K M Mani, former Finance Minister of Kerala, passed away

Mani handled various departments, including finance and revenue, for over 24 years in the Cabinets of six Chief Ministers of Kerala.

Kottayam: Former Finance Minister of kerala Karingozhakkal Mani Mani breathed his last today. K M Mani was a formidable force in Kerala’s coalition politics for over four decades and better known for presenting 13 budgets in the State Legislative Assembly, which is a record of sorts.

During his around five decade long political career, Mani handled various departments, including finance and revenue, for over 24 years in the Cabinets of six Chief Ministers of Kerala.

Mani was also instrumental in transforming commercial agriculture in the hilly tracts of Kerala.

At the national level, he headed the Empowered Group of State Finance Ministers on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) that was instrumental in eliciting consensus among States.

Mani was also known for his penchant for writing on matters of political as well as economic issue. He authored several books, including 'Fiscal Problems of Kerala-Causes and Remedial Measures', 'The People's Socialism', ‘The Eighth Five year Plan-an Alternative Approach', 'Doctrine of Toiling Class', 'The Economic Development of Kerala', 'Toiling Class Theory' and 'Political and Economic Studies'.