Kerala to Form Commission to Tackle Regional Backwardness
The Kerala government will set up a commission to study the historical and sociological reasons behind the backwardness of specific areas and communities in the state, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan announced in the Assembly on Tuesday.
Replying to a calling attention motion moved by T.V. Ibrahim on developmental disparities between districts and communities, Satheesan said the government's development vision emphasises economic growth with social justice. The aim is to ensure that government services and development benefits reach all citizens equally through balanced distribution of resources and infrastructure.
The commission will examine inequities across districts, particularly in health, education, and transport sectors. The government will adopt a policy approach in all sectors that accounts for population, backwardness, geographical specificities, and lack of basic facilities.
Satheesan said the government will take appropriate measures to address regional inequalities arising from uneven resource distribution. Existing packages for Kasaragod, Wayanad, Idukki, and Kuttanad will be implemented effectively. Adequate resource allocations will be ensured for regions such as Malabar and for coastal and hill communities, focusing on development, welfare, infrastructure, health, and education.
Major initiatives include the Wayanad Tribal University and an Indigenous Knowledge Centre, aimed at educational advancement, research, skill development, and socio-economic transformation of tribal communities. These projects are expected to open new avenues for education and research in backward districts like Wayanad.
The chief minister also said the government will examine the feasibility of appointing a commission to study the requirement for creating new districts and taluks. He reiterated the government's commitment to reducing district-level developmental disparities, ensuring resource distribution based on population and backwardness, and giving special consideration to underserved areas, including Malabar.
