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The Hindu
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Kerala marching ahead with inclusive and sustainable development: Bindu
Kerala is marching ahead with inclusive and sustainable development, Minister for Higher Education and Social Justice R. Bindu has said. She was addressing the valedictory session of the Ente Keralam Exhibition and Trade Fair here on Saturday, held in connection with the fourth anniversary celebrations of the Left Democratic Front government. Dr. Bindu said the government had taken great strides to ensure land, housing, education, healthcare, employment, and basic amenities for all under a development model rooted in social justice. 'It is a matter of pride that this government has succeeded in implementing such people-centric development programmes,' she said. 'Over 4.52 lakh homes have been constructed under the LIFE Mission, with constructions ongoing to surpass five lakh beneficiaries. Land titles have been distributed to four lakh people. Internationally benchmarked public health and education services were made widely accessible. Over 7.5 lakh people were employed through the 'Vijnana Keralam' (Knowledge Kerala) initiative, aiming to hit 20 lakh jobs as promised in the manifesto,' she said, listing the achievements of the LDF government. Minister for Revenue and Housing K. Rajan, who presided over the event, described the expo as a transparent progress report of the government, open to the public without any exaggeration or filters. The event served as a platform to showcase Kerala's development model to the world, he said. Held at Thekkinkadu Maidan, the seven-day exhibition drew massive crowds. The event offered a unique opportunity for the public to engage with the achievements of the past nine years, brought to life through various stalls and digital experiences. There were 189 stalls, including 151 by government departments and 38 commercial stalls, at the expo.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Govt highlights progress in infrastructure welfare in Kerala
T'puram: Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday released the LDF govt's progress report 2025, marking the culmination of its fourth-year celebrations. The CM said the Left govt's decisive intervention was the reason for the realisation of the National Highway development projects in the state — a key achievement highlighted in the report. The CM noted that the Centre showed signs of abandoning the projects, but the LDF govt revived them through sustained efforts. The report claimed that it was the Left govt that made the national highway development a reality. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the fourth anniversary celebrations, Vijayan said the overall transformation of Kerala was being acknowledged by the people. "The crowd at the rally is evidence that the people have embraced this change," he said. With reference to the ongoing highway construction issues, he said that the UDF and BJP are reacting like something unexpected happened in the state. But it is because of LDF's governance that such progress was made possible, he said. The CM also addressed criticisms regarding certain delays and construction glitches in the highway project. "Yes, there were some technical errors and issues at a few places. But that does not mean the entire project is in disarray. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Tired of High Power Bills? Plug in This Device elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Learn More It is progressing and will be completed. Misleading narratives should not be encouraged," he added. According to the progress report, Kerala overcame the COVID-19 pandemic and central financial constraints to achieve growth in infrastructure, job creation, industrial expansion and welfare schemes. The state's startup ecosystem grew significantly, with 6,400 startups employing over 64,000 people. The number of new enterprises since 2022-23 stood at 3.53 lakh, drawing investments worth ₹22,688 crore and creating 7.49 lakh jobs. The report also mentions Kerala's top ranking in the Centre's Ease of Doing Business index. The state's industrial policies and simplified regulations helped create a conducive climate for entrepreneurs. In public sector recruitment, the Kerala PSC appointed over 2.8 lakh candidates since 2016, with 42% of all PSC appointments nationwide coming from Kerala, according to UPSC data. On the social welfare front, the govt claims to have moved 59,707 extremely poor families out of poverty. A total of 6.2 million beneficiaries continue to receive monthly social security pensions. The LIFE Mission, the govt's flagship housing scheme, completed 4.5 lakh houses so far, with a target of 5 lakh within reach. Over 4 lakh land titles have been distributed since 2016. The Knowledge Economy Mission provided jobs to 1.29 lakh youth and aims to skill 5 million through new training programs. K-FON, the state's optical fibre backbone project, connected over 23,000 govt offices and provided free internet to more than 5,000 families. Despite economic limitations, the state achieved a 71 percent growth in its own tax revenue from 2020-21 to 2024-25. Kerala also recorded the lowest multidimensional poverty index in the country at 0.48%, compared to the national average of 11.28%. Reiterating the LDF govt's commitment, the report states that balanced development across sectors—industry, environment, housing and health—continues to be its cornerstone. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Ente Keralam fair showcases Kerala's progress, achievements in Pathanamthitta and Kochi as part of Pinarayi Vijayan Government's fourth anniversary celebrations
