Kerala Government Achievements 2006-2010The Left Democratic Front Government, under the able and farsighted leadership of Chief Minister Sri. V.S. Achuthanandan is crossing the threshold into the fifth year of effective governance. The Kerala Government in the last four years has initiated programmes to translate its promises to the people.The Government committed itself to enhance the welfare and well-being of farmers, farm labourers and workers, particularly those in the unorganised sector and to assure a secure future for their families. Food security has been addressed through a number of programmes such as distribution of rice at the rate of rupee two a kilogram.A number of steps have been taken to ensure that all institutions of higher learning and professional education are accessible to eligible candidates. IT exports grew at record levels. This is nearly two to three times that of the national level.
Financial systems have become deeper, more efficient, and more stable over the past years. The State has been able to consolidate its fiscal performance through improved fiscal management.
Sensible economic and social policies, democratic decision making, adequate transparency in Government matters, financial accountability, creation of a people friendly environment for development, measures to combat corruption, respect for the rule of law and human rights are the hallmark of this government.
The Government is proud of the fact that it has delivered substantially on its commitments within a period of four years in office.
Thejaswani, the largest ever building till 2008 (8.5 lakh sq. ft) completed and fully sold out.The new largest ever IT building in Kerala (10 lakh sq. ft building for approx. Rs 200 crore) started. New Technopark at Kollam started within 6 months of land allotment All works in good progress. The park will be made operational before March 2011.Infosys campus building (1.5 lakh sq. ft) completed and work starts for their Phase II.Bldgs of TCS Global Learning, Tata Elxsi Phase-I, Amstor expansion, M Squared, Padmanabham, inaugurated.IBS building of 2 lakh sq. ft inaugurated. Second building under construction. Leela Building 6.5 lakh sq. ft completed.Sub-station work for Technopark Phase II initiated and completed.US Technology 5 lakh sq. ft building construction started.New campus of Asian School of Business coming up in 16 acres of land made available from Technocity land. Estimated investment Rs 36 crore.Campus building of IIITMK started at estimated cost of Rs 8 crore. The third IT Park in Kerala, Infopark, Koratty operations started in October 2009.Infoparks in Cherthala and Ambalapuzha underway. SEZs obtained. Master-planning completed, detailed designing completed, tenders under award. Wipro campus with 9 lakh sq. ft building completed.L&T Thejomaya building inaugurated (3.5 lacs sq.ft). Athulaya 5.5 lakh sq. ft building near completion in April 2010.Major companies which started operation include: Arbitron, Bluelabs, Charter BPO, Starient Inc, Affiliated Computer Services, TCS, OPI Global, Wipro and Calpine Tech.MoU with Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry to set up a Centre in Infopark. Likely to start by April 2010.
Steps to make crime investigation more scientificNumber of murders on the declineStrengthened Forensic Science LaboratoryMobile phone to police forcePreventive measures against terrorismSteps to enhance the strength of the police forceAppointment of home guardsMore representation of women in police forceSteps to prevent hooligansStrengthened cyber cell to handle cyber crimesFlawless investigation in major casesIntroduced Community Policing System as a State Government projectVigil committees for girlsWomen's helplineStudents' PolicingCoastal vigil committeeCoastal Police Station equipped with high-speed boat for patrolling in the seaNew boats for waterway policingComprehensive modernisation in Jail DepartmentMade Vigilance system more efficientRebirth to Fire ForceEfficiency in Judicial set upIntroduced models to the world in tourismIntroduced responsible tourismEnhanced Cultural Heritage TourismSanction has been obtained for Kannur International AirportTourism sector in new heightsTourism sector in Kerala is rushing into new heights, challenging the threats posed by global economic melt down.Introduced Responsible tourism so as to get the benefit of tourism to the local people.Commencing of Mareena Project in Kochi is another commendable achievement.For the first time in the history, KTDC's income crossed Rs. 60 crore and turned to profit-making enterprise.
32 State Owned Enterprises turn profitable, total profit Rs.232 croreLaunch of Kerala Soaps at KozhikodeReopening of Thiruvananthapuram Spinning Mills at BalaramapuramMalabar Spinning Mills (Thiruvannur Cotton Mills) reopening and modernisationKEL - Edarikode Unit reopeningSuccessful tie-ups with Navaratna Central PSUs: TELK – NTPC, KEL – BHEL and GoK – Indian Railways, SCL – SAIL
Implemented EMS Total Housing SchemeSecond Phase of Peoples' Plan startedSpecial consideration for waste disposal and sanitationOrganised Suchitwa MissionIntroduced front office facility at panchayat officesFifty per cent seats reserved for women in LSGIsComprehensive Settlement development programme at AttappadiTransparent and corruption free implementation of National Labour Ensure ProjectDouble Entry Accounting in CorporationsRs.1300 for city renovation programmeEngineering wing constituted for LSGIsSpent Rs.255 under PMGSYCut to half the fine for tax paymentThousands of women were given jobs under group farmingSpread Ashraya ProjectSimplified birth and death registration procedureComputerised Project monitoring and conducting of Labour ensuring project in LSGIsKILA got national recognitionUnification activities of Panchayat Development Department, Corporation Department and Panchayat Department into a single department
EMS total housing schemeEMS total housing scheme for providing houses to the houseless has been implemented. Three lakh houses have been completed till date. As a last phase, steps have taken to complete the works of remaining five lakh houses. It is expected to cost Rs.4000 crore at the last phase of this project.
Second Phase of People's PlanThe second phase of People's plan has given emphasise to productive sector, especially agricultural sector. In 2008-2009 alone local self government institutions have spent Rs.325.07 crores for agriculture sector. For the cultivation of paddy alone, 93.01 crore from this amount has been spent.
Public Friendly Panchayat offices
During the rule of LDF ministry, steps have been taken to make panchayat offices public friendly and started front offices in all panchayats. Procedures in the registration of birth and death have been simplified and computerised. Arrangements have made to provide public services in a time-bounded manner. More posts are allotted in panchayats and corporations. Accountant post has created in panchayats so as to keep accounting systematically.
National Employment Assurance SchemeNational recognition has achieved in the execution of National Employment Assurance Scheme in a transparent and corruption-free way. Rs.458.49 crore has been spent by giving employment to 9.20 lakh families. Of this Rs.400 crore has been issued as wage. More than 88 per cent women participated in this programme.KILA KILA has grown into a training centre of National recognition. It is also a training centre of SAARC nations.
Provided Debt Relief to Fishermen amounting to Rs. 127 crore benefiting more than 50,000 fisher folk familiesProvided interest free loan to more than 38,000 fisher women engaged in fish vending @ of Rs. 5000 per head spending more than Rs. 13.64 croreAs a result of Matsyakeralam Project inland fish production increased from the current level of 0.75 lakh tones to 1.03 lakh tonesExport of ornamental fishes started from Kerala through Kerala Aqua Ventures International Ltd (KAVIL) to foreign marketsConstruction of New Fishing Harbours started atEnacted new legislations such asKerala Fishermen's Debt Relief Commission ActKerala Pelagic Fisheries Protection ActKerala Fishermen's Welfare Cess ActDuring the last Assembly session the Unified Inland Fisheries Bill was presented and sent for the consideration of the Subject Committee
Profit Innovative The outdated manual system of preparing certified copies of old documents in Sub Registry offices and consequent heavy pendency of work has been identified as the main villain for the inefficiency and corruption in the Registration Department. A novel device called Digital Image Printer has been innovated with the help of the C-Dit which become a magical remedy for the above said performance problem. The pilot project implemented at Sub Registrar's Office, Ernakulam became a big success and the project has been extended to all the Sub Registry offices in the State. The project was completed by July 2008 which has improved the efficiency level of the Department considerably. Before the implementation of the project it took months and even years to get a certified copy. This reform has enabled the Department to issue certified copies of old documents on the same day of application.
Rice and wheat distribution to 26 lakh families at the rate of Rs.2 per kg.Supply of 13 essential commodities at subsidised rate to prevent price rise in open market.Establishment of Micro Biology lab and college of Indegenious Food Technology at Konni under CFRD.Increase of milk production to 5 lakh ton per year.Surplus production of 50 crore eggs per year.Establishment of Cattle feed Factory at Karunagappally spending Rs.34 crore. Establishment of high tech Dairy farm at Kulathupuzha, Mattuppetty and Kolahalamedu.Subsidy to cattle Feeds implemented. Artificial insemination at free of cost.Establishment of Marine Products inspection Laboratory at Marad, Eranakulam. Establishment of BIS gold Hall Marking centre at Kakkanad.
Kissan Abhiman Pension for 15,000 paddy farmers.Kissansree Insurance covering 5 lakh farmers and their families.Paddy cultivation rejuvenated, 5 panchayats declared fallow free, 15,000 ha of land kept fallow for 2-5 decades brought under cultivation, paddy production increased by 1.25 lakh tones, Upland paddy cultivation in 1000 hectares.Procurement price of paddy hiked from Rs.7/kg to Rs.12, the highest in the countryNo more farmers suicides, 42,113 farmers relieved from debt trap as per the recommendations of Farmers' Debt Relief Commission.Vegetable farming in an additional area of 3050 hectares involving 20000 farmers. 105 school vegetable gardens and 200 organic vegetable villages.Two lakh vegetable kits sold out at subsidised rates to control soaring vegetable price.
