REPORT BY VAKKOMSEN
The Left Democratic Front Government, under the 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 and a half 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. Now it is extended to APL also.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.
The jaswani, 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 scientific Number of murders on the decline Strengthened Forensic Science Laboratory Mobile phone to police force Preventive measures against terrorismSteps to enhance the strength of the police force Appointment of home guardsMore representation of women in police forceSteps to prevent hooligansStrengthened cyber cell to handle cyber crimes Flawless investigation in major cases Introduced Community Policing System as a State Government project Vigil committees for girls Women's helpline Students' Policing Coastal vigil committee Coastal Police Station equipped with high-speed boat for patrolling in the sea New boats for waterway policing Comprehensive modernisation in Jail Department Made Vigilance system more efficient Rebirth to Fire Force Efficiency in Judicial set up Introduced models to the world in tourism Introduced responsible tourism Enhanced Cultural Heritage Tourism Sanction has been obtained for Kannur International Airport Tourism 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 crore Launch of Kerala Soaps at Kozhikode Reopening of Thiruvananthapuram Spinning Mills at Balaramapuram Malabar 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 Scheme Second Phase of Peoples' Plan started Special consideration for waste disposal and sanitation Organised Suchitwa Mission Introduced front office facility at panchayat offices Fifty 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 programme Engineering wing constituted for LSGIsSpent Rs.255 under PMGSYCut to half the fine for tax payment Thousands of women were given jobs under group farming Spread Ashraya Project Simplified birth and death registration procedure Computerised Project monitoring and conducting of Labour ensuring project in LSGIs KILA got national recognition Unification activities of Panchayat Development Department, Corporation Department and Panchayat Department into a single department
EMS total housing scheme EMS 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 Plan The 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 Scheme National 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 families Provided 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 crore As a result of Matsyakeralam Project inland fish production increased from the current level of 0.75 lakh tones to 1.03 lakh tones Export of ornamental fishes started from Kerala through Kerala Aqua Ventures International Ltd (KAVIL) to foreign markets Construction of New Fishing Harbours started at Enacted new legislations such as Kerala Fishermen's Debt Relief Commission Act Kerala Pelagic Fisheries Protection Act Kerala Fishermen's Welfare Cess Act During 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.
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
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.
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.
Check 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
A.K.Balan, Electricuty & Welfare of Backward & Scheduled Communities
Binoy Viswam, Forest & Housing
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, Industries
P.K.Gurudasan, Labour & Excise
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, Transport
Mullakkara Ratnakaran, Agriculture
N.K.Premachandran, Water Resources
K.P.Rajendran, Revenue
SMART CITY
The State government and the Tecom signed the lease deed for the proposed Smart city project here on Wednesday. Smart city board chairman, minister S Sarma and Abul Lathif Almulla, TECOM CEO signed the deed at the board of directors meet held here. Suresh Kumar IAS, IT principal secretary and industrialist MA Yousafali also attended the meeting. Two separate lease deeds covering the entire 246 acres. one for 131 acres and another for the rest of the 115-odd acres for the proposed Smart City Kochi project were signed.
After the meet Sarma said that all the confusions and apprehensions over the project are over now.
VALLARPADAM CONTAINER TRANS - SHIPMENT TERMINAL
India’s first international container trans-shipment terminal (ICTT) in the Special Economic Zone at nearby Vallarpadam Island,Kochi designed to handle the largest container ships,will be opened by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday with a token inaugural call by a vessel that’s small by industry standards. The country's first global hub terminal, the ICTT is in strategic proximity to international sea routes.
Kochi has been made a clear thumbimpression on the Globalradar of maritime trade with OEL Dubai.OEL Dubai have make the small beginning with their first vessel with cargo in the ICTT on Thursday,a day prior to the official launch of the International Terminal.OEL Dubai(IMO 9351804), a Panama-flagged vessel with about 500 containers came to Cochi from Colombo and will return to Colombo after a few days.
Lal Bahadur Shastri, a container ship owned by Shipping Corp. of India Ltd with a capacity to load 1,869 standard containers, will dock at ICTT Vallarpadam on Friday to load containers before going to Colombo and onward to Jebel Ali on the SCI Middle East India Liner Express Service, or Smile service, run by the state-owned carrier. This will be the official launch of the Inernational Terminal.This ship requires a draft of just 9-10m to dock.
The total cost of the first and second phase of the terminal is pegged at around Rs 6,250 crore.. The terminal after its completion, will be able to handle four million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of cargo per annum.And also the first phase of the project is ready to handle one million TEUs per annum
VIZHINJAM PORT
Vizhinjam is a coastal Town in Capital City of Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram), South India. Vizhinjam, ‘Port of the Future’ is located at 8021’N and 770 0’ E on the west coast of India
Vizhinjam is just on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), 16 km away from the City Centre and 1 km away from the City Limits, but located within the Trivandrum Metropolitan City area.
The areas in and around Vizhinjam are known for its world class Ayurvedic treatment centers and Internationally acclaimed Beach Resorts. There is a small sea port in Vizhinjam. Kovalam(a tourist destination) beach is only 3kms away from Vizhinjam. Rock Cut Cave is about 17kms from the city. It is a historic spot which was left unnoticed for long time. There are rock cut sculptures of the 18th century in the cave temple. The granite cave here encloses a one cell shrine with a loose sculpture of Vinandhara Dakshnimurthi.
Vizhinjam is a natural port, which is located close to the international ship route. So it is expected that at least 50% of the nearly 20,000 ships that pass through the Suez canal (per annum) will anchor at Vizhinjam Port. It is expected that with the functioning of Vizhinjam port in its full swing, the ports of Colombo, Singapore and Dubai might face serious competitor from India. This will boost the trade and commercial activities not only in Kerala but also to entire India. It is estimated that India could save more than a 100 million U.S dollars a year in terms of foreign exchange.
Posted By : by VAKKOMSEN
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