Dismantling KIIFB would delay Kerala development by three decades: Isaac

Thomas Isaac, who previously held the finance portfolio in Kerala, has raised concerns about the potential consequences of dismantling KIIFB, the state's dedicated infrastructure financing mechanism. In his assessment, the fund board plays a crucial role in accelerating Kerala's development agenda through dedicated, long-term capital investments.

According to Isaac, the infrastructure projects currently being executed through KIIFB would face substantial implementation delays if the state were forced to rely solely on conventional budgetary channels. He suggested that such a transition could extend project completion timelines by approximately three decades, effectively stalling critical developmental initiatives across the state.

The KIIFB, established as an autonomous body to mobilize resources for large-scale infrastructure development, has been instrumental in funding projects across sectors including transportation, water management, and urban development. Isaac's remarks underscore the financial instrument's importance to Kerala's medium to long-term growth strategy.

The comments come amid broader discussions about state financing mechanisms and budgetary priorities in Kerala. Infrastructure development advocates argue that dedicated funding structures like KIIFB enable faster project execution and better resource allocation compared to traditional annual budget cycles.