In a significant move to involve the public in governance, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday announced the launch of a novel citizen response programme. This initiative is designed to act as a sounding board, inviting suggestions from residents on how to transform the state into a major hub for manufacturing and services in the coming years.
Nava Kerala Study Programme Gets Public Voice
The newly launched programme is an integral part of the Nava Kerala Study Programme. Chief Minister Vijayan emphasized the democratic essence of the project, stating that every individual's opinion is vital for the state's progress. "Every person will have future plans and suggestions based on their own life circumstances and desires. Listening to these, consolidating them and planning accordingly is part of the democratic process. It is very important," he explained.
The government's decision to collect ideas directly from the public is rooted in this principle. Vijayan outlined that this initiative will serve multiple crucial purposes:
- Understanding the specific developmental needs of different areas.
- Facilitating suitable and targeted development projects.
- Building public consensus on new job opportunities and schemes.
- Gathering feedback on the reach and effectiveness of welfare activities across all regions.
The Chief Minister encouraged every citizen to wholeheartedly cooperate with this project, asserting that such participation is key to strengthening the creation of a new Kerala.
Call for Unity to Newly Elected Local Body Members
Shifting focus to grassroots governance, CM Vijayan also addressed the newly elected members of the state's local self-government institutions. He appealed to them to set aside arguments over election results and begin working collectively for public welfare.
Highlighting a distinct feature of local body elections, Vijayan noted, "Unlike in the Parliament or assembly elections, all members elected to local bodies would be members in one or the other standing committee. Every member is part of the decision-making bodies." Considering this inclusive structure, he urged them to work unitedly with careful attention to their responsibilities.
Reflecting on past achievements, the CM recalled that in 1995, elected representatives, backed by people's planning, enabled numerous new developmental and welfare activities. He pointed out that today's representatives have access to many more facilities, and consequently, the responsibilities of the new governing councils are more extensive.
Key Welfare Initiatives Highlighted
The Chief Minister outlined specific priorities for the local bodies. He stressed the need to ensure that individuals who have been lifted out of extreme poverty do not fall back into it. Furthermore, he sought the active cooperation of local institutions to advance several flagship state initiatives:
The waste-free Kerala initiative, aimed at scientific waste management.
The Life housing project, which seeks to provide shelter for all.
The universal palliative care programme, ensuring compassionate care for the critically ill.
This dual announcement—empowering citizens through a direct feedback mechanism and rallying local representatives for collaborative action—marks a concerted push by the Kerala government to foster inclusive and participatory development for the state's future.
