Thiruvananthapuram: Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, after seeking the Speaker's permission, went onto the last part of his policy address without reading it in its entirety, commencing the Budget session at the Kerala Legislative Assembly today.

The Governor said that a new dam will be built at Mullaperiyar, discussions for which would continue with Tamil Nadu. He said that Kerala has taken a stand to ensure the safety of the people in the Mullaperiyar issue.

The Governor began his policy address by enumerating the government's achievements to contain the Covid-19 pandemic. The governor said the government was able to administer the vaccines free of charge. He also congratulated those who were in the forefront in containing the pandemic.

100 percent of people over the age of 18 has been vaccinated in Kerala. The state has excelled as reported by the NITI Aayog. In his policy address, the Governor said that Kerala was well ahead in the health sector.

The government's 100-day action plan was exemplary, and many projects were completed on time. The 2011 housing law would be amended, and changes would be made to the existing housing policy. Steps were also taken to make government services easier for the general public.

The K-Rail project was also lauded upon in the policy statement. The governor remarked that the K-Rail is an eco-friendly project. Ample employment opportunities will be ensured through the project.

He openly criticized the Central Government for reducing the allocation to the State in the Union Budget. He also said that the Central Government’s legislation against the interests of the state is affecting the state. In his speech, the governor also accused the Central Government of interfering in the jurisdiction of the states.