Latest news with #NavaKeralam
New Indian Express
a day ago
- General
- New Indian Express
CM Pinarayi Vijayan to launch ‘Oru Thai Nadaam' drive
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will launch 'Oru Thai Nadaam', a statewide campaign to plant 1 crore saplings, on Thursday, marking World Environment Day. Organised by the Haritha Kerala Mission, the campaign aims to expand the Mission's Pachathuruth project to more regions. The chief minister will kick off the initiative by planting a sapling at the Cliff House compound at 3.30 pm. Special emphasis will be given to rare and endangered tree species. In other districts, the campaign will be led by ministers, MPs, MLAs, and local representatives. Nava Keralam state coordinator T N Seema will also be present at the launch. Meanwhile, Forest Minister A K Saseendran will inaugurate the World Environment Day state-level observation on Thursday. MLA V K Prasanth will preside over the event to be held at HRD Complex Aranyam Hall at 10 am. The e-governance digital suit on 12 online services will be released at the function. Head of forest force Rajesh Raveendran, Kerala University aquatic biology assistant professor Suvarna Devi, chief wildlife warden Pramod G Krishnan, APCCFs L Chandrasekhar, Justin Mohan, P Pugazhendi, forest conservator D K Vinod Kumar and councillor V G Girikumar will also speak.
The Hindu
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Transformative Governance Reshaping Kerala's Future
As the Left Democratic Front (LDF) Government in Kerala marks its fourth year in office, it presents not just an occasion for celebration but a compelling narrative of consistent, progressive governance. Following its resounding mandate in 2016 and its subsequent reelection in 2021, the LDF has charted a trajectory of sustained development, social equity, and administrative transparency—transforming Kerala into a model of inclusive progress. This government represents nine years of uninterrupted stewardship, with a clear vision to build a Nava Keralam—a New Kerala founded on the pillars of economic development, social justice, and sustainability. Unlike other aspirational slogans, Nava Keralam is a lived experience, steadily taking shape through policies that integrate technological advancement, infrastructure development, and human welfare. A distinctive hallmark of the LDF administration is its tradition of annual performance reporting. Every year, the government publicly presents its achievements against its electoral promises. This year too, a comprehensive Progress Report has been unveiled during a state-wide celebration in Thiruvananthapuram, reflecting on milestones and mapping future goals. This has been a moment of celebration for the entire State with special programmes, seminars and exhibitions being organised in all districts under the umbrella title Ente Keralam (My Kerala). Kerala has weathered profound challenges—from the COVID-19 pandemic to debilitating financial constraints imposed by the Central Government. The withholding of legitimate dues by the Centre has necessitated both legal action and public advocacy. Yet, the State has emerged stronger, propelled by a resilient civil society and a responsive government. Skeptics who once doubted Kerala's capacity for large-scale development have been silenced by visible, impactful progress. Landmark projects like the Vizhinjam International Seaport, once dismissed as impractical, are now nearing completion under the LDF's watch. While the foundation stone was laid during the previous UDF government, more than 90% of the work has been executed under LDF leadership. The State's long-stalled national highway development was revitalized only after the LDF assumed office. When the Centre imposed harsh conditions and withdrew support, the Kerala government stepped in, committing ₹6,000 crore for land acquisition. As a result, the long-held dream of a modern highway network is now being realized. While the first Pinarayi Vijayan government completed or fast-tracked the Kochi Metro Rail, Kannur Airport, GAIL pipeline, and the Idamalayar-Kochi Power Highway, the present government has been working with ceaseless enthusiasm on such as projects as the Digital Science Park, Kochi-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor, Kochi Water Metro, K-FON broadband network, and the Thiruvananthapuram Smart Road and Outer Ring Road projects. Kerala has also led in transparent employment practices. According to UPSC data, 42% of the nation's PSC appointments are from Kerala. Since 2016, over 2.8 lakh appointments have been made via the PSC, underscoring a commitment to merit-based opportunities. Through the LIFE Mission, 4.5 lakh homes have been built and handed over, aiming to make homelessness a thing of the past. Over 4 lakh title deeds have been distributed since 2016, with the majority issued after 2021. Simplified land use policies now offer relief to residents in hilly areas. Kerala leads the nation in the NITI Aayog's Multidimensional Poverty Index, with just 0.48% of its population affected. As part of its drive to eliminate extreme poverty, the State government identified 64,006 families, of whom 59,707 have already been supported. The goal is to achieve an 'Extreme Poverty-Free Kerala' by November 1, 2025. Simultaneously, the government has enhanced social welfare pensions from ₹600 to ₹1,600, benefiting 60 lakh citizens with reliable monthly disbursements. Kerala's public health system has undergone a dramatic transformation. 