Kerala govt. to appoint Integrated Financial Adviser in every department

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Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan says several files that are not required to be sent to the Finance department are often sent to it. | Photo Credit: -

The Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday (June 17, 2026) decided to appoint an Integrated Financial Adviser in every department to accelerate file processing and improve project implementation.

Presenting it as a major administrative reform, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said that several files that are not required to be sent to the Finance department are often sent to it. Also, many departments send files without following the proper procedures, leading to further delays.

“The Finance department is often forced to send back several files. This has caused delays in project implementation. The Union government had implemented this system in 1974. The Integrated Financial Adviser will be an officer of the Joint Secretary level and will ensure adequate scrutiny of the files before they are sent to the Finance department. In effect, the Finance department is decentralising some of its activities,” he said.

The Cabinet also decided to comprehensively revise the procurement manual, which, Mr. Satheesan said, was outdated. A new, transparent manual will be prepared in line with the financial guidelines of the Union government by incorporating modern systems, including e-procurement. A subcommittee comprising Ministers of Public Works, Tourism, IT, Higher Education and Water Resources will be appointed for this purpose.

The government’s first 100-day action plan will begin on July 1, 2026, said the Chief Minister.

The Cabinet also decided to appoint Muhammad Shafi as Additional Director General of Prosecution in the Kerala High Court. The Cabinet also approved the appointment of G. Unnikrishnan as the Managing Director and Chairperson of the Kerala Cashew Board.