LDF govt questions proposed uncommon earth hall – ‘must see if it’s meant to take advantage of Kerala’

3 min learnThiruvananthapuramUp to date: Feb 1, 2026 04:11 PM IST

The CPI(M)-led Kerala authorities Sunday questioned the intent behind the Union Price range proposal to determine devoted uncommon earth corridors, introduced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for 2026-27.

In her Price range speech, Sitharaman stated: “We now suggest to help the mineral-rich states of Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to determine devoted Uncommon Earth Corridors to advertise mining, processing, analysis and manufacturing”.

Reacting to the proposal, Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeeve stated the state wanted to look at whether or not the transfer was geared toward exploiting Kerala’s assets. “We have now to see whether or not it’s meant to take advantage of Kerala’s uncommon earth and minerals and to take the wealth out of the state. Sure amendments have been proposed which is able to assist the Centre take direct management of the public sale of minerals. Therefore, now we have to look at whether or not this proposal for the hall is to take management over the minerals that are within the custody of the state,” he stated.

Rajeeve identified that the state Price range for the approaching fiscal had already introduced a uncommon earth hall targeted on worth addition.

Presenting the Price range on Thursday, Finance Minister Ok N Balagopal stated Kerala’s shoreline was wealthy in uncommon earth parts. “Kerala coastal line is ample with uncommon earth parts like thorium, Scandium, and many others., that are required within the fields of area analysis and defence. These are essential within the areas of power era, defence and aviation sector, and manufacturing of electrical automobiles, drones and CT scan gear,” he stated.

Balagopal stated a ‘Uncommon Earth Hall’ connecting Vizhinjam port to Chavara in Kollam, and additional to Kochi, was being deliberate. “A centre associated to this can be established adjoining to KMML Chavara. By this Kerala is changing into the everlasting magnet hub of the nation. Apart from this, an funding of Rs 42,000 crore and 50,000 job alternatives are anticipated,” he stated.

The state Price range additionally earmarked Rs 100 crore to determine a Uncommon Earth Vital Minerals Mission in partnership with Kerala Mineral and Metals Restricted, KELTRON — each state undertakings — and the Non-Ferrous Supplies Expertise Improvement Centre beneath the Union Ministry of Mines.

Shaju Philip is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Specific, the place he leads the publication’s protection from Kerala. With over 25 years of expertise in mainstream journalism, he is likely one of the most authoritative voices on the socio-political, non secular, and developmental panorama of South India.

Experience, Expertise, and Authority

A long time of Regional Specialization: Shaju has spent greater than twenty years documenting the “Kerala Mannequin” of growth, its complicated communal dynamics, and its high-stakes political atmosphere.

Key Protection Beats: His intensive reporting portfolio contains:

Political & Governance Evaluation: In-depth monitoring of the LDF and UDF coalitions, the expansion of the BJP within the state, and the intricate workings of the Kerala administration.

Crime & Investigative Journalism: Famous for his protection of high-profile circumstances such because the gold smuggling probe, political killings, and the state’s counter-terrorism efforts relating to radicalization modules.

Disaster Administration: He has led ground-level reporting throughout main regional crises, together with the devastating 2018 floods, the Nipah virus outbreaks, and the Covid-19 pandemic response. … Learn Extra

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