Recipient of National Awards, 2008-09 for excellence and outstanding commitments in initiative, innovation and institutional building in the implementation of Rashatriya Swastya Beema Yojana (RSBY), a National Health Insurance Scheme.Minimum Wages revised or fixed for the first-time for major industrial workers in the unorganised sectors covering about 65 lakh of workers out of around 85 lakh in Kerala, spread over 83 sectors.Number of ESI Beneficiaries raised from 3.95 lakhs to 7.776 lakhs.Started 23 new ITIs with modern tradesDistributed 6.78 lakh cashew grafts to farmers.Welfare Scheme to the Shops and Establishment Workers, Small Plantation Workers, Jewellery Workers and Migrant Workers have been introduced.17 out of 22 closed down tea Plantations were re-opened.Major changes are effected in the Abkari Act to facilitate effective monitoring of Abkari cases and to award proper punishment to offenders.Effectively checked the spread of spurious liquor.Reorganised district level administrative set up of the Excise Department under DECs and AECs have been given full charge of enforcement in the District.Good progress achieved in modernizing the department with new vehicles, equipments etc., Offices computerized up to Circle Office level."Chicops" and "TSCL" previously under the Industries Department brought under the administrativee control of the Excise department as part of rejuvenating there units. A new company viz., "Malabar Distilleries Ltd."(MDL) formed at Chicops for IMFL production.
Implementation of Single Window admission in higher secondary schoolsPromotion of excellence in traditionally backward schoolsSteps for all round development of children in schoolsIntroduction course-credit-semester system at the undergraduate levelHigher Education Scholarship SchemeEnsuring inclusiveness in cultural initiatives
Initiated strong measures to protect the State’s interests in inter-state water issues, especially in Mullaperiyar Dam issueDeclared a comprehensive Water Policy for the StateThe Kerala Water Supply & Sewerages Act 1986 amended to strengthen the provisions and prevent misuse and theft and provides for KWA to diversify its line of activitiesSpecial Package Assisted by NABARD (SPAN) launched to complete 36 major drinking water projects - held up for want of funds - at an estimated cost of Rs.670 crore benefiting 35 lakh peopleImplementation of the JICA assisted water supply projects valued at Rs.2600 crore benefiting 41 lakh peopleLaunched a comprehensive project – MIRPA- for improving irrigation facilities in Malabar regionLaunched and integrated scheme for revamping and rehabilitating Lift irrigation schemes across the StateConstituted the Pamba River Basin AuthorityHUDCO drinking water project for Kochi completed.Started work on the Chamravattom Irrigation - Road cum-bridge projectTransformed KWA into a customer-friendly organistion through Structural Institutional reforms
District Hospital, Malappuram upgraded to General Hospital with all modern facilities.Kasargod District hospital also upgraded as General Hospital. Construction of new building complex is completed.Constructed new Sewage Treatment Plant for Palakkad.Started Behaviour Intensive Care Unit at Thiruvananthapuram Mental Health Centre. Started construction of building for Children and adolescents.Rehabilitation Ward for Thrissur Mental Health Centre.Completed the construction of building for General Hospital Pathanamthitta.Completed the construction of building for W&C Hospital, Thycaud.Constructed new building for Health and Family Welfare Institute at Thiruvananthapuram.New Trauma Care Units for Palakkad District Hospital and for Neyyanttinkara Taluq Hosptial.New OP Block for Neyyattinkara Taluq Hospital and Adimali Taluk Hospital.New Casualty facility for Vythiri Taluk Hospital at Wayanad District.One Crore’s developmental activities for Kottaparambu W&C Hospital, Kozhikode District.New building for casualty at Vaikom Taluk Hospital, Kottayam.New CT Scan Unit for Ernakulam General Hospital.Commenced 23 Crore’s Development works at Thrissur Medical College (NABARD Fund).
Won two prestigious National Awards for the first time; Indira Priyadarshini Vriksha Mitra Award 2007 for the best contribution in tree planting activities and Indira Priya darshini Vriksha Mitra Award 2008 for increasing forest and tree cover.‘Ente maram’ (My Tree) campaign set a world record; twenty five lakh students planted 25 lakh seedlings on the world environment day of 2007.Enhancement of area under Forest Cover: 440 ha in Vagamon and 8901 ha of biodiversity rich area in Mankulam has been notified as Reserve Forests. 3000 ha, which includes 320 ha of revenue land in Devikulam Taluk, declared as Kurinjimala Sanctuary, for the conservation of the Neelakurinji.Declaration of additional Sanctuaries, National Park and Community Reserves.The Silent Valley National park has been provided with the much awaited buffer zone.Decision to establish Bio-diversity Research Centre of International Standard.Parambikulam has been declared as second Tiger Reserve in the State.An area of 3.42 sq.km. of forest has been declared as Choolannur Peafowl Sanctuary.An extent of 7400 ha has been declared as Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary.The Kadalundy - Vallikunnu area (150 ha) where migratory birds arrive every year has been declared and notified as Kadalundy Community Reserve.Awareness programmes: National workshop on "Global Warming and Kerala" South Indian Forest Ministers Conference Nature awareness Programme for MLA's Field Programme for Hon. Judges of High Court of Kerala.Wrote off the debts of the poor and return of title deeds. As part of it, the debts of poor people who got the loans under 12 Schemes of Kerala State Housing Board and three Schemes implemented by District Collectors were written off and given back the documents. A total of Rs.183 crore was written off benefiting nearly 41500 families under this humanitarian Scheme.M.N. Laksham Veedu Renovation Scheme: Government have issued subsidy of Rs.16.68 crore to the down trodden and it is the target of the Government to complete the scheme in a time bound frame.Tsunami House Building Scheme: The responsibility of the construction of the houses of Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasargode and 31 houses of Thiruvananthapuram district is vested with the Kerala State Housing Board. On a war footing effort, the Board has completed the construction of 31 houses at Beemapalli in Thiruvanantha-puram and 58 houses in Kasargod and the work of the remaining is progressing.Suraksha Bhavan Pathathi (Safe Housing Scheme): The amount was raised from early government’s Rs.9000 to Rs.25000. More than 800 houses .have constructed on this line and the construction of 1640 houses have completed by sanctioning the amount under the old scheme.Public-Private Partnership Scheme (PPP):Housing Board initiated the scheme to build commercial and dwelling complexes in the properties of the Board on Public-Private Partnership basis. It is targeted to. complete the project within six months.One Time Settlement: As a relief to the weaker sections the Government has extended the one time settlement scheme of loans to six times during the last four years. More than 25,500 poor people got the benefit of Rs.57 crore under this scheme.
As part of the renovation of government presses, compositors in the technical section were given special training. About 75 employees in the ministerial section were given computer training. 2009 October got declared as “Intensive File Disposal” month to dispatch pending files. Sanctioned an amount of Rs.320 lakh for the construction of new building for Thiruvananthapuram Goernment Central Press. Started District forms store in Wayanad in association with Wayanad Government Press. 1,41,50,000 ration cards were printed and handed over to Civil supplies department. Construction of Government Press in Kollam is at its final stage. Government has formed a special committee with Indira Chandrasekhar as chairperson to study on the modernisation of Government Presses.
Palakkad becomes the first completely electrified district in the country.Transmission loss reduced to 18 per cent from the earlier 26.6 per cent.Installed about 15,000 transformers.11 KV lines established covering a distance of 10000 km.As part of the save energy policy of the government one and a half crore CFL distribution with subsidy underway.Land acquisition to build super thermal power plant with 2400 mw in Cheemeni is completedAll section offices of the KSEB has been computerised using the Free software developed by the employees.To make the operations of KSEB customer friendly model sections organised in 75 sections will be implemented in 150 more sections.Procedures for new connections simplified. The number of pages of the application has been reduced to two from the previous 56.Kerala received the National Energy Conservation Award last year for its efforts in energy conservation.
Drinking Water schemes were implemented in 1467 SC colonies and 73 ST habitats utilising Rs. 16 crore.The electricity dues of ST families were written off.Concessions for the children of Inter Castes Married couples.Marriage assistance for girl children was enhanced from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 10, 000. 9910 families were given assistance.Debt-Waiver scheme for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Converted Christians.Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to ensure and protect the rights conferred by the ConstitutionTrade and Cultural Exhibition, ‘Gaddika’ was conducted.
