New Delhi: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, urging him to expedite the establishment of the long-awaited AIIMS in Kozhikode and to extend greater financial flexibility to the state. The meeting focused on four major concerns — healthcare infrastructure, disaster relief, financial constraints, and pending central dues.
Addressing reporters after the meeting, Vijayan said Kerala had previously proposed four potential sites for AIIMS and has now identified Kinalur in Kozhikode as the most suitable location. He requested that the Centre fast-track the approval process and initiate the project without further delay.
The Chief Minister reiterated Kerala’s demand for ₹2,221 crore for Wayanad’s rehabilitation and reconstruction, stressing that the amount should not be treated as a loan. He also urged the Centre to ease borrowing restrictions, restore budgetary allocations, and return IGST recoveries that are pending with the Union government.
Highlighting the strain on Kerala’s finances, Vijayan said that the Centre’s delay in clearing arrears for paddy procurement has caused significant hardship for both farmers and Supplyco, and called for immediate disbursal of funds.
On infrastructure development, the Chief Minister pointed out that Kerala had already paid its 25% share of the national highway land acquisition cost, but the borrowing limit cuts have resulted in a “double blow” to the state’s fiscal stability. He requested that Kerala be permitted to borrow funds to bridge this gap.
Reaffirming Kerala’s commitment to its long-pending demand, Vijayan said, “An AIIMS in Kozhikode will transform healthcare access across northern Kerala,” urging the Prime Minister to give the green signal for the project at the earliest.
