Latest news with #KeralaLegislativeAssembly
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
60 tribal families still await permanent housing in Palakkad's Parambikulam
PALAKKAD: "Each file represents a life." For the past nine years, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has repeated this powerful message several times to government officials urging them to treat every file with humanity and compassion. But in the dense forests of Parambikulam in Palakkad district, the same message seems to have been lost in the bureaucracy. In the Uravanpadi tribal hamlet alone, 30 fully constructed houses completed back in 2023 remain unused and locked, simply because authorities are yet to assign them house numbers, leaving as many families without the safe shelter they were promised. Another 30 houses spread across Sungam, Earth Dam, Thekkady and Poopara tribal hamlets initiated as far back as 2019 continue to languish in the final phase. Shockingly not a single department appears to have clarity on the reasons behind the delay 'Criminal Negligence' These shocking details were un-earthed when the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Welfare Committee of the Kerala Legislative Assembly held a review meeting of various departments at the Forest Department Information Centre in Anappadi, Parambikulam, regarding the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the district.
The Wire
29-05-2025
- Politics
- The Wire
President Withholds Assent to Kerala Government's Malayalam Language Bill
President Droupadi Murmu withheld assent to a bill passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly aimed at the promotion and institutionalisation of the Malayalam language, sources said on Thursday, 29 May. Although no specific reason has been cited in the President's message, which recently reached the Raj Bhavan, the decision brings an end to a legislative effort that began nearly a decade ago. Originally passed in December 2015, the bill sought to replace the provisions of the Official Languages Act of 1969, which recognises Malayalam or English as the official language of Kerala, by establishing Malayalam as the sole official language of the state. RK Madu, Deputy Secretary at Raj Bhavan, told South First that the intimation was communicated directly to the governor by the President. 'We will share more details after analysing the mail,' he added. Poet and Press Secretary to Chief Minister Prabha Varma said the government would react after understanding the exact reason behind the decision to withhold assent to the bill. The Bill The legislation proposed several reforms, including making Malayalam the primary medium in schools, mandating its use in bills, laws, and orders issued by the governor, and introducing it as the official language in district courts, verdicts in minor cases, quasi-judicial bodies, and state Public Service Commission (PSC) exams. The proposal also called for the creation of a Malayalam language development department under the Secretariat's Civil Service Reforms Department. Concerns over the bill's implications for linguistic minorities, especially Tamil and Kannada speakers, in the state had prompted the then-governor Justice P Sadhasivam to forward it to the President. The Law Department had also advised such a move, arguing that parts of the bill might conflict with existing parliamentary laws protecting linguistic rights. In response to queries raised by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Kerala government had submitted a clarification via the governor on 1 April 2024. Despite this, the President ultimately chose not to give assent to the bill. The governor is now expected to return the bill to the state government along with the President's decision. Successive governments in Kerala have, from time to time, issued orders to use Malayalam for official communication. The ' Bharanabhasha Malayalam ' (official language Malayalam) policy was enacted to that effect. Concern over rejection Meanwhile, Smitha K Nair, Director of the language research centre at Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University, expressed deep concern over the President's decision to reject the Bill without providing any explanation. Speaking to South First, she emphasised that the rejection lacked justification, especially in light of Kerala's long-standing commitment to linguistic inclusivity. 'The Kerala Official Languages Act of 1969, Act No. 7 of 1969, recognised Malayalam and English as the official languages of the state. However, it's important to note that an amendment was passed in 1973, which included provisions for linguistic minorities such as Tamil and Kannada speakers, allowing them to communicate with the state government in their respective languages. So rejecting the Bill on the grounds of linguistic exclusion doesn't hold,' she said. Addressing the lack of linguistic pride among Malayalis compared to their counterparts in Tamil Nadu or Karnataka, she pointed to the education system and migratory mindset. 'Our education system is more employment-oriented than knowledge-driven. Additionally, Malayalis have a strong tendency to migrate globally, which contributes to the perception that proficiency in Malayalam is not essential,' she explained. Role of translation Smitha also highlighted the proactive role played by Tamil Nadu's official translation department. 'There, every new term, even in emerging fields like technology, is quickly translated and standardised. Unfortunately, Kerala lags in this area,' she noted. Citing a real-world example, she mentioned how various Malayalam translations were proposed when the term 'speed governor' became widely used in connection with the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD). 'Initially, terms like ' Vega Mapini ' and ' Vega Mapakam ' were suggested by different media outlets, but they didn't gain traction. Finally, the term 'V ega poott ' emerged, and it was widely accepted and is still in use today. This shows how important it is to coin accessible and time-relevant translations to promote the mother tongue,' she said. Smitha also criticised the complexity of Malayalam terms used in science textbooks, suggesting that more reader-friendly vocabulary could enhance learning outcomes and interest in the language. She acknowledged the state government's ongoing efforts to promote Malayalam. 'Even in 2015, when the bill was passed, nearly 77 government departments, 65 public sector undertakings, and 31 autonomous bodies had Malayalam as the official language. These are significant steps, but we still have a long way to go in strengthening the role of Malayalam across all domains,' she concluded. This article was originally published on the South First.
