Chief Ministers of Kerala (1957–2025): Complete List with Tenure & Achievements

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s tenure, which began in 2016 and is now in its ninth year (encompassing two consecutive terms), has been marked by a strong emphasis on comprehensive development and welfare, largely guided by the “Nava Kerala Mission.” His government holds the unique distinction of being the first in Kerala’s history to be re-elected after completing a full five-year term.
Despite facing unprecedented challenges including devastating floods (like in 2018), multiple Nipah outbreaks, Cyclone Ockhi, and the COVID-19 pandemic, the administration has pushed forward with ambitious projects and social welfare programs.

Key Initiatives and Achievements:

Infrastructure Transformation:

• Vizhinjam International Seaport: Significant progress and the operationalization of this landmark port project.
• National Highway Development: A major revival of National Highway projects, with the state government actively facilitating land acquisition, including bearing a significant portion of the cost (e.g., Rs 5500 crore for land acquisition to NHAI).
• Kochi Metro and Kannur Airport: Successful completion of these vital connectivity infrastructures.
• K-FON (Kerala Fibre Optic Network): A groundbreaking initiative providing high-speed internet connectivity across the state, aiming for “internet for all” with free connections for over 20 lakh BPL families. This also made Kerala the first Indian state to have its own ISP.
• Water Metro: Launch of India’s first water metro system in Kochi, utilizing electric hybrid boats for integrated water transport.
• KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board): A key financial instrument that has been instrumental in funding large-scale infrastructure projects across various sectors, committing projects worth thousands of crores.
• GAIL Pipeline: Successful completion of the long-delayed Kochi-Mangalore natural gas pipeline.
• Coastal and Hill Highways: Ongoing development of new road networks.
• Digital Science Park and Digital University: Establishment of India’s first Digital University and Digital Science Park, highlighting a focus on technology and innovation.
  
  Social Welfare & Livelihoods:
• LIFE Mission (Livelihood Inclusion Financial Empowerment): A flagship housing scheme that has provided homes to over 4.5 lakh landless and homeless families by March 2025.
• Welfare Pensions: Substantial and regular disbursement of increased social security pensions to millions of beneficiaries.
• Public Service Commission (PSC) Appointments: Over 2.8 lakh appointments made through PSC since 2016, prioritizing job creation.
• Farmers’ Welfare Fund Board: Establishment of a pioneering fund to provide pension, insurance, and financial aid to farmers.
• Base Price for Vegetables: Kerala became the first state to declare a base price for 16 varieties of vegetables, ensuring fair returns for farmers.
• “Apna Ghar” Scheme: Providing housing facilities specifically for migrant workers in the state.
  
  Health and Education Sector Reforms:
• Aardram Mission: Transforming government hospitals into patient-friendly institutions and modernizing health infrastructure, with significant upgrades to Family Health Centers and expansion of super-specialty services
• Public Education Protection Campaign: Focused on strengthening the public education system through massive infrastructure upgrades (over Rs 5,000 crore invested), modernization of classrooms, and increased student enrollments.
• Advanced Training: Introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics training for students and teachers.
• Institute of Advanced Virology (IAV): Establishment of the IAV, the first in the country to be linked with the Global Virus Network, enhancing the state’s capacity in viral research and management.
  
  

  Economic & Governance Reforms:

• IT Sector Growth: Significant growth in IT employment and exports.
• Ease of Doing Business: Implementation of reforms like K-SWIFT and K-SIS, leading to improved rankings in ease of doing business.
• Prudent Fiscal Management: Despite central funding constraints, the government has focused on increasing its own tax and non-tax revenue, showing a steady rise in public expenditure for development and welfare.
• Tax Reforms: Implementation of face-less adjudication and GST department restructuring, leading to high rankings in GST enforcement.
• MSME Growth: Attracting significant Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) investments, creating substantial employment opportunities.