Ernakulam district panchayat budget prioritises agriculture, education and welfare

Kochi: Ernakulam district panchayat on Friday presented its budget for 2026–27 financial year, with a strong focus on agriculture, education, healthcare, employment generation and infrastructure development across the district's grama panchayats.The budget projects a total revenue of Rs 177.88 crore and an expenditure of Rs 163.13 crore under plan and non-plan heads, leaving a surplus of Rs 14.75 crore. A major thrust was given to agriculture, with an allocation of Rs 18 crore for comprehensive sectoral development. The budget aims to modernise district farms and promote farm, aqua and paddy-field tourism. As much as Rs 3 crore was earmarked for expanding cultivation in fallow lands, strengthening bunds and improving irrigation channels. Support was also announced for vegetable and banana cultivation, agricultural marketing infrastructure, research and farm festivals. Dairy development, mixed farming initiatives, and fish landing centre modernisation also received allocations. The education sector was allotted Rs 15.60 crore, including funds for daily expenses of institutions, hi-tech school projects and science labs. Special initiatives such as ‘Madhuram Malayalam' scheme for children of migrant workers were also included. Healthcare was allocated Rs 16 crore to strengthen primary health centres and palliative care services. Drinking water and sanitation projects will receive Rs 11 crore, while Rs 29 crore was set aside for asset protection and new infrastructure. The budget also includes welfare schemes for women, Scheduled Castes members, people with disabilities and transgender individuals, along with plans to expand solar energy initiatives and introduce subsidised community canteens.