds have been earmarked for the Malayalam translation of the first volume of the Constituent Assembly Debates.

The move has triggered widespread criticism, particularly since the state is currently facing delays in disbursing welfare pensions and employee benefits. Critics, including opposition parties, have questioned the government’s priorities, accusing it of double standards—denying basic entitlements to the public while approving extravagant spending on non-essential projects.

Legislative Assembly Speaker A.N. Shamseer reportedly submitted a request to Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal on June 19, seeking an additional ₹78.40 lakh for the project. In a highly unusual move, the file, which would typically take weeks or months to clear in the state secretariat, was approved within a single day. By June 20, the Finance Department had issued orders allocating the funds.

Initially, only ₹2 lakh had been earmarked in the state budget for this translation project. With the latest allocation, the total expenditure has now ballooned to ₹80.40 lakh.

The translated volume is scheduled to be released by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on June 24. However, the massive expenditure involved has become a major talking point, especially on social media platforms, where many are questioning whether such a large amount is truly necessary for a book translation.

Opposition leaders have slammed the government, saying that while it cites financial constraints to withhold basic payments to citizens, it is simultaneously greenlighting expensive vanity projects. The controversy continues to gain traction, with calls for greater fiscal accountability and transparency in public spending.