The Pinarayi Vijayan government is implementing 25 years' worth of development within a single term, said Veena George, Minister for Health, Women and Child Development. She was inaugurating the Ente Keralam Exhibition Marketing and Cultural Fair at the Sabarimala transit camp in Pathanamthitta as part of the state government's fourth anniversary celebrations. 'Over the past nine years, Kerala has witnessed extraordinary development across all sectors—including health, higher education, public works, agriculture, and tourism. Through KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board), revolutionary changes have been brought to infrastructure development, with projects worth crores of rupees executed efficiently in one go. Classrooms in schools have been made smart. Rural roads have been built to BMBC standards. Konni Medical College has become the face of development in the district, with the fourth batch of students soon to begin. Postgraduate courses will be launched in the near future. Major construction projects are underway at Pathanamthitta and Adoor General Hospitals. Nursing colleges have been established. The development of the Highland Highway has been accelerated. Work is progressing toward starting an IT park in the district, and land for the same has been identified. The fair provides the public with an opportunity to witness the government's developmental achievements firsthand. Cultural programs are held every day, and government services are available free of cost', the Minister shared. In his presidential address, Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Chittayam Gopakumar stated that the past nine years have seen inclusive development at every level. Through the LIFE Mission, the dream of homeownership for the poor has come true. Land titles have been distributed, and special development programs have been implemented for the upliftment of marginalised communities. The digital land survey is in its final stages. The government has made Nava Kerala a reality for the people, he said. Other dignitaries present included Adv. Pramod Narayanan MLA, District Panchayat President George Abraham, District Collector S. Prem Krishnan, District Police Chief V. G. Vinod Kumar, Sub-Collector Sumit Kumar Thakur, ADM B. Jyothi, District Information Officer C. T. John, and representatives from various political parties. The vibrant Ente Keralam Mega Exhibition Marketing and Cultural Fair kicked off on Friday, May 16, at the Sabarimala Transit Camp in Pathanamthitta, showcasing nine years of developmental achievements under the Pinarayi Vijayan government. The fair was inaugurated at 5:00 PM by Veena George, Minister for Health, Women and Child Development. Deputy Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, Chittayam Gopakumar, presided over the function. The fair ran until May 22 and presented the impressive and revolutionary development strides made by the government. The exhibition was open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and entry was free. The event stood as a testament to the revival of many projects once deemed impossible. It featured 186 air-conditioned stalls spread across five German hangars, covering a total area of 71,000 square feet. Each stall measured 65 square feet, and the entire setup was maintained with 660 tons of air conditioning. A special pavilion was arranged for cultural performances and a mega food festival, where 250 people could dine and enjoy programs simultaneously. The Kudumbashree Mission managed the food court. Another major attraction was a 1,500 square foot air-conditioned mini cinema theatre, which screened films from various eras. From 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily, the fair hosted: ● Agriculture and marketing exhibitions ● Caravan tourism area ● Career guidance sessions ● Startup mission exhibits ● Science and technology displays ● Sports exhibitions ● School market ● Free government services ● Sports and recreational activities ● Police dog shows Entry to all events and exhibits was completely free. Embed: Embed: The rapid transformation of Kochi is a prime example of the state government's commitment to the people, said Industries Minister P. Rajeev. He was speaking at the inauguration of the Ente Keralam (My Kerala) Mega Exhibition-Cum-Sales Fair held at Marine Drive, Ernakulam, as part of the fourth anniversary celebrations of the second Pinarayi Vijayan government. Brahmapuram has now become a matter of pride for people in Kochi. To permanently solve the drinking water issues faced by Kochi Corporation and 13 nearby local bodies, including Thrikkakara, Maradu, and Kalamassery, the Cabinet has approved the establishment of a 190 MLD (Million Litres per Day) water treatment plant in Aluva. Significant advancements have also been achieved in the health sector. The government shares that the construction of the Kochi Cancer Research Centre will be completed by the end of May or early June. The Super Speciality Block at Ernakulam Medical College is in its final phase and is expected to be inaugurated by July, the minister said. A sum of Rs 3,716 crore has been sanctioned for the canal rejuvenation project, which will transform Kochi's landscape. The Integrated Urban Development, Water Regeneration, and Sewage Treatment Project will interconnect six major canals in the city. This project will greatly boost tourism and water transport in Kochi. Further development of the Marine Drive has also received in-principle approval. Kochi has seen a major leap in infrastructure development as well. The expansion of the National Highway is progressing rapidly, and the Kakkanad Reach of Kochi Metro is under construction. The Invest Kerala Global Investors Meet held in Kochi has attracted investments worth Rs 196,000 crore. Similar progress has been achieved in the education and IT sectors. Unlike the tradition of assessing a government only after five years, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan introduced the practice of presenting an annual progress report to the public—an innovative model now recognised globally. As part of the fourth anniversary celebrations, district-level meetings, regional review sessions, and direct interactions with representatives from various sectors are being organised. The Ente Keralam exhibition-cum-sales fair brings together a snapshot of the government's comprehensive development initiatives, departmental services, and cultural programs. At the inauguration, keys to newly constructed homes under the LIFE Mission were handed over to five beneficiaries. Additionally, land ownership documents were handed over to five landless families who received land under the LIFE scheme. The inauguration ceremony was presided over by MLA K.J. Maxi. MLA Antony John, District Collector N.S.K. Umesh, Kochi Mayor Adv. Anil Kumar, Fort Kochi Sub-Collector, K. Meera, Kochi Corporation Education Standing Committee Chairman, V.R. Sreejith, Additional District Magistrate, Vinod Raj, Deputy Director of the Information & Public Relations Department. Nijas Jewel, District Information Officer N.B. Biju, and General Manager of the District Industries Centre P.A. Najeeb also attended. As part of the fourth anniversary celebrations of the second Pinarayi Vijayan government, which advanced with a focus on welfare-oriented development and the building of a New Kerala—the Ente Keralam Mega Exhibition-Cum-Sales Fair began (May 17) at Kochi Marine Drive in Ernakulam district. The fair was inaugurated by Industries Minister P. Rajeev, according to District Collector N.S.K. Umesh, during a press conference. Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Ente Keralam' exhibition and marketing fair inaugurated in Kollam as part of state government's fourth anniversary celebrations
