Kochi Corporation’s ₹132-crore surplus Budget presented amid Opposition uproar

Deputy Mayor Deepak Joy presented his maiden Budget for the Kochi Corporation amid stiff protests by the Opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF) councillors against the alleged leakage of budgetary figures to the media ahead of the Budget presentation.

However, Mayor V.K. Minimol stood her ground, claiming that the Budget presentation was within legal bounds, citing Sections 287 and 293 of the Kerala Municipal Act. She reasoned that the statute is devoid of any specific clause insisting on Budget secrecy, even as she reiterated the argument that the data became public due to the mandatory uploading of the finance committee-approved agenda on K-Smart portal. Corporation secretary P.S. Shibu corroborated the Mayor’s argument even as he observed that keeping figures confidential until the presentation was a long-standing tradition followed by previous councils.

The Opposition councillors, however, were not convinced and intensified their protest by descending into the well of the council hall, raising placards and sat right in front of the Mayor’s dais. Undeterred, Ms. Minimol invited her deputy to start the Budget presentation, which he did amid Opposition upheaval.

Later, addressing the media, Ms. Minimol said the Budget was designed to accelerate urban growth, ensure socio-economic security, protect the environment, energise the cultural sphere, and strengthen infrastructure. A Budget monitoring mechanism has been proposed to oversee the implementation of projects. Mr. Joy was also present.

The ₹132.96-crore surplus Budget for the 2026-27 fiscal projected a revenue of ₹1,388.13 crore and expenditure of ₹1,255.16 crore. As soon as the session got underway, LDF Parliamentary Party leader V.A. Sreejith raised a point of order condemning the alleged leak as an affront to the council’s dignity and privilege.

The Budget proposes a long-term vision of sustainable urban development over the next 25 years. Priority has been accorded to infrastructure development, social welfare, environmental protection, sustainable growth, cultural initiatives, and economic advancement. Recognising the financial constraints, the Budget proposed resource mobilisation through municipal bonds, green bonds, and technological innovations to enhance revenue. An economic advisory committee will be constituted to guide fiscal planning.

A city-specific urban policy and development framework will be prepared. Public-private partnership models will be leveraged for funding. A Greater Kochi Development Council has also been proposed.

The Budget also proposed five major infrastructure projects — Edappally convention centre, a commercial complex at Kacheripady, an office-cum-commercial complex at Vyttila, and the Kaloor city centre — with a combined allocation of ₹180 crore.