Fri Apr 25 13:08:50 UTC 2025: ## Former Kerala Finance Minister Appointed Advisor, Defends Role Amidst Legal Challenge
**Thiruvananthapuram, April 25, 2025** – T.M. Thomas Isaac, former Kerala Finance Minister, has dismissed concerns surrounding his recent appointment as an advisor to the state government’s Vijnana Keralam initiative. The appointment has been challenged in a public interest litigation, prompting an amicus curiae report to the High Court.
Dr. Isaac stated his willingness to cooperate with the court and clarified that his role is unpaid, covering only travel expenses. He explained that Vijnana Keralam’s primary goal is to align skill development programs with job creation. A key initiative, involving skilling programs for students, is slated to launch in August. Dr. Isaac also noted that the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC), a related entity, was established during the previous LDF government’s tenure with the Finance Department’s approval.
First Piper 