Thiruvananthapuram, June 6

Despite stringent treasury controls in place across the state, the Kerala government has sanctioned an additional ₹5 lakh for the air travel expenses of Prof. K.V. Thomas, the state’s Special Representative in New Delhi and former Union Minister.

The allocation, approved by Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal on June 2, comes after the previously sanctioned ₹5 lakh travel budget for the 2025–26 financial year was completely exhausted.

What has drawn attention is that the funds were cleared during a period typically marked by tight fiscal restrictions—especially in the initial days of the month when salaries and pensions are disbursed.

The tickets for Prof. Thomas are reportedly being booked through the government’s official travel agency, ODEPEC.

According to government sources, “KV Thomas is constantly on the move, discharging his duties,” and the additional expenses are being justified on this basis.

However, this latest approval indicates that further allocations may be required for his travel in the remaining months of the fiscal year.

It is worth noting that in February this year, the Kerala government had already doubled the travel allowance for Thomas.

These travel expenses are in addition to the substantial annual honorarium he receives in his role.

Prof. K.V. Thomas was appointed as the state’s Special Representative in New Delhi with Cabinet rank in January 2023 by the CPI(M)-led government, shortly after his rift with the Congress following denial of a Lok Sabha seat.

He currently heads a five-member personal staff, which includes a private secretary, assistant, office attendant, and driver.

Opposition parties have long criticized his appointment and the recurring expenses associated with it, especially at a time when the state is grappling with a severe financial crisis.

The decision to bypass treasury restrictions earlier to release ₹12.5 lakh as honorarium had also triggered sharp political backlash.