674 out of 886 primary health centers have been upgraded to family health centers. District hospitals now boast coronary care units, cath labs, and additional dialysis units. Over ₹7,000 crore in free treatments have been provided in four years, and the CARE scheme for rare diseases is now operational. In the education sector, the LDF has spearheaded a renaissance. Over ₹5,000 crore has been invested in school infrastructure. Out of 973 approved school renovations, 513 are complete, and over 50,000 classrooms have been modernized with AI, robotics, and tinkering labs. In higher education, eight universities and 359 colleges now have NAAC accreditation. Sixteen of these colleges are among India's top 100. The State has also launched initiatives like the Higher Education Commission, Navakerala Postdoctoral Fellowships, and Kairali Research Awards to foster research. The Loka Kerala Sabha, organised annually, has emerged as a platform for Malayalis worldwide, enabling diaspora participation in state development. Its success has inspired the Union Ministry of External Affairs to explore similar initiatives in other States, following commendations from a Parliamentary Committee. Kerala is emerging as a tech powerhouse. Major achievements include: India's first Digital University, Digital Science Park, Graphene Innovation Centre, and the Institute of Advanced Virology. The K-FON project is closing the digital divide, delivering broadband to homes and government offices. In IT, employment has surged to nearly 1.5 lakh people across Technopark, Infopark, and Cyberpark. Since 2016, 66,000 new jobs have been created. IT exports have nearly tripled to ₹90,000 crore. Kerala's startup ecosystem, valued at ₹5,800 crore, has grown by 254% between 2021 and 2023. From just 300 startups in 2016, the State now hosts 6,400, employing over 63,000 people. By 2026, the goal is 15,000 startups and 1 lakh jobs. Kerala is the top state in multiple indices. These include: Least poverty in India (NITI Aayog); first in Sustainable Development Goals Index; first in Health Index and Public Affairs Index; best performing State in Education (Ministry of Education); and most free medical treatments (Ayushman Bharat). Other accolades include: first Super Fab Lab in India; first Graphene Centre; first Digital Science Park; and first Water Metro system. Kerala is also the first to achieve total electrification and declare internet access a basic right. Kerala had been featured in The New York Times' in 2023 as one among the '52 Places to Visit'. Kerala has also blazed a laudable trail by instituting the Vayoshreshtha Samman for the elderly and creating India's most affordable talent pool. The fourth anniversary marks not just a milestone but a mission. It is one more landmark in Kerala's journey towards becoming a developed, equitable knowledge economy, with resilience, vision, and the people's unwavering support as its hallmarks. The LDF government's legacy is being written not just in policy documents but in the everyday lives of its citizens. 'This article is part of sponsored content programme.'
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
CM urges artistes, writers to champion Kerala's cultural progress
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has stressed the crucial role of cultural, literary, and artistic voices in steering Kerala's progress, seeking the active involvement of stakeholders to enrich the State's social fabric. He was speaking at Parasparam, an interaction with cultural leaders held at Lulu Convention Centre in Thrissur on Monday, as part of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government's fourth anniversary celebrations. 'Kerala continues to uphold secular values and humanitarian principles. Artistes and writers have historically played a transformative role in shaping a progressive society,' the Chief Minister said. However, he stressed the need for introspecting if such interventions continued with the same intensity today. 'Resist regressive forces' Highlighting Kerala's unique cultural identity, the Chief Minister underscored the contributions of social reformers such as Sree Narayana Guru in eradicating superstitions and promoting social awareness. He called upon cultural activists to stand united in resisting regressive forces and to act with clarity and conviction in defending the State's secular and progressive legacy. Addressing questions about the Nava Keralam vision, he clarified that it was not just about one-dimensional development but about inclusive growth that reached every section and corner of the State. 'We aim to elevate our society to match the living standards of middle-income countries, with a strong foundation in social commitment and public welfare,' he said. Mr. Vijayan said that the State would be free of extreme poverty by November 1, thanks to strengthened public distribution, education, and health-care systems. Inclusivity Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian, in his address, described Parasparam as a tribute to the government's nine-year journey and the cultural community's support. 'Our government has rolled out several model initiatives for artistes, from the Vajra Jubilee Fellowship to extensive outreach in folk and tribal arts,' he said. Projects had been tailored for differently abled, coastal, tribal, and transgender artistes to ensure inclusivity in the cultural landscape, he added. The event began with a traditional welcome dance by the Guru Gopinath Natanagramam. Ministers K. Rajan and R. Bindu; Planning Board Vice-Chairman V.K. Ramachandran; K. Radhakrishnan, MP; Thrissur Mayor M.K. Varghese; P. Balachandran, A.C. Moideen, and Murali Perunelli, MLAs; district panchayat president V.S. Prince; Cultural Affairs Director Divya S. Iyer; and District Collector Arjun Pandian took part. Organised by the Department of Culture, over 2,500 cultural activists from 14 districts attended the event and 15 distinguished individuals were honoured on stage for their contributions.
