Seminar

CAG-ICSSR Colloquium on State of the Finances of Kerala and Waste Management in Urban Local Bodies

Venue: EMS Hall, University of Kerala, Kariavattom Campus, Thiruvananthapuram

Date: 22 June, 2026

The CAG–ICSSR Colloquium (Kerala Chapter), held on 22 June 2026 at EMS Hall, University of Kerala, Karaivattom campus, brought together policymakers, auditors, academics, researchers, and students to deliberate on two critical public policy themes: the State of Finances of Kerala and Waste Management in Urban Local Bodies. The colloquium highlighted the importance of leveraging public audit data for evidence-based policymaking, strengthening democratic accountability, and fostering collaboration between public institutions and the academic community. Discussions emphasized the growing need for rigorous fiscal analysis, transparent governance, and data-driven decision-making in addressing Kerala's emerging development challenges.

Prof. Dhananjay Singh, Member Secretary, ICSSR, delivered the Inaugural address and underscored the significance of the CAG–ICSSR collaboration in promoting the use of credible public audit data for research and policymaking. He emphasized that informed public discourse on state finances and waste management is essential for democratic accountability and effective governance. Ms. Preethi Abraham, Accountant General (Audit I), Kerala, highlighted the importance of collaboration between public institutions, academia, and students in promoting transparency, accountability, and evidence-based policymaking. Prof. Mohanan Kunnummal, Vice Chancellor, University of Kerala noted the importance of exposing students and young researchers to public institutions such as the CAG and ICSSR, stressing the need for stronger linkages between universities and research bodies to foster a vibrant research ecosystem. Prof. C Veeramani: Director, Centre for Development Studies, Thiruvananthapuram and Shri Vishnukanth PB, Accountant General (Audit II), Kerala, led the discussions on the State of Finances of Kerala where issues such as weakening revenue base, high committed expenditure, fiscal deficit and debt, borrowing pattern and structural challenges were discussed. 

The discussion on Waste Management in Urban Local Bodies was led by Ms. Preethi Abraham, Accountant General (Audit I), Kerala and Dr. Hari Kurup, Director, Institute of Studies and Surveys, Kerala. The speakers emphasized upon urbanisation and growing service delivery demands, scale of the waste management challenge, low spending and underutilisation of funds, infrastructure and operational gaps and sustainable urban Governance. 

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation of scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and students which made the colloquium a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange. The insightful discussions, diverse perspectives, and constructive deliberations significantly enriched the discourse on Kerala’s public finances and urban waste management.

The colloquium also featured the announcement of the CAG-ICSSR Research Article Competition, which seeks to promote research and analytical skills among students and young scholars in the areas of public finance, governance, and accountability. The competition is open to undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students on themes such as fiscal federalism, local governance, employment and MSMEs, and social sector spending. With attractive awards at both state and national levels, the initiative aims to encourage greater academic engagement with issues of public policy, public finance, and governance.

Students are requested to visit the ICSSR website to submit their entries for the CAG-ICSSR Research Article Competition.