1,20,300 landless poor were conferred land ownership.2000 acres of surplus land has been taken over and vested with the Government.Distributed land to more than 10,000 tribal families under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.Being distributed 28,558 ha. of land to all those who occupied forestland before 01.01.1977 with unconditional pattas.Land Boards and Land Assignment Committees in all Taluks have been reconstituted with representatives of people. Land Reforms Review Board has also been constituted in accordance with the Land Reforms Act.Introduced three vital legislations viz., the Kerala Farmers' Debit Relief Commission Act, 2006; the Kerala Paddy land and wetland Conservation Act, 2008; and the Kerala Land Conservancy (Amendment) Act, 2009.Assigned land to establish 29 Central or State government institutions and for various developmental activities. Liberalised the terms and conditions of allotment of land to Kochi and Vizhinjam Centres of CMFRl, Rajiv Gandhi Bio Technology Centre and Sree Chithra Institute of Medical Science.Implemented novel project, "Bhoomi Keralam" to put a proper methodology in completing the resurvey activities.Established Kerala State Land Bank, an innovative project to protect public land and its distribution to landless and for developmental activities has been launched.Commenced a comprehensive programme to computerise land records with a view to co-ordinate activities of the revenue, survey and registration departments to deliver efficient and transparent service to public and to curb malpractices in land dealings.Launched website and toll free call centre to ensure people's participation in the protection of public land.A comprehensive Land Policy has been published for the first time in the State.Established State Disaster Management Authority to co-ordinate various disaster mitigation activities including natural calamities.Accomplished Tsunami Rehabilitation Projects costing Rs.1441.75 crore within the prescribed time frame.A comprehensive rehabilitation package is being enforced in land aquisition.Played a leading role in fixing fair value of the land in the whole State.
All kinds of dues clearedTreasury ban stoppedRevenue deficit has been reduced to 1.9 per centTotal debit amount has considerably been reducedRation rice at the rate of Rs.two per kilogrammeWelfare pension has been enhanced from Rs.110-120 to Rs.300All dues to welfare boards clearedTraditional sector has been given top priorityPublic sector industries became profit-making enterprisesBudget allocation to universities has been increasedRs.3000 crore is being spent for the infrastructure developmentGreen Fund to the tune of Rs.1000 croreIncome from tax increased considerablyCheck posts made corruption-freePay Revision Commission has been constituted without delayProfit to the tune of Rs.237 crore to Lottery DepartmentDramatic development to Kerala State Financial CorporationTurned Kerala Financial Corporation into a supporter of small and medium scale industries.ACHIEVEMENTS BY DEPARTMENTS
V.S.Achuthananthan, Chief MinisterThe Left Democratic Front Government enters the fifth year of its tenure triumphantly with a glorious record of achievements in all areas of development. Pursuing the paradigms of development set by the 1957 EMS government, the present ministry under V.S. Achuthanandan has made solid achievements in distributing land to the landless, building houses with electricity and potable water for all the homeless, heralding comprehensive health insurance scheme for all the needy people of the State and bringing all deserving sections under the welfare programme of the government. Simultaneously the government solved many serious problems bedevilling the State’s economy and steered it after several years in real growth track. Many harmful trends of the past were reversed. Caused the emergence of a peaceful labour force cooperating with the government for the State’s industrialisation. Effected an increase in agricultural production especially that of paddy after years of decline. Almost all industrial units languishing with losses over decades made profits. State’s financial administration, in the doldrums for decades, was brought on an even keel without any ban on treasury payments. Realised huge infrastructure development especially in Tourism and IT with the expansion of existing centres and starting new ones in all parts of the State. The income from Tourism and IT recorded a quantum jump. This Midas touch has become evident in all spheres of government’s development activity. No wonder, the achievements of V.S. led government stand out as a marvel in the development history of the State. Having just a glance on the welfare measures taken by the Government at this moment of entering its fifth year's tenure, will manifest the achievements of LDF government. The welfare pension to the tune of Rs.110-120 four years' back has been enhanced to Rs.300. During the UDF government's tenure, all welfare pensions, including agriculture labourers' pension, were pending for two years. This Government cleared the entire dues and now pension is distributed on time. A pension scheme has newly been introduced for the employees in unorganised sectors like shops and establishments who comprise about one million, and labourers of small scale plantations who comprise two lakh. During this period, for the first time in the country, pension for agriculture labourers was made possible. The agricultural labourers aged above sixty are given pension to the tune of Rs.300 per month.We could enact a welfare law, benefiting more than three million expatriate Keralites who contribute significantly to the progress of Kerala, for the first time in India. This comprehensive welfare fund covers pension, financial aid for marriage, education etc.The Health Insurance scheme introduced in the State has received accolades from the Planning Commission as a model programme recently. A project suggested by the Centre for the BPL category for two districts alone is now being implemented covering all poor families across the State. The criterion propounded by the Centre perm its only one million people to be enlisted in the BPL. This unscientific criterion is set aside by the State to include all the poor. A total of 35 lakh families including fisher folk, agricultural labourers, all labourers in traditional sectors and their dependent families are included in this free health insurance project. They are given free treatment to the tune of Rs.30,000 per annum, besides the package of Rs.70,000 for treatment related to cancer, heart diseases etc. This is widely accepted as a model programme for the nation in public health sector. All treatments including operation related to cancer, kidney disorder, heart disease etc for children below the age of 18 are made free of cost. Finding money for treatment is one of the major problems faced by the common people. By including half of the total 70 lakh families in Kerala under Health Insurance, government has solved the problem to a great extent.An important project implemented at the time of third anniversary of this Government was the distribution of rice at the rate of rupees two per kilogramme through public distribution system. Twenty-six lakh families are now being benefited with rice and wheat at the above rate. It is decided to expand the project by bringing agricultural labourers, plantation labourers, employees in the traditional sector, families having members employed at least for 50 days under Labour Guaranteeing Project etc. under this scheme. Those who belong to BPL list will be eligible for receiving 25 kg food grains at the rate of rupees two per month and the rest will receive 12 kg. per month.During the UDF regime, about 1500 farmers committed suicide due to debt trap. LDF Government declared moratorium to agricultural debts and before the expiry of the same, steps were taken to write off debts through Agriculture Debt Relief Commission on the basis of Agriculture Debt Relief Law. Interest free loan for paddy cultivation has been introduced. During this period, the procurement rate of paddy has been enhanced from Rs.7 to Rs.12 and implemented crop insurance. Written off all debts of farmers who committed suicide.As a result of the pressure exerted by the State, the Central Government special packages for Wayanad, Kasaragod and Palakkad districts. The Government could put an end to the farmers' suicide. Locked out plantations were reopened and thus gave employment to the labourers. All the factories, which faced lockout in the UDF regime, could be reopened. All the public sector industries, which were in loss, made profits. Numerous joint ventures have been started in association with the central PSUs.Kerala cannot go ahead without enhancing production in agricultural and industrial sectors. The Government is going ahead with strong steps to overcome recession in these sectors. Law was introduced to prevent reclamation of paddy fields. Only one fifth of the rice needed to us is produced in the State. A comprehensive programme has been introduced to overcome this problem to a great extent by enhancing agricultural production. As part of this, paddy cultivation was started in sixty thousand acres additionally. At least fifty per cent increase in paddy production, self reliance in vegetable, milk and egg production etc are targeted. The greatest achievement during this period is that rejuvenation could be made possible in agricultural sector.The tourism-IT sectors witnessed unprecedented growth in the last four years. Even during the time of global economic meltdown, these two sectors showed great achievements. The IT basic infrastructure facility has been increased four fold during this period. Tens of thousands of job opportunities have been created in IT sector. Steps have been taken to establish a CyberPark in Kozhikode, besides Technopark and Infopark. Under Cyberpark construction of IT parks are started at Kannur (Eramam) and Kasaragod (Cheemeni). Construction of IT Parks at Kundara in Kollam, Ambalappuzha and Cherthala in Alappuzha, Koratti in Thrissur districts are progressing. In order to extend IT projects into villages, a project named Technolodge has been introduced. Technopark in a campus of 242 acres has reached its full development. Sixty three new companies started functioning here during the last five years. Development work in the Technocity in another area of 595 acres could be commenced.During the UDF regime, it was decided even to sell out Infopark. Even the very name was proposed for surrender to a private owner. But LDF Government not only retained the Park but also added 163 acres of land to it and thus developed the same. The park which had only 5.35 lakh sq. ft. area has now 25 lakh sq. ft. area. Besides this, construction of buildings to the tune of another 22 lakh sq. ft. is going own.Our IT export has increased from the 680 crore in 2006 to Rs.3000 crore now. The number of IT parks went up from two to ten. In short, the basic infrastructure has increased four fold. The targeted investment in IT sector including the Rs.2000 crore Government investment is Rs.10000 crore.By effectively pressurising the Centre, State could make positive gains during this period from the Centre more than ever before. Many of the projects the State got from Centre are the result of prompt and timely performance of State's duties in that regard. Central University, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Indian Institute of Space Technology etc. could be obtained. State Government has provided space and other basic infrastructure facilities to all these projects. At the time of bifurcating Palakkad Railway Division, owing to the strong pressure exerted by the State, Centre allotted a railway coach factory in Palakkad. The land needed for the factory has been made available by the State. The State Government has relentlessly been endeavouring to materialise the Kochi Metro project. As a result, Government of India has taken a positive stand. But