Kerala Plans to Reorganise State Planning Board as Government Think Tank Amid Opposition Concerns
Kerala's government plans to reorganise the 59-year-old State Planning Board into a 'think tank' to enhance project monitoring and idea generation, as announced by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan in the 2026-27 revised Budget. The board will act as a bridge between civil society and the government, maintaining current functions while adopting new roles. Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the move, comparing it to the Union government's replacement of the Planning Commission with NITI Aayog, expressing concerns about its future effectiveness. The government maintains the board will continue its activities and strengthen Kerala's economic planning.