Kerala State Planning Board Reconstituted: Chandrasekhar Named Vice Chairperson

The Kerala government has reconstituted the State Planning Board, with Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan as its chairperson and former Union Cabinet Secretary K.M. Chandrasekhar as vice chairperson. The order was issued by the United Democratic Front (UDF) government, and the board's term is co-terminus with that of the ruling government.

Mr. Chandrasekhar previously served as vice chairperson of the board during the UDF government's term from 2011 to 2016, when the late Oommen Chandy was Chief Minister. He also headed a special committee tasked by the current UDF government to prepare a White Paper on the state's finances.

The appointment gains significance in light of the UDF government's proposal in the revised Budget for 2026-27 to transform the Kerala State Planning Board into a think tank. According to the proposal, the board would play a greater role in monitoring priority projects and act as a link between civil society organisations and the state government to turn ideas into practical projects.

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has expressed reservations about the proposal, alleging that the UDF government is mimicking the policy of the Union government, which replaced the Planning Commission with the NITI Aayog.

The other members of the reconstituted board include: Minister for Industries and Information Technology P.K. Kunhalikutty; Minister for Electricity and Environment Sunny Joseph; Minister for Water Resources and Housing Mons Joseph; Minister for Forest, Skills, and Cashew Shibu Baby John; and Minister for Transport C.P. John.

The Kerala State Planning Board was established to advise the state government on economic planning and development. Its reconstitution follows the formation of the new UDF government after the 2026 assembly elections.