our demand for the implementation of the project as a joint venture of the Centre and the State has not yet been completely accepted. Anyway, we are going ahead with the target of starting the work of metro rail this year itself. In this regard, the State Government has directly taken over the widening of roads, construction of flyovers etc. The Vallarpadam Container Transhipment Terminal, which is a giant step for the development of South India itself, was in an unstable position when this government came into power. The LDF Government could speed up availing permissions including environmental consent and could introduce a rehabilitation package, considered as a model for the whole Nation. Now the Vallarpadam Project is near commissioning.The LNG Project, which would be a solution to the energy crisis of the State, could be stimulated by the activities of the State Government. The Government could protect the interest of the State in the Mullapperiyar issue. Our argument that the dam is weak so that the water level should not be raised, has got acceptance. We are going ahead with the survey activities so as to build a new dam. The interim order of Supreme Court almost recognises our stand in this regard. Supreme Court's decision to engage a five-member committee is acceptable. The shift from the earlier decision to raise the water level is notable. The Government's relentless attempt has resulted in presenting our part effectively.A comprehensive project to make available land for the landless, houses with power and potable water facilities for the homeless etc. is being implemented. The EMS Total Housing Scheme and M.N. Lakshamveedu Renovation Project are becoming models to the nation. The project envisages ensuring homes to more than half million homeless people within the next two years. The landless will get both land and house. The targeted people are selected and other activities are completed. When this project is completed, Kerala will become the first State in India where all people have homes.A giant leap has been made during this period in giving land to the landless. Tens of thousands of people are given land. More than one lakh people have been given pattah or ownership deed. The project to give land to the tribes who lost their land is nearing completion. Recapturing the alienated government land has become a historic achievement. From Munnar alone, more than twelve thousand acres of land has been recovered. The Government is going ahead with the aim of recovering as much land from the encroachers and handing over the same to the landless.Kerala is the first state not only in bringing electricity into all villages but also into all houses. By next year, total electrification will become a reality in our State. As part of this, Palakkad has become the first fully electrified district in the country.Owing to the wrong economic policies of the Centre, the phenomenon of soaring prices of consumer goods is severe all over the country. Even though a consumer state totally, intensity of the price hike in Kerala could be moderated. The ratio of price hike is less than that of all other states in India. By strengthening public distribution system and expanding interference in the market by giving subsidies generously, the price hike could be curtailed to some extent. In this regard, the performance of Supplyco and Consumerfed deserve pat. When the State Government tried to control price hike by giving subsidies and by strengthening public distribution system, the Centre's approach was on the contrary. It mindlessly made public life difficult by hiking the price of petroleum products.It was the result of the relentless pressure exerted by the Left Democratic Front Government on the Centre that the Idukki and Kuttanad agriculture packages were declared. The State Government carried out instant measures to implement both packages. But the Centre showed reluctance in releasing fund for the implementation of the packages. The hitches regarding rules have further delayed for the projects. The State Government has taken all measures to solve the complexities. The fund due to State Government in accordance with the package has been handed over. Now the activities in this regard are going on a fast pace.Four years of LDF Government witnessed greater advancement than ever before in the case of welfare measures, developmental activities, enhancing of agricultural- industrial production and in new developmental ventures. Based on this, we are entering into the fifth year by envisaging action plan to achieve still bigger progress in all fields.
M.A.Baby, The Departments of Education and Culture
The Departments of Education and Culture have worked in collaboration with each other for promoting inclusive development and ensuring excellence. Notable achievement in this direction is the remarkable improvement in the performance of traditionally underperforming schools and colleges. While, at the school level, the attempt was to identify most backward schools with a view to creating conditions for their improvement, at the college level attention was given to the study of basic disciplines which have been neglected for the past many years. In the field of art and culture concerted efforts were made to promote inclusiveness by accommodating people and programmes with varied tastes and interests, with a view to promoting the culture of harmony in variety. The departments have been able to conceive and execute their policies and programmes with the support of large sections of people, including those who may be politically opposed to the present Government.Achievements at a GlanceeNational award for the excellence in e-governancNational award for implementation of single window system of admission.National award for the best performance in upper primary schoolsDramatic improvement in the performance of 104 low performing schools.Ensuring greater access by increasing number of institutions/seats in schools and collegesAppointment of adequate number of teachers in all schoolsSteps have been taken for discontinuance of shift system in schoolsDevelopment of Kerala Curriculum FrameworkExpert Committees constituted for approval of school text booksFree and timely distribution of text booksEnsuring 200 working days in all schoolsCluster level training for all teachersProgramme for environmental awareness through “Ente Maram Padhathi”Special programmes for the empowerment of differently-abled childrenSpecial Scholarships for children of minoritiesManifold increase in the number of scholarships for SC/ST children10000 scholarships of Rs.5000/- each for higher secondary and vocational higher secondary students on merit cum means basis.Ensuring efficiency in the administration of examinationsBroad band connectivity to all Govt./aided higher secondary schoolsStreamlining mid-day meal schemeCitizen’s charter for 48 institutions under the departments of Education & CultureReferendum for teachers organisations to ensure accountability in union activitiesStreamlining the conduct of school youth festivalsComprehensive physical training for all studentsImplementation of School Parliament in all schoolsSteps are being taken for revision of Acts and Rules relating to educational administrationSteps for ensuring better health to all students in collaboration with Health department.Organising children’s film festivalsEDUSAT connectivity through VICTERSRestructuring Undergraduate EducationHigher Education Scholarship Scheme for promotion of basic disciplinesSpecial Higher Education Scholarship Scheme for BPL StudentsIntroduction of System of Cluster of CollegesCompilation of Databank on Higher EducationDraft on State Policy on Higher EducationIntroduction of Teacher Exchange Programme with West BengalERUDITE scheme for interaction with Nobel LaureatesInter-University Centres for cutting edge researchASPIRE Scholarship Scheme for short term researchINCULCATE scheme for promotion of science studiesInfrastructure development of all PolytechnicsWomen’s Hostels in PolytechnicsFinishing Schools for Polytechnic pass outsCentre for Engineering Research and DevelopmentVisiting Faculties Scheme in Engineering CollegesModernisation of LibrariesC.V. Raman Centre for basic astronomyScience CityCentre of Excellence for disability studiesAdequate representation to women in cultural organisationsKalamandalam upgraded to Deemed UniversityStreamlining International Film FestivalsSterling performance by Language InstituteModernisation of MuseumsArchaeological excavations at EdakkalDigitisation of manuscriptsNumber of pensions for artists increasedState level cultural procession to propagate cultural valuesRenovation of Art Galleries
A.K.Balan, Electricuty & Welfare of Backward & Scheduled CommunitiesWe have been able successful in power production and transmission in the past four years despite the many hurdles raised by the Central Government ‘s policies jeopardizing the power sector.We were able to sustain during the previous UDF rule due to the production during the earlier LDF Government whereas the last UDF government could manage only 26.6 mw. This situation has led to load shedding for at least three years. Projects were stopped, but after our Government came to power initiatives to improve the situation were made.Our government has planned mega projects foreseeing the power requirement of Kerala in the coming one decade. Plans are afoot to implement projects with generation capacity to the tune of 3000-4000 mw within the coming ten years.Many projects have been completed and many, including 30 projects with production capacity of 730 mw are under various phases of construction. Projects with power generation to the tune of 96 mw including 33 mw of wind power have been commissioned.Paving way to make Palakkad district, the first fully electrified district in the country is one of the biggest achievements of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). This has been initiated as part of the developmental works undertaken by the KSEB. For this, despite of the grave financial crunch, the Board has kept at least half of the total project cost estimate which can be up to Rs 1 crore. Twenty nine assembly segments have been fully electrified and works are underway in another 80 constituencies. The neighbouring Thrissur district will be the next to achieve this status in the near future.According to a master transmission plan worth Rs 1800 crore, constructions of 206 substations are underway. Of this, the constructions of 85 stations are complete. Installed about 15,000 transformers and 11 KV lines established covering a distance of 10000 km throughout the State in the last 4 years. Great efforts were taken to reduce transmission loss and this has helped to reduce loss to 18 per cent from the earlier 26.6 per cent.Energy conservation is another sector to which the Board gave importance in the past four years. Last year 10 lakh CFL were distributed to reduce power consumption. This year the Government plans to distribute one and a half crore CFL with subsidy and the process is on.As part of modernisation of the Board’s offices and procedures, all section offices of the KSEB have been computerised using the Free software developed by the employees. To make the operations of KSEB customer friendly model sections organised in 75 sections will be implemented in 150 more sections. Procedures for new connections simplified. The number of pages of the application has been reduced to two from the previous 56. Decentralisations of authority among the senior officers have helped to reduce the time lag in work execution.On the whole the efficiency of Board has been improved considerably. The Power Finance Corporation has selected KSEB as the second best power utility. A survey conducted by the Indian Chamber of Commerce to assess the power sector in the country during the last three years placed Kerala in the third place among the best performers. Among the parameters for selection, Kerala was in the first position for revenue management and technical knowhow.
