Kollam district panchayat budget focusses on infra and health

Kollam district panchayat budget for 2026-27 fiscal year focuses on comprehensive development with a special emphasis on sustainable infrastructure, agriculture and health.

Kollam district panchayat budget for 2026-27 fiscal year focuses on comprehensive development with a special emphasis on sustainable infrastructure, agriculture and health. The budget presented by vice president S.R. Arun Babu on Tuesday envisages a surplus of ₹₹27.29 crore with a projected revenue of ₹268.95 crore and expenditure of ₹210.93 crore. A significant portion of the budget is dedicated to revitalizing the agricultural landscape through specialized branding and value-addition schemes.

The ‘Cashew Delight’ project, allocated ₹50 lakh, seeks to restore the glory of the local cashew industry by expanding cultivation and establishing plants to produce value-added products like cashew apple juice.

Similarly, the ‘Kollam Harvest’ initiative aims to brand and market jackfruit products in collaboration with the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, while the ‘Kathirmani’ project receives a substantial ₹4 crore to expand traditional Matta rice cultivation across 1,500 acres.

To modernize these efforts, the Kuriyottumala farm will be transformed into ‘Agro Galaxy,’ an international-standard training hub and expo centre, backed by a ₹50 lakh investment to promote agro-tourism and advanced farming techniques. To mitigate man-animal conflict, ₹50 lakh has been earmarked for the installation of solar hanging fences and crash guard steel fencing in border areas, utilizing sensors for real-time maintenance.

The district also addresses the stray dog menace through the ‘Sahajeevanam’ project, which allocates ₹1.5 crore for shelter homes and sterilization efforts. Furthermore, a ₹3 crore portable ABC centre project will be launched in collaboration with grama panchayats to provide localized solutions for animal birth control in areas lacking permanent facilities. The healthcare sector, particularly maternal and child care, receives a major boost with dedicated funds for Victoria Hospital. The budget allocates ₹1 crore for a deluxe patient waiting area featuring air-conditioned halls and digital token systems to improve the experience for patients and bystanders. Innovative medical interventions like ‘Kangaroo Mother Care’ chairs for premature infants, nutritional kits for postnatal women, and continued support for the Ayurpalayam ayurvedic palliative care scheme are key highlights. Additionally, a landmark ₹3 crore project has been envisioned to establish a residential Buds School and hostel for children with autism, ensuring their long-term care and vocational training even in the absence of their guardians. The ‘Soura Tejas Kollam’ project aims to transition all district-owned schools and hospitals to solar energy with a ₹10 crore investment. On the industrial front, the ‘Karmashakti 2026’ plan will provide ₹3.20 crore to modernize mini-industrial estates, while the ‘Naisargika’ initiative will establish a biodegradable diaper manufacturing unit to promote eco-friendly hygiene products. To boost the local economy through tourism, the ₹5 crore ‘Neela Haritham’ project will introduce pedal boats and water-based activities, complemented by a budget tourism cell that offers free educational trips for underprivileged students in KSRTC buses, ensuring that development remains inclusive and environmentally conscious.