Hans India
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Delhi Assembly Speaker, Kerala MLAs discuss welfare of elderly
Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta on Monday asked officials to study the Kerala model and examine the feasibility of constituting a Committee for Welfare of Senior Citizens, like the southern state. The direction was issued after Gupta's discussion with a delegation of the Committee of Kerala Legislative Assembly that oversees welfare schemes for the elderly. Gupta welcomed the delegation and commended Kerala Legislative Assembly initiatives in protecting senior citizen rights. He emphasised the importance of enhancing the well-being and dignity of the elderly population, recognising their invaluable contribution to society. Gupta briefed the delegation on the National eVidhan Application (NeVA), which is being implemented in the Delhi Vidhan Sabha to enhance legislative transparency, efficiency, and digital governance. The visiting delegation comprised four MLAs - K.P. Kunhammad Kutty Master, Ahammad Devarkovil, Mammikkutty P, and Job Maichil - who are members of the Committee for Welfare of Senior Citizens in Kerala Assembly. Gupta informed the delegation that the Delhi Vidhan Sabha is actively considering the establishment of a similar committee, reflecting Delhi's commitment to advancing the welfare and rights of senior citizens. The legislators from Kerala shared comprehensive insights into Kerala's senior citizen welfare rules and regulations of the committee, which are designed to promote dignity, well-being, and active participation of the elderly in society. They also detailed the formation and functioning of a nine-member Committee for Welfare of Senior Citizens under Rule 261 of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, which plays a pivotal role in monitoring the implementation of senior citizen welfare schemes by state and district councils. The Committee is also responsible for overseeing the functioning of old age homes managed by both state-run and private organisations, ensuring the proper utilisation of government funds allocated for senior citizens and recommending remedial measures to address issues in policy implementation. The visiting delegation was also taken on a guided tour of the historic Delhi Vidhan Sabha House, symbolising the shared commitment of both legislative bodies to democratic values and the continuous exchange of best practices for the welfare of senior citizens.
Web Release
23-02-2025
- Business
- Web Release
India's Tribute to UAE's Year of Community: UAE Economy Minister H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri Runs at Community Run in Kerala
By Editor_wr On Feb 23, 2025 In a remarkable tribute to the UAE's Year of Community, the South Indian state of Kerala hosted the 'Year of Community Run', a one-of-a-kind event that further strengthened the deep-rooted ties between India and the UAE. H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Cabinet Member and UAE Minister of Economy, participated in the run alongside top-tier athletes and fitness enthusiasts, making his presence a defining moment of the event. The special segment, hosted as part of the 8th Edition of the Kannur Beach Run, celebrated inclusivity, well-being, and global togetherness. The Minister's participation, which took place during his visit to Kerala for the Invest Kerala Global Summit, came at the special invitation of Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, a renowned global healthcare entrepreneur and mentor of the event. His involvement underscored the enduring partnership between India and the UAE. The UAE's 2025 theme, the 'Year of Community', encourage active contributions to society through community service, volunteering, and impactful initiatives. In alignment with this vision, H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri participated in the 5KM 'Year of Community' Run, running alongside Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Chairman and Managing Director of UAE-based VPS Healthcare, and hundreds of participants, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity and community engagement. A. N. Shamseer, Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, flagged off the run, kicking off an event that saw enthusiastic participation from various segments of society. 'In the UAE, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced 2025 as the Year of Community. We started a community engagement initiative here in Kannur, with by my brother Dr. Shamsheer. I am so happy to be here today and take part in it. Next year, we should ensure another run here with the people of Kerala,' H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri told the media after completing the run. The UAE and India share deep-rooted economic, cultural, and community-driven ties. With nearly one million Keralites calling the UAE their second home, the 'Year of Community Run' also served as a platform to raise awareness about community service initiatives among expatriates, reinforcing the spirit of unity and shared responsibility. The Kannur Beach Run 2025, organized by the North Malabar Chamber of Commerce, lived up to its reputation as one of Kerala's premier running events, drawing over 1,000 participants across multiple race categories. This year's edition also featured Kerala's highest prize money for a half-marathon, further elevating its competitive status. 'We are honored to have H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Cabinet Member and UAE Minister of Economy, join us for this special event. His presence has elevated the theme and spirit of the 'Year of Community Run.' We hope such initiatives will continue to strengthen community-driven efforts between both countries and inspire greater awareness around sports, wellness, and social engagement,' said the organizers. The event also saw the participation of six elite Ethiopian runners, invited by Dr. Shamsheer to elevate the event's stature as a premier race in the region. His inspiration for this initiative comes from the Zayed Charity Run, a globally recognized humanitarian running event that honors the UAE's Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Established over two decades ago, the Zayed Charity Run has played a pivotal role in promoting fitness and philanthropy, a vision that continues to inspire community-driven sporting events worldwide. Prev Post A Ramadan of Sweet Traditions with Ladurée Comments are closed.