Binoy Viswam, Forest & HousingThe forest department is implementing schemes and programmes with commitment to protect and preserve forests, and increase tree cover. Schemes are on the anvil for the preservation of mangroves sacred groves, herbal gardens etc. The State is really striving to increase maximum tree cover keeping abreast the slogan, ‘Global Warming - Tree is the Answer'.It was during the reign of Kings that the lease and grants of estates were fixed and all the attempts thereafter to revise the same were futile due to the 'tricks' behind it. After long 150 years, this Government accomplished the task of revising lease and grants.For the first time, a state Forest Policy, that emphasises the need and deed of protecting the nature for the coming generation, was evolved considering the very aspects of Kerala. Opened the Nature Study Centre in Mangalavanam, at the heart of Kochi, for imparting environmental knowledge and information about Mangroves.The forest department introduced 'Sabarijalam' drinking water scheme to minimise plastic use in Sabarimala. Consumers will get one rupee on returning the empty bottles.Raising the life level of the people depending on forest, it is planned to open 56 eco-tourism projects; majority of which are launched and functioning well. Keeping the serenity and sanctity of the forests, Kerala eco-tourism is a model to feel the nature.When the Left Democratic Front came to power, the State Housing Board and the State Nirmithi Kendra, the two wings of Housing Department were succumbing to ruin. The Housing Board (KHSB) was totally inactive and was in' a state of sinking due to the huge debt of more than 1000 crore of Rupees to HUDCO and other financial institutions. The State Nirmithi Kendra (KESNK) was without any innovative programmes and was in a terrific condition of standstill. From these situations, both these are not only recovering but are in a proud state capable of competing with any ones of those kinds. The Kerala State Housing Board has adopted a number of schemes that can be milestones for the rejuvenation of the Board. The completion of Revenue Tower at Ernakulam, working women's hostels at Kozhikode, Kattappana and Thrissur, flats for government employees at Mattumantha in Palakkad, the completion of Revenue Tower at Nedumangad in Thiruvananthapuram etc. are some of the important landmarks among them. The Board has got 'A' class contract license for the first time during the time of this Government and it has enabled the Board to get civil and other types of works for crores and crores of rupees.The transparent policy adopted by the Board during the time of this Government played a great role for going ahead with a sound financial footing. By selling 633 plots, plot with building, flats which were unsold previously, the Board has got the benefit of Rs.47 crore. By reasonably activating the revenue recovery proceedings, the Board was enabled to get Rs.29 crore during 2007-08, 24 crore during 2008-09 and Rs.20 crore during 2009-10 years. The 'Tharangam' computer software is also another feather on the head of the Board. And in every sense, the Kerala State Housing Board is not in a mere recovering step but on a rising stage by the sensible direction of the left Government.For the last four years, the State Nirmithi Kendra engaged in new Ventures that paved the way to new horizons from a zero point level. Now the annual construction works have gone to Rs.55 crore from RS.l0 crore. Steps have also been undertaken to collect sand from dams in collaboration with the Irrigation Department.Nirmithi, with a mission to encourage low cost construction methods, conducts state level drawing for students. For the first time in the history of Nirmithi, Salary and other allowances of the employees were revised nearly on par with State Government employees. Taking creative steps, Nirmithi opened new vistas with others for the major projects like Nadapuram. Social welfare activities were undertaken by Nirmithi got wide appreciation by many. Nirmithi built houses free of cost to physically and mentally challenged ones and to totally paralysed cancer patients. Nirmithi is now with a heart for the lost and lone with social commitment. And it is happy to point out that Nirmithi is now active and creative by writing success stories.Achievements at a GlanceKalavara: The state Nirmithi Kendra (KESNIK) has launched 'Kalavara', the margin free market for building materials as a centre for distributing house building materials on maximum benefitable price to the poor.
Laurie Baker International school of Habitat studies (LaBISHas): LaBISHas will mainly focus on Research and Development, Finishing school, Graduate and Post Graduate level courses on Habitat studies on par with global standard.
Job oriented courses for Prisoners prisoners in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur Central jails and Kozhikode district jail.
Housing Scheme for the SC & STs
Training Programme: One of the mottos of Nirmithi is to construct low cost buildings and impart technical education on the same to workers.C.Divakaran, Food & Civil Supplies
Without any hesitation, it can be stated that this Government stands distinct from all other governments. If you glance at the past four years, this fact will become visible. Developmental approach, aiming food security and farmers' safety, which gets momentum is a strong indication to this.As a reply to the Centre's approach to destroy public distribution system, the State Could effectively check price hike by indulging actively in the market through Supplyco and Consumerfed. Now PDS is made corruption-free sector. The people are happy with the PDS System now. They are getting all essential commodities including atta. Still the PDS has to be strengthened further to the growing requirements of the common man. Electronic weighing machines are provided to avoid malpractice in the ration shops.. Thousands of raids were conducted during this period.Animal Husbandry and Dairy Sector also attained remarkable progress during the period. Now 14 lack of farmers are getting super specialty service from the Veterinary sector. More than 1000 hospitals /Dispensaries/ polyclinics are functioning across the State. The Government started a lab at Marad to certify the qualities of meat and marine products for the first time in the State. On April 2007 itself, the Dairy Farmers' Welfare Fund Act has been passed. Memberships have given to 202500 persons. 24000 people are given monthly pension to the tune of Rs.300. Family pension to the tune of Rs.150 has been issued to 1080 persons. Monetary help to 1850 persons for marriage has also been disbursed. The capacity of production of feeds in the Kerala Feeds, Thrissur has been increased from 500 MTs to 650 MT per month. The KSPDC played a commendable role in catering the needs of public in respect of their meat and egg needs.
Elamaram Khareem, IndustriesThe performance of the Ministry of Industries and Commerce in the LDF Government has been phenomenal. The Department deserves accolades for turning around 32 PSUs profitable with a profit of about Rs.200 crore, most of them that were condemned to their fate by the previous UDF Government.As we enter the last year of our ministry, apart from reviving the remaining sick units, steps are being taken to modernise the ones, which have been turned around. The expected investment for expansion of existing public sector institutions is Rs.275 crore while Rs.55 crore will be provided for the modernisation of public sector industrial enterprises. Another new eight public sector undertakings will be started with an investment of Rs.125 crore.The National and State level conferences at New Delhi on November 16, 2009 and Thiruvananthapuram on February 19, 2010 to showcase the resurgence of Stated Owned Enterprises in Kerala have been a grand success and many other States are now taking the Kerala model as a ready reckoner. This was an occasion to highlight the strides made by Public Sector Enterprises under the Department of Industries and Commerce, Kerala.Rs.246 crore is being set apart for small scale and traditional industries, Rs.2.3 crore for the Handicrafts sector and Rs.8.8 crore for Khadi industry. Rs.40 crore has been earmarked for the small industries sector this year. Out of this, Rs.6 crore is for the seed capital loan for small-scale entrepreneurs and Rs.8 crore is to be given as investment subsidy.The Department of Industries and Commerce is going through its time of glory in the last four years. Units that were destined to be closed forever have been reopened and turned around. The turn around from 12 to 32 profit making PSUs and from a loss of about Rs.70 crore to a profit of Rs.232 crore is no mean achievement. It’s the golden days for the PSU employees in the State with increase in productivity in terms of manpower and capacity utilisation, productivity linked bonus and wage revision for profit making PSUs. And those who cannot make it are being handheld.The small scale and traditional industries including the handicrafts sector and the Khadi industry has been given a big boost with strong budgetary support and this year it is over Rs.257 crore, the highest ever.Modernisation, diversification, capacity building, skill upgradation, introduction of quality standards, branding and market exploration have revived the traditional industrial sector and increased workdays manifold. Handloom and bamboo sectors have witnessed fashion and technological revolutions. Flattened bamboo board and bamboo flooring and roof tiles from the Bamboo Corporation are going to hit the markets soon.The number of MSM companies registered in the State is a record in the LDF regime and profit of both small and medium enterprises and their number also marked record growth. This declares the ideal situation that prevails in the State for beginning and growth of enterprises.The project proposals and investments committed in various investors meet in and outside the State also proclaim the growing investor friendly atmosphere in Kerala.The Government is also taking effective efforts to create infrastructure facilities for investors. Here comes another record in the land acquired for various industrial parks by institutions like KINFRA, KSIDC, SIDCO and Inkel under the Department of Industries. Most of the parks are on the anvil of completion and a few are already allotted for entrepreneurs.Some of the achievements of the department can be summarised as below:The first PPP Minor Port and ICD Project in India, the Kottayam Port and Container Terminal, was inaugurated on 17th August 2009. This is also India’s first port (notified under Indian Ports Act) and an Inland Container Depot (ICD) to utilise inland waterway with Customs notified area for Exports and Imports.BEML, a Mini Ratna PSU under the Defence Ministry is setting up a manufacturing unit at Sathyanathapalam in Kanjikode. The foundation stone for this unit was laid on January 18, 2009. The first phase of the project is now getting ready for commissioning.Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), the defence Navratna Public Sector Undertaking is setting up its first unit in Kerala. The foundation stone for a Product Support Centre of BEL was laid on August 2008 at Kochi.The foundation stone for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s first unit in Kerala was laid on August 23, 2008 at the Kinfra Park at Seethangoli in Kasaragod district. The Hyderabad based Avionics Division of HAL will be setting up a strategic electronics manufacturing factory there.The Department of Industries and Commerce and the Kerala Bureau of Industrial Promotion (K-BIP) organised a series of exhibitions, fairs and meets for the benefit of different sectors under the department. Tex Fair Kerala 2010 was held at Kannur from January 14 - 20, 2010, Kerala Bamboo Fest 2009 was held in Kochi from December 10 - 13, 2009, the Kerala Agri Food Technology Meet 2009 organised at Thrissur from October 9 - 11, 2009 and the Malabar Crafts Mela 2009, was held in Malappuram from December 16 - 30, 2009. The Department also played a very important role in the successful conduct of the Grand Kerala Shopping festival.