The Hindu
14-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Over 5,000 offices in Ernakulam accorded green status
A total of over 5,000 government, quasi-government offices, and public sector units in Ernaklulam have been awarded 'A+/A' grade based on the green status rating issued by the Haritha Keralam Mission (HKM), according to official sources. The performance was evaluated based on an assessment form prepared by the HKM, which included parameters such as solid waste management, cleanliness, e-waste disposal, and compliance with the green protocol. The project was part of the 'Waste-free Nava Keralam' campaign of the government. Of the 5,152 government, quasi-government offices, and public sector units that were shortlisted for the green rating, 5,044 achieved the status, according to the latest estimates. They include the offices of various government departments, local bodies, banks, and public sector units. Besides the key evaluation criteria, additional factors like water and energy conservation, and rainwater harvesting projects were also considered in the grading process. The institutions had set up separate bins to collect plastic, paper, and organic waste. They had also conducted awareness sessions and workshops to spread the message of adhering to the provisions under the green protocol prescribed by the mission. The institutions were encouraged to refrain from using banned plastic products and install systems to dispose of organic waste as well as liquid waste. They were also instructed to have clean toilets and ensure availability of clean water. The mission had stressed the need to stick to the green codes of conduct that focussed on waste reduction, source separation, and the use of eco-friendly alternatives. The institutions were also rated on the basis of the upkeep of premises and steps taken to maintain a clean and hygienic environment, including public spaces and sanitation facilities.
The Hindu
06-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
LDF govt committed to building a ‘Nava Keralam', says Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan
The goal of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government is to achieve comprehensive development of the State, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said. Speaking at a district-level meeting in connection with the fourth anniversary of the present LDF government in Alappuzha on Tuesday, Mr. Vijayan said the government was committed to creating a 'Nava Keralam'. 'When we say Nava Keralam, it means elevating the State to a standard of living on a par with that of middle-income nations and developed countries. We have already made significant progress in that direction, but there is still more to be achieved. This is not just an idea, it is something that should become a reality,' the Chief Minister said. He said the government was able to complete the Vizhinjam International Seaport project by overcoming several challenges. 'The Vizhinjam port is one of the major ports in the world. The LDF government adopted a firm stance to materialise the project. Though the LDF had earlier expressed some disagreements regarding the agreement signed by the United Democratic Front (UDF) government in 2015, the LDF government, which came to power in 2016, decided to move forward because it was essential for the State's development,' Mr. Vijayan said. The Chief Minister said that even when the State 'did not receive support' from the Union government, Kerala was able to move forward. 'The State's own revenue has increased. Both domestic and per capita incomes have improved significantly. The State, as a whole, has been moving towards progress,' Mr. Vijayan said. He said that most of the promises made in the LDF manifesto had been implemented. He recalled that when the LDF government came to power nine years ago, public education and healthcare sectors were in decline. 'We have successfully revived the sectors. NITI Aayog itself has acknowledged that Kerala now has the best public education system in the country. Similarly, the healthcare sector has also become stronger. Other sectors, including agriculture and industry, have been witnessing growth. The LDF government is materialising national highway development, city gas project and so on, which the previous UDF government failed to implement. In the industrial sector, Kerala has secured the top position in the country for ease of doing business. All of this reflects the government's commitment to the State and its people,' Mr. Vijayan said, adding that a government should never adopt a stance that hinders development. He said Kerala was the State with the lowest poverty rate in India. 'On November 1, Kerala is set to become the only State in the country without any people living in extreme poverty. Our development is not based on any specific region or group. We are committed to the development of the entire State,' Mr. Vijayan said. Agriculture Minister P. Prasad presided. Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian, Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar, MLAs and others attended the programme.
