NEW DELHI: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said the Central Government was providing all relevant funds to Kerala and there has been no delay from the Centre’s part.
Her statement comes amid the tussle between the Centre and the Kerala government over the financial crisis in the state. Earlier this month, Kerala Finance Minister KN Balagopal said the Central government was withholding funds .
Refuting the minister’s claim, Sitharaman said all pending liabilities and the first part of social security pensions have been released to the state and the state Government has not yet requested the second part.
All pending amounts related to the National Social Assistance Scheme (NSAP) were released in October 2023, she added.
The Kerala government did not submit a request for the second part despite the Finance Ministry informing them to furnish the required application, said the Union Finance Minister.
Sitharaman said the Kerala government cannot re-brand Parliament-approved CentrallySponsored Schemes according to its will and it should have followed the guidelines for the money to be released. The funds cld not be released under a rebranded name as the Comptroller and Auditor General will question the Centre and not the state, she added.
On the issue of health grants, the Union Finance Minister said the particular grants can only be released when the Kerala government fulfils the stipulated conditions and recommendations of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare as well as the 15th Finance Commission.
She added what the people of Kerala needs is being sent on time without any delay and if there is a delay, it is due to the government not submitting the proper paperwork.