P.K.Gurudasan, Labour & Excise
We can proudly say that there is unprecedented peace in the labour scenario of the State. Thus, Kerala is now being considered as Industrial friendly. The Industrial Relations Board (IRB) and Industrial Relations Committees (IRCs) on important sectors have been re-constituted in a time-bound manner and their commendable functioning have been instrumental in bringing in a harmonious labour atmosphere. Besides, the tripartite machinery has been made fully operational and there is not even a single labour issue left unattended. In order to prevent multiplicity of trade unions and for ensuring collective bargaining, Kerala Recognition of Trade Unions Bill, 2010 has been passed by the legislature and sent to President of India for assent. Minimum Wages have been either revised or fixed for the first-time in respect of workers in the unorganised sectors covering about 65 lakhs workers spread across 83 sectors. The centrally sponsored Health Insurance Scheme, "Rashtriya Swasthya Beema Yojana" (RSBY) has been implemented in the State. All the APL families in the State are also brought under the scheme on payment of the premium amount by them.As a result of the continuous interference of the State Government, the ESI Corporation has come forward to implement the ESI Scheme most effectively in the State. Steps are being taken by the State Government to extend the scheme all over Kerala. ESI beneficiaries are increased from 3.95 lakhs to 7.77lakh. As requested by the State, the ESI Corporation has sanctioned Rs. 6.5 crore for the renovation of seven hospitals. As such, 56 super specialty and 26 specialty hospitals were empanelled for availing specialty and super specialty treatment. As represented by the Government, the ESI Corporation has taken a decision to establish a Medical College at Paripally in Kollam. The construction of the hospital building is in progress. Steps have also been taken to start a Dental College at Ezhukone in Kollam District.Cashew Industry is one of the major traditional industries in Kerala which provides employment to more than 3 lakh workers. “Kerala State Agency for the Expansion of Cashew Cultivation” (KSACC) is established with Kollam as its headquarters to enhance the domestic production of raw cashew nut. In pursuance of the project submitted by the State to the National Horticulture Mission, an amount of Rs. 57.83 crore has been sanctioned. During 2009-10 Rs.9 crore was released by the National Horticulture Mission and the State Government released Rs.3 crore from Plan Fund for cashew cultivation. So far 6.53 lakh grafted plants were distributed to farmers. Rs. 16.5 crore will be utilised during this year.In order to put an end to certain undesirable trends in the cashew industry, the Kerala Unregistered cashew factories Amendment Act was passed. Apart from the various welfare measures being implemented through the various welfare Fund Boards, a scheme for ensuring the welfare of the migrant workers who come to Kerala from other states also is drawn up.For skill Development, the Government has upgraded 17 ITIs as Centrs of Excellence by providing world class machineries and equipments and started 23 new ITIs against 34 ITIs existed till 2006. 17 more new ITIs will be started this year.The Government has introduced a series of welfare legislations, besides amending the existing ones. About 10 lakh workers in the State are employed in the shops and commercial establishments. For ensuring their welfare, the LDF Government enacted the Kerala Shops and Commercial Establishment Workers Welfare Fund Act during the first year itself. The Act ensures welfare measures such as pension, maternity benefits to women employees etc. Another major enactment is the Kerala Small Plantation Workers Welfare Fund Act, 2008. More than two lakh workers will be benefited by this. The workers in the Plantations of Rubber, Coffee, Cardamom, Tea, Oil Palm, Coco, Cashew etc., the extent of which are below 5 hectares and are not covered by the Plantation Labour Act were not getting the benefits of the existing plantation laws. It is to overcome the above difficulty and to ensure various welfare measures to all plantation workers that the Small Plantation Workers Welfare Fund Board has been constituted.The Government has decided to collect cess from the textile dealers for augmenting the revenue of the Kerala Handloom Workers Welfare Fund Board.The recently enacted Kerala Jewellery Workers Welfare Fund Act contains provisions for retirement benefits, welfare measures like ex-gratia to the dependents of the members who die while in service, medical aid, matrimonial aid, scholarship to the children, treatment expenses, funeral expenses etc., to the members. Retirement benefits include pension, provident fund, gratuity etc.,The newly introduced Kerala Migrant Workers Welfare Scheme 2010 provides welfare measures to the migrant workers who come to Kerala from other states/Union territories.The plantation sector in Kerala was facing a severe crisis when the LDF Government came to power. 22 major tea plantations were remaining closed. As a result of the continuous efforts of the State Government, majority of the plantations have been re-opened and started functioning. Only five plantations are remaining closed now.Government took several measures to strengthen enforcement activities and modernise the Excise Department. District level administration was reorganised under DECs, and AECs are given exclusive charge of enforcement. Major check posts have been put under the control of Circle Inspectors and border patrolling introduced. Eleven new Ranges were started and 280 posts were newly created. Staff training was reintroduced after 10 years. To cope up with the requirements of time, major amendments have been made in the Abkari Act. Peoples’ Committees have been reconstituted and campaigning against illicit liquor carried out with unprecedented vigour ensuring the co-operation of peoples representatives, Trade Unions, NGOs etc. Strengthening of enforcement has resulted in substantial revenue generation.The Government is making earnest efforts to control the menace of illicit liquor. While strengthening the enforcement activities, the campaign against illicit liquor and drug abuses is being vigorously pursued. As part of educating the public against the evil effects of liquor, a month-long campaign was organised by the Government with Magician Prof. Gopinath Muthucad as the main campaigner. More such programmes are on the anvil. The Government has ensured that only pure toddy is sold through toddy shops.Paloli Mohammad Kutty, Local Self Government & Rural Development
We have been successful to a great extent in estabilising and carrying forward the spirit of decentralisation and making the LSGIs responsive to the local needs. Kerala got first place in National level as a recognition to effectively implementing decentralisation. The decentralisation experiment of Kerala has given a prominent position for local government institutions with regard to the development of local economy. Besides, LSGIS are also the providers of a good number of services to the public. The department aims at enabling the LSGIs to become active players in local economic development and to strengthen their service delivery system. This has to result in transforming the LSGIs into people friendly institutions with a high degree of transparency and efficiency.During the rule of LDF ministry, steps have been taken to make panchayat offices public friendly and started front offices in all panchayats. The reservation of women in local self government institutions has enhanced to 50 per cent. Organised Suchithwa Mission. Procedures in the registration of birth and death have been simplified and computerised.Three lakh houses have been constructed till date under the EMS total housing scheme for providing house sites and houses to all landless families and houses to all houseless families coming under the BPL category. Steps have taken to complete the remaining five lakh houses. The renovation of houses built under Lakshamveedu project is also part of this project.The second phase of People's plan has given emphasise to productive sector, especially agricultural sector. Panchayats could turn 23000 acres of barren lands into cultivable land by using the possibilities of job assurance project. Rs. 2500 per hectare has been given as the labour cost of paddy cultivation. As a result of all these, during 2008-09, paddy cultivation has started in additional 50000 acres.Comprehensive Settlement Development Programme and environment reinstallation activities conducted at Attappadi with the active cooperation of tribal people has received global recognition.In order to provide houses for the homeless in Kerala, Total Housing Scheme has been implemented. Three lakh houses are built and in the second phase, five lakh houses will also be constructed. Second Phase of Peoples' Plan started with special emphasis on agriculture sector. Panchayats could turn 23000 acres of barren lands into cultivable land by using the possibilities of job assurance project. Rs.2500 per hectare has been given as the labour cost of paddy cultivation. As a result of all these, during 2008-09, paddy cultivation has started in additional 50000 acres. Irrigation facilities have been enhanced by removing mud from ponds, deepening on brooklets and removing earth from canals. Kudumbashree workers started cultivation of paddy, vegitables, tapioca and plantain in 46000 acres. Special consideration for waste disposal and sanitation has been given at panchayat level and organised Suchitwa Mission. 869 grama panchayats, 105 block panchayats and six district panchayats received Nirmal Puraskar instituted by Central Government. The award amount alone comprises Rs.9138 lakh. Steps have been taken to make panchayat offices public friendly and started front offices in all panchayats. Procedures in the registration of birth and death have been simplified and computerised.Fifty per cent seats have been reserved for women in local self government elections. Fifty per cent of the posts of President, Chairperson, Mayor, Standing Committee Chairperson etc. are also reserved for women. Transparent and corruption free implementation of National Labour Ensure Project got praises from the Centre. Introduced Double Entry Accounting in Corporations. Rs.1300 has been earmarked for city renovation programme. For the smooth functioning of public works at panchayat level, an Engineering wing has been constituted for LSGIs. The Department has spent Rs.255 under PMGSY and completed 304 roads having a total length of 583 kms. Besides writing off the housing loans taken from developmental authorities, the fine for tax payment has been cut down into half. Thousands of women were given jobs under group farming programme and spread Ashraya Project which aims at the hapless families. 