Kerala’s UDF government announces the formation of an expert committee to prepare a “white paper” on the state’s finances. The decision follows the first UDF Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan and is taken after a high-level meeting of senior Finance Department officials led by the chief minister. A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office says the panel is headed by former Cabinet Secretary K. M. Chandrasekhar, with Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) K. R. Jyothilal appointed as convener. The committee also includes economist Dr Narayana and Dr Veeramani, director of the Centre for Development Studies (CDS), as members. The government says the white paper is intended to provide a clearer assessment of Kerala’s financial health to inform future policy decisions. One report notes that the UDF has alleged that Kerala’s finances are in trouble due to alleged mismanagement during the previous Left rule, an allegation that was previously rejected by the then Finance Minister. The committee’s creation is presented as a step toward producing a structured review of the state’s financial position.