Latest news with #KeralaInstituteofLocalAdministration
The Hindu
2 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Thrithala leads the way for sustainable rural development
Once facing severe groundwater scarcity despite being located on the banks of the Bharathapuzha river, the Thrithala constituency is now emerging as a model of groundwater recharge and sustainable rural development, thanks to the ambitious Susthira Thrithala project. Spearheaded by Minister for Local Self-Government M. B. Rajesh, this multi-sectoral initiative is demonstrating how local governance, community participation, and scientific planning can transform an ecologically stressed region into a replicable model for environmental governance. Covering 19,417 hectares across Pattambi taluk and encompassing 32 micro-watersheds, Thrithala's challenges were rooted in dwindling groundwater levels. Despite its proximity to Bharathapuzha, it falls under the semi-critical category for groundwater availability, noted A. Nizamudeen, Director General of Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA), which co-ordinated the initiative. 'Recognising this paradox, the Susthira Thrithala project adopted a watershed-based planning and execution model, bringing together the district administration, Haritha Keralam Mission, LSGs, scientific agencies, NGOs, and schools. A detailed action plan prepared by the State Land Use Board laid the foundation, with implementation gaining momentum from 2022 onwards.' A major achievement lies in its comprehensive water management strategy, Mr. Nizamudeen noted. Artificial groundwater recharge systems installed in 40 institutions now capture 8.39 million litres of rainwater annually. Water levels in observation wells improved from the depth of 11 m (2020) to 10.18 m (2025). The creation of 107 agricultural ponds and renovation of 64 public ponds collectively added to the water level. While renovation of 139 canals and over 650 household and Anganwadi well recharges boosted water availability further. 'Under the project, Agriculture is seeing a revival. Paddy cultivation was reintroduced across 556 hectares, yielding an additional 667 tonnes of rice. Coconut saplings (one lakh) were planted, and Thrithala became Palakkad's first mushroom village, with 100 farmers managing 100 beds. Integrated farming now spans 27 acres, with additional efforts promoting local vegetable cultivation for Onam,' he pointed out. As part of the initiative, over 53,000 fishlings were released into 85 public ponds. Additionally, 3,807 kW of rooftop solar capacity has been installed. Waste management has taken a leap, with 234 mini MCFs (Material Collection Facilities) established and 281 tonnes of non-biodegradable waste safely handled, reducing carbon emission by 16%. What makes Susthira Thrithala remarkable is its deep-rooted community involvement — from Kudumbashree workers and traders distributing 25,000 cloth bags, to school eco clubs and business support for green initiatives. With India's first constituency-level Water Budget and integrated departmental coordination, Thrithala is setting a replicable benchmark in sustainable governance. In its mission to utilise every drop of rain, Thrithala is leading the way for climate-resilient rural development.
The Hindu
16-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
KILA gets Capacity Building Commission accreditation
The Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA), under the Department of Local Self-Governments, has received accreditation from the Capacity Building Commission (CBC). This recognition places KILA among a select group of 182 institutions nationwide to be accredited under the Mission Karmayogi initiative. Rigorous evaluation The CBC accreditation is awarded after rigorous evaluation of training excellence, needs assessment, course design, faculty expertise, infrastructure, governance systems, trainee support, evaluation mechanisms, and institutional collaboration. KILA is the first civil service training institution in Kerala to achieve this recognition. Established in April 2021, the CBC has been actively working to strengthen India's training ecosystem. Its accreditation framework, National Standards for Civil Services Training Institutions (NSCSTI), not only sets baseline benchmarks but also aligns institutions with global best practices. With this accreditation, KILA will gain access to CBC's Quality Improvement Plan (QIP), enabling it to design and deliver high-impact training programmes. It also opens doors for KILA to showcase Kerala's development model and local governance success stories at the national level. Training programmes The recognition further positions KILA to conduct training programmes across States, host trainees from other parts of the country, and implement projects beyond the State. The accreditation was granted following an on-site assessment by the CBC on May 15 and 16. The official certificate was received by KILA's Director General A. Nizamuddin.
The Hindu
22-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
KILA wins national award for capacity building of local bodies
For the second year in a row, the Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) has bagged the prestigious Desiya Panchayat Kshamatha Nirman Sarvotham Sansthan Award (Best Institution Category) for the year 2023-2024. This recognition highlights KILA's efforts in enhancing the efficiency and skills of local self-government institutions (LSGIs) through innovative and sustainable interventions. The award, declared by the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj, celebrates institutions across the country that have shown excellence in training and capacity building of the LSGIs. KILA has secured the top position in the category in the previous year too. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will present the award to KILA at a function in Madhubani, Bihar, on Thursday (April 24, 2025). Decentralised planning 'KILA's work has been recognised as a model for decentralised planning and local development, not just in India but globally. Over the past year, the institution has implemented a wide array of training programmes to modernise local governance systems, aligning them with contemporary needs and challenges. These programmes spanned topics such as decentralised governance, gender equality, climate change, disaster mitigation, waste management, health, and urban policy,' said A. Nizamudeen, Director General, KILA. KILA is also a key advisory body for the government in policy formulation related to local governance. Its faculty members collaborate with both national and international development agencies such as the UNDP, UNFPA, UNEP, UNICEF, UN-Habitat, and the Commonwealth Local Government Forum. On the national front, KILA works closely with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and the National Institute of Urban Affairs to enhance capacity-building frameworks across the country, he added. With a vision to evolve into an international centre for research and training in governance, KILA continues to expand its programmes through various thematic centres such as the Centre for Urban Governance, Child Resource Centre, Gender School for Local Governance, Geo-Informatics Centre, Centre for Environment and Biodiversity Climate Change, Centre for Sustainable Development, and Innovation & Incubation Hub. It also houses the technical secretariat for the State Urban Policy Commission.