68385 families from 884 local self government institutions have been rehabilitated under this scheme. Simplified birth and death registration procedure and computerised Project monitoring and conducting of Labour ensuring project in LSGIs, KILA has got national recognition. 1342 new posts have been created in local self government institutions, taking in account the work volume in these establishments. A separate accounts wing has been formulated at panchayat level and the employees are given better training.Jose Thetayil, TransportKSRTC is the single largest fleet owner in Kerala, which is providing economic, safe and secure transport facility in the State and nearby States catering 34 to 36 lakh passengers daily. To make KSRTC a healthy organisation and as part of expansion 1,967 new buses were built and put on the road. Three VOLVO buses, twenty AC Airbuses and thirty Super Deluxe buses were newly introduced to cater the need of long distance passengers. These buses are mainly operating on inter-state routes of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. 945 new services were operated of which 351 were Malabar region.The new buses were built in KSRTC's own five Workshops with a cost reduction of about Rs. 2.50 lakh per bus including cost reduction of chassis which were purchased under open tender system for the first time in Kerala. Now the plan is to introduce 1,000 new buses every year.Supplemental Interstate Reciprocal Transport Agreement with Tamil Nadu and Karnataka were also signed to operate more inter-state services. Route Number system was introduced for Thiruvananthapuram City services. In June, 2006 KSRTC operated 11.52 lakh kms. per day and now it is about 15.2 lakh kms. The per day income in 2006, Rs.2.27 crore is increased to Rs.3.22 crore. On 7th January 2010, KSRTC got Rs.4.36 crore all time record collection by operating additional service in the wake of private bus strike with 99.13 per cent fleet utilisation. To improve efficiency of service operation, five zonal offices were started. Thalassery Sub Depot and Piravom Operating Centres were also commissioned.To increase the non-operating revenue, KSRTC has planned to construct Bus Terminal-cum-Shopping Complexes in prime centres with international standard, the first phase construction of which has already started in Ankamali under BOT Scheme. The work has started in Kozhikode. In Kasargod and Kottarakkara, the construction work is in progress under Rent-Deposit-Scheme. The work has started in Kattakkada under this scheme. Karunagapally, Vadakara, Pathanapuram and Adoor bus station buildings were constructed by utilising MP/MLA funds and Corporation fund. An interstate terminal bus station is under construction in Palakkad with the help of MLA fund. In Kilimanoor, a shopping complex-cum-office building is under finishing stage utilising MLA fund of Rs.60 lakh.Electronic Ticketing Machines were introduced in all Units. This is an all time record in India.Pay Revision Agreement with Management and recognised Trade Unions were signed and implemented and there is good industrial relationship with workers. 40 per cent D.A is released to the workers. Empanelled wages is increased by Rs.30 per day and the wage of casual labourers is revised to Rs.168 per day.Training has been given to all Drivers, Conductors and Inspectors. Special training was also given to newly recruited Drivers for safe and fuel efficient driving.An Accident Information and Control System is newly introduced and the rate of accident is considerably reduced. Third Party Insurance Scheme is introduced for the newly commissioned buses for getting timely relief to accident victims and steps were taken to insure all super class buses including Fast Passenger buses.18,853 new appointments were made under dying in-harness scheme, through Kerala Public Service Commission and Employment Exchange and it is requested to PSC to fill up all existing vacancies.There was no pending payment to Indian Oil Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation till November 2003. But in May 2006, the pending payment to Indian Oil Corporation became Rs.133.29 crore and with financial assistance of the State Government, the liability was reduced to Rs. 38 crore. But the pending payments of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation for Rs. 5.78 crore was cleared by KSRTC and at present and there is no outstanding dues to Hindustan Petroleum Corporation.The work for on-line reservation is completed and the facility is now provided for 188 schedules. KSRTC operated Sabarimala Special Services without any complaint and it is well appreciated by all.Appeal cases of employees were pending for years and all files pending were disposed on merit and at present there is no appeal cases pending, except the current appeals.Under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission Projects, eight new schedules are operated in Thiruvananthapuram City with Low Floor AC buses and seven new schedules in Kochi City.The State Government financed Rs. 388.40 crore since May 2006 and this is an all time record. The Government has also written off Rs. l070.60 crore.KSRTC could obtain Pattayam for 45 acre and 95 cent in Thiruvananthapuram City. After prolonged litigation, KSRTC acquired five acre and 79 cents at Eanchakal, Thiruvananthapuram for constructing a modem bus station-cum-complex for operating long distance and inter-state services. Government of Kerala transferred 2.25 acres of land at Kanhangad for opening a new bus station.As part of infrastructure development, new bus station and waiting shed were constructed and completed in Thiruvananthapuram Central [temporary], Thiruvananthapuram City, Kilimanoor, Pathanapuram, Kottarakkara, Adoor, Karunagapally, Harippad, Thiruvalla, Piravom and Kannur. Metalling and tarring were completed in Parassala, Pappanamcode, Kattakkada, Nedumangad, Vithura, Thiruvananthapuram Central, Pandalam, Chathannur, Chengannoor, Thiruvalla, Mavelikkara, Cherthala, Thodupuzha, North Paravur, Kannur, Kozhikkode, Ponnani and Payyannur. Yards were concreted in Vellanad, Aryanadu, Vellarada, Poovar, Kottarakkara, Adoor, Pamba, Attingal, Kollam, Karunagapally, Kayamkulam, Harippad, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Vaikom, Chalakkudy, Aluva, Mala, Pala, Sulthanbatherry and Mananthavady. Toilet, canteen and retiring room facilities were also provided in almost all major depots. Major construction works are in progress at Nilambur and Puthukkad.Fuel consumption and tyre life are improved. In 2005, the km. per litre operation was 3.84. Now it is 4.23. This helped to save about Rs.3.78 crore per month. The tyre mileage was 95,000 km. in 2005 and now it is 1.40 lakh km. Ticket less travel has been controlled. An amount of Rs.12,64,500 collected as fine from the ticket less travellers last year.Mullakkara Ratnakaran, AgricultureWhen the present left democratic government came to power, agricultural scenario in Kerala was in a precarious situation due to the stagnation in production sector, crash in price of agricultural commodities due to anti-farmer import policies, paddy lands left fallow etc. With all these crippling factors, the Government could regain agricultural prosperity to the State by bringing back the masses to agricultural sector through farmer friendly policies, most of which were initiated for the first time in the country. Farmers suicides in Kerala became a thing of past as per the statistics of national crime records bureau. Farmers pension scheme, Insurance scheme with premium borne by Government, Paddy procurement with highest procurement price, debt relief measures etc have provided security to farmers and farming sector. Now efforts are taken in a phased manner to make the State fallow land free by 2012 after achieving a tremendous increase in rice area and production through fallow land cultivation, upland paddy cultivation etc. Five panchayats are already declared fallow free. Likewise, the food security schemes and various schemes implemented in horticultural sector, vegetable farming, coconut sector etc have given a new impetus in achieving self sufficiency.The Agriculture department was reoriented as farmer friendly, reflecting the wishes and aspirations of farming community, understanding the agonies and frustrations of farmers and achieving their welfare through various schemes.For redressing farmers grievances, karshakasangamoms and nattukoottams were organised in a decentralised manner and programmes and policies were formulated accordingly which resulted in enormous success. The Krishi Bhavan advisory committees were reorganised. These measures have reflected in increased output in the farming sector.The department's initiative to egg on resurgence of paddy by taking up cultivation in fallow lands has reaped golden grains across the State. Novel schemes were implemented under food security programme for special rice production areas like Kole, Pokkali, Kuttanadu, Onattukara, Purakkad kari, Kattampalli, Palakkad etc.For the first time in the State, with the largest ever people's participation, the rice area and production has increased by bringing 15,000 hectares of fallow land and 1000 hectares of upland under paddy cultivation. An additional production of 1.25 lakh tones was achieved through this massive effort. More than one fourth of single crop paddy fields could be turned to double crop field. Students of 65 schools round the State reaped success in paddy cultivation. Kissan Abhiman pension scheme for paddy farmers, Interest free loans, Kissan sree insurance scheme, Procurement of paddy for Rs.12/kg, greencard, Timely compensation for crop loss, Special schemes for traditional paddy growing areas has attracted farmers towards paddy farming.More than five lakh farmers are enjoying the benefit of Kissansree, a novel insurance scheme launched for the first time in the country. The farmers are given a compensation upto one lakh for accidental death, permanent physical disability. The entire premium for the scheme is paid by the Government. The scheme will cover those farmers, aged between 18 and 70 and having an extent upto 2 hectares of land.The thousand vegetable village scheme implemented for achieving self sufficiency towards vegetable production has yielded success by bringing an additional area of 3050 hectares with an increase in production of 40,000 tonnes of vegetables involving 20,000 farmers. The onam vegetable fairs conducted throughout the State could reduce soaring vegetable prices during peak season.Raw coconut procurement at record procurement price, Keravriksha insurance, Kerasree