THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has officially disbanded the Kerala Maritime Board, effective immediately, due to ongoing administrative failures, financial discrepancies, and a lack of compliance with government directives. The Department of Fisheries and Ports issued the notification on July 6, highlighting the Board’s inability to fulfill its mandated responsibilities.
The decision was made under Sections 90(1) and 90(2) of the Kerala Maritime Board Act, 2017, after a thorough assessment revealed that the Board had not submitted its Annual Administration Reports for the financial years 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25. This lack of accountability prompted the state’s intervention.
Additionally, the notification referenced findings from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit report on State Finances for the year ending March 31, 2023. The audit uncovered significant issues, including revenue arrears related to ports, underutilization of budget allocations, and expenditures made without proper budget provisions. The report also indicated a complete non-utilization of sanctioned funds and unnecessary diversions, further justifying the government’s decision to disband the Board.