The and marketing fair commenced in at the Ashram grounds as part of the state government's annual celebrations. The fair was open until the 20th of this month. Minister KN Balagopal officially inaugurated the event. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now During his address, minister Balagopal announced that construction on the headquarters building for the was scheduled to begin that year, and he assured attendees that financial issues would not delay the project. He also stated that Kerala was on track to be declared a state without extreme poverty on November 1st. Minister J Chinjurani presided over the inauguration ceremony, which included speeches from M Naushad MLA, Corporation Mayor Honey Benjamin, Deputy Mayor S Jayan, Collector N Devidas, City Police Commissioner Kiran Narayanan, Rural SP Sabu Mathew, ADM G Nirmal Kumar, and District Information Officer L Hemanth Kumar. The My Kerala Exhibition and Marketing Fair featured 156 themed stalls dedicated to showcasing the government's public welfare activities and free services. Additionally, 96 other stalls offered products for display and sale from various government departments and agencies. A range of government services were available to the public at no cost throughout the fair. Visitors could also enjoy a food court organized by Kudumbashree. The My Kerala Exhibition and Marketing Fair featured 156 themed stalls Earlier that day, the Women and Child Development Department hosted a series of cultural programs. These included a group dance by Anganwadi preschool children, performances by children from welfare institutions, folk songs by Anganwadi workers, Thiruvathira, poetry recitation, hand drumming, girls' Kalaripayattu, an anti-drug dance, a performance by the Kulathupuzha Tanat Kala Sangh, and a skit highlighting the department's various initiatives. ente keralam programme kollam dist inauguration - Min K N Balagopal Regarding housing and poverty eradication, the LIFE Mission housing scheme has completed 78.30 per cent of homes for eligible families, with an expected rise to 81.08 per cent soon. Kerala's efforts to eliminate extreme poverty have resulted in lifting 3,375 out of 4,461 identified families out of poverty, with a goal of reaching 97 per cent in the next quarter. Environmental and sustainability initiatives are also underway, including the Waste-Free Kerala campaign, the Haritha Kerala Mission, and the creation of green spaces. Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan led a regional review meeting in Thiruvananthapuram In related news, led a regional review meeting in Thiruvananthapuram to assess development initiatives in Kollam. A significant achievement highlighted was the district's 100 per cent door-to-door waste collection. The meeting also covered progress in infrastructure projects such as bridge renovations and completions, National Highway upgrades, improvements in road connectivity and water management, healthcare facility upgrades, and the expansion of educational facilities. PRD THEME AREA & OTHER STALLS kollam The chief minister praised Kollam for its achievements, urging other districts to replicate these successes. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary A Jayathilak, District Collector N Devidas, and other officials. Disclaimer: The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content.
The Hindu
08-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Chief Minister vows to revitalise governance
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that development projects will be accelerated to suit the changing times and governance will be revitalised. He was reviewing the development work of Palakkad, Thrissur and Malappuram districts at a meeting held at Malampuzha, near here, on Thursday as part of the fourth anniversary celebrations of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. The Chief Minister said that the reduced gap between the government and the people enabled faster problem-solving. He added that his government had made people aware of their right to hold the government accountable. Mr. Vijayan pointed to the government's progress report as evidence of its excellence. He said that most promises had been fulfilled and the remaining ones would be completed soon. He said the suggestions made at the last regional review meeting were fulfilled. As many as 956 matters were discussed and 151 issues were resolved since the last meeting. The Chief Minister asked the government officials to give utmost importance to priority projects like extreme poverty eradication, LIFE Mission, Aardram, general education and garbage-free new Kerala. The State has made significant progress in reducing poverty and is now poised to achieve the milestone of extreme-poverty-free on November 1. Kerala currently has the lowest poverty rate in India. Minister for Power K. Krishnankutty, Minister for Local Administration M.B. Rajesh, Minister for Revenue K. Rajan, Minister for Industry P. Rajeeve, Minister for Fisheries Saji Cherian, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies G.R. Anil, Minister for Agriculture P. Prasad, Minister for Irrigation Roshy Augustine, Minister for Forest A.K. Saseendran, Minister for Finance K.N. Balagopal, Minister for Welfare of SC/STs and Backward Classes O.R. Kelu, Minister for Higher Education R. Bindu, Minister for Health Veena George, Chief Secretary A. Jayathilak, Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Secretaries of different departments, District Collectors and other officials of Malappuram, Thrissur and Palakkad attended the function.