scheme based on cluster approach etc could rejuvenate the coconut sector too.Most of the departmental farms diversified their activities and Harithakeerthi award is instituted for the best farm in the State.The Karshaka Bhavan is coming up near world market, Anayara with facilities for accommodation for farmers all over the State.N.K.Premachandran, Water ResourcesIt is the primary responsibility of the Government to ensure that every citizen has access to safe drinking water. But this daunting task cannot be fulfilled by Government acting alone. Nor is the matter of drinking water to be seen in isolation from other issues. The process of conservation, management and utilisation of water resources is intricately linked to other environmental factors that require equal attention. The multifaceted hurdles that stand in the way need a united and comprehensive approach to overcome, and require active participation of all citizens. This Government has indeed accorded prime importance to this vital sector and has attached the greatest priority in planning, implementing and managing water supply projects and schemes over the last four years. The activities of the Water Resources Department are rooted in the tenets articulated in the State’s Water Policy. Recognising the need to involve all sections of stakeholders in this vital implementation of project works and schemes are done in an integrated manner with stress on participatory approach thus ensuring the participation of elected representatives, local bodies and beneficiaries. Such an approach has resulted in increased awareness amongst the people of the complexities involved in ensuring water security in future.When this Government assumed office, it was faced with a most complex and intractable topic that had beleaguered Kerala over the past few decades – the Mullaperiyar dam issue. On the one hand, we were handicapped by our inability to forcefully present our position earlier in the Hon’ble Supreme Court, which ruled in favour of our neighbouring State allowing them to raise the water level in the more than a century old dam. Additionally, we had to face legal challenges to the legislation passed by the State Government to ensure safety of dams situated in the State.The Government was of the firm opinion that the solution to this vexed issue lay in meeting the twin objectives of (i) ensuring the safety of the people living down stream to the existing structure and (ii) ensuring that the water requirements of our neighbouring State are met with. This led to the idea of constructing a new dam that would guarantee the satisfaction of both the States.Enormous emphasis was placed in assembling a team of experts to assist the State, both in preparing for the legal challenge as well as preparation for constructing the new dam. Studies by experts at the national level, with international repute, were commissioned to assess Environmental Impact, Probable Maximum Flood Estimation and to conduct the Seismic Study of the existing Mullaperiyar Dam.These reports proved invaluable in the conduct of the case before the Hon’ble Supreme Court as we could realistically put forward the argument that the dam was indeed a potential disaster. The very fact that the Constitutional Bench of the Hon’ble Supreme Court constituted an empowered committee to go into the merits of the arguments in detail is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. The conduct of the case and subsequent coverage in the media has brought about a greater understanding of the issues involved not only amongst our own people, but also at the national stage.Work on investigation of the site identified for the new dam is progressing. An issue that was often perceived as a “lost cause” has been rejuvenated and has given new hope to the State for finding a lasting solution to the problem.Achievements at a GlanceCompletion of 237 drinking water schemes, including 47 large schemes, in other parts of the State benefiting more than 10 lakh people. Also completed 823 rural school DWS and 3399 Varsha units and 57 schemes under Tsunami Rehabilitation .10,000 litres of Drinking Water to BPL families free of cost.Completed 1550 small and 5 large drinking water schemes benefiting 4.37 lakh people under Jalanidhi scheme.Under Anti-Sea Erosion works, 13.41 km of new seawall has been constructed and 51.79 km renovat“Sujala” project aimed at ensuring the quality of drinking water in rural areas and eliminating contamination in wells and other traditional water sources was launched.Obtained the sanction and commenced activities for implementing the add-on project of Jalanidhi throughout the State worth Rs.1200 crore10,000 litres of Drinking Water to BPL families free of cost.Implemented computerisation and e-tendering process in Kerala Water Authority.Seven days’ water connection facilityLaunched consultancy services – WASCONEstablished quality control labs at sub-divisional level in all districts.Citizens’ Charter published and initiated steps to transform KWA into a customer-friendly organisation.24 hour complaint redressal cell.KWA awarded the India Today “Bharath Nirman” award.K.P.Rajendran, Revenue
The Revenue Department, one of the earliest and largest service departments, is considered as the mother department that deals with issues close to the people. It deals with nearly 150 subjects concerning common men such as issuance of various certificates, maintenance of land records, collection of land tax, effecting revenue recovery, settling land survey disputes, land reforms, conduct of election process, handling of law and order, calamity relief and rehabilitation, and so on. In short the department is directly or indirectly involved in all situations of the day-today administration of the State.The necessity to deliver efficient, incorrupt and transparent service to the public from the Revenue Department needs no emphasis. Being the trustee of all natural resources, the department is legally bound to protect the scarce and valuable land and its resources. Therefore, the department is committed to protect the land from unscrupulous exploitation and to protect the right of the landless. With these guiding principles, the Revenue Department is going ahead with a stern commitment to protect the interest of general public, to safeguard the right of landless, to conserve land and its resources to make positive changes in administration and to deliver better service and safety to the public.The Revenue Department has done some notable work during the past four years and achieved some significant aims. In fact, many of these items of work were never even attempted before, though mandatory. Many of them have been lying unattended for decades and aggravated the problems. Inventorisation of public lands, putting in place a methodology to complete resurvey in the State within a reasonable time span, sorting out of innumerable land related issues due to lack of specific rules, proper records and accountability among the officials are a few to cite as examples. Obviously there were problems on the path, but with confidence and dedication, the department have marched ahead and achieved much. The stock of Revenue Department has been high. Some of them are illustrated below:The Kerala Farmers' Debt Relief Commission Act, 2006 with powers to look into grievance of debt-ridden farmers and to take steps to free them from debt trap; the Kerala Paddy land and wetland Conservation Act, 2008 that enables to conserve remaining paddy land from conversion; and the Kerala Land Conservancy (Amendment) Act, 2009 that prescribes high punitive provisions to those who encroach government property as well as those who help them including officials are three vital pieces of legislations to overcome three serious problems confronting the State - distressing increase in the number of farmers' suicide; indiscriminate encroachment on public land; and alarming decline of farmland that may led to fierce food scarcity .The Government organised 50 Pattaya Melas throughout the State and 1,20,300 landless poor has been conferred as landowners within the short period of four years.Distribution of land to all 'adivasis' after survey and demarcation in accordance with the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 with an aim to make our State as the first in our country where the provisions of Act are in progress. Out of 31000 tribal families, Government have already assigned land to more than 10,000 so far, and it is expected that the distribution could be completed within a short span of time.Assignment of 28,558 ha. forest land to those who occupied before 1.1.1977 which was a headache to the previous Governments could be sorted out and its distribution is going on.Assignment of land to the landless, who participate in the Chengara stir, numbering 1495, of which majority belonging to scheduled caste and scheduled tribe, has been done without shedding a drop of blood as directed by the Hon'ble High Court.Apart from being a service department, the Revenue Department plays a vital role in the developmental activities of the State. The Department always gave priority to provide land to any developmental activity. Government land for establishing various Central and State Government institutions such as university and higher education centres, academics, industrial units including IT parks, dairy units, BSF Unit, Research & Development units, tourism projects has already been assigned or leased out for long term period. In addition to the above, the department gave top priority to acquire land for various development activities such as widening of national highway, railways, airport, seaport etc.Establishment of Kerala State Land Bank to inventorise and protect Government land; implementation of a novel project, "Bhoomi Keralam" to put a proper methodology in completing the resurvey activities; starting of comprehensive programme to computerise land records with a view to coordinate activities of the revenue, survey and registration departments to deliver efficient and transparent service to public and to curb malpractices in land dealings, completion of 1441 crore Tsunami Rehabilitation Programmes, establishment of State Disaster Management Authority, taking up of disaster mitigation measures; rendering timely help to the victims of natural calamity are some other important activities that the department could accomplish during the past. Kadannappalli Ramachandran, DevaswamThe government is successful in considering the needs and interests of devotees and planning different projects accordingly. The most important temple under Travancore devaswom board is Sabarimala temple. The Government has taken all measures to provide best facilities for the pilgrims within its limits.
