THE Left Democratic Front (LDF) has created history in Kerala by getting re-elected for a second consecutive term with a massive margin. Political analysts have observed that the main reasons for this were the bold and uncompromising stand taken against the anti-people policies of the central government, the initiation of alternative development policies, and the effective handling of a series of natural disasters and the Covid 19 pandemic.

The Kerala Development Report: Initiatives, Achievements and Challenges (KDR) published by the Kerala State Planning Board discusses the major developmental achievements of the LDF government between 2016 and 2021 and outlines future directions for the development of the state. The chapters of the report include: Agriculture and allied activities, Food security and public distribution, Water resources, Industry, Information Technology, Science and Technology, Tourism, Co-operative, Human Development, Infrastructure, Environment, Local Government, Diaspora, Learning from Disaster, Kerala’s Response to Covid 19, Human Resources, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, Social Initiatives for Social Inclusion, Gender and Development, and Overcoming Fiscal Constraints. The Report is an important reference document on economic policy and development in Kerala.

Between 2016 and 2021, Kerala faced extreme weather events in the form of cyclone Ockhi in 2017 and extreme rainfall event followed by floods and mudslides in 2018 and 2019. There was an outbreak of Nipah virus disease in two districts of the state in 2018. The Covid-19 pandemic, first detected in Kerala in January 2020, continued into 2021. The demonetisation in 2016 and the introduction of GST in 2017 were additional stresses on the state economy.

DOCUMENTING THE
ACHIEVEMENTS
The major objectives of the Thirteenth Five-Year Plan in Kerala, which is covered in this document, was to build a modern, developed Kerala, one that is marked by scientific and technological progress, by the progress of the scientific temper, and by new levels of production and decent employment, particularly for the young women and men who are entering our labour force. The average rate of growth from 2016-17 to 2019-20 (5.4 per cent) was higher than the average rate of growth for the previous four years, 2012-13 to 2015-16 (4.8 per cent). This rate of growth was achieved in the backdrop of a subdued international and national growth environment.

The main objectives set for the agricultural sector were to enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability in production. To enhance productivity, agriculture had to be modernised through science-based inputs and farming practices. Allocation of funds to the agriculture sector increased 221 per cent in the last five years. All major crops (paddy, vegetables, rubber, and coconut) received incentives for cultivation. Cash assistance of close Rs 25,000 per ha per annum was received by rice farmers in Kerala. Subhiksha Keralam and a comprehensive fruit development scheme were introduced with an objective of enhancing the area, production and productivity in the agriculture sector. Revival of milk production was reflected in the reduction of milk imports from 9 lakh litres to 3.2 lakh litres. Despite the major setbacks due to the natural disaster, revitalisation of water bodies and good fisheries management resulted in a 15 per cent increase of inland fish production.

Major highlights of the improved performance of Kerala’s industry sector in this period was a revival in the performance of state PSUs (mainly in the chemicals and electrical machinery sectors) and a continuing focus in the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). A notable feature of achievements of Kerala in the sphere of industry was a favourable change in perception among potential entrepreneurs over the last few years. Major initiatives in the information technology sector were Kerala Fibre Optic Network (KFON)-which provides internet connectivity to government offices and 20 lakh economically backward households and Skill Delivery Platform. Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) became an innovative mechanism to build infrastructure by raising funds through extra-budgetary sources. It brought about a transformation by allowing the state to invest in medium and large infrastructure projects.

Livelihood inclusive and Financial Empowerment (LIFE) mission constructed 2.5 lakh houses for the homeless, which was a record in the development history of Kerala. The LDF government ensured that the plan allocation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the state exceeded their share of the population. Achievements in the decentralised governance have been noted again by streamlined planning process, highest level of plan expenditure and formulation of district plans.

The significant attainments in the education sector comprised transformation in school education (particularly in infrastructure) because of huge new investments, an improvement in the quality of instruction, and in social coverage and inclusion in the school education system. More than 6.8 lakh additional children enrolled in government and aided schools over a four-year period as a result of these interventions. As part of the 13th Five-Year Plan, the health system in preventive, curative, and palliative health care was strengthened. For example, 886 public health centres were converted to family health centres, and people-friendly outpatient facilities were started in district hospitals. The Nipah outbreak in the state in 2018-2019 was contained in 10 days. The effective interventions of the health department have resulted in the lowest case fatality rate from Covid-19 in the country.

The response of the LDF government to natural disasters and the pandemic is documented in a separate chapter. An important feature of disaster management by the state was the emphasis placed on participation by all sections of society in coping with and managing disasters, especially large-scale disasters. The report also describes in detail the response of the state to Covid19, a model in terms of management strategy, mitigation efforts, and relief measures. Covid19 treatment including testing and vaccines is available for free to all in government hospitals.

VISION FOR
THE FUTURE
This report then outlines the broad directions for the future development of the state in important sectors. Future of the state should continue to build on its strengths in social spending, social welfare, and social justice. State should apply science, technology, modern skills, and the skills available to a “knowledge economy” to enhance growth in agriculture, allied activities, modern industry, infrastructure-building, and services. Economic policy should aim to modernise the system of higher education, and provide Kerala’s youth with the best forms of skilled employment available in a modern economy.

Primary task of agricultural policy should be a focused programme to raise productivity. Extension machinery must focus on better management of soil and water, wider adoption of improved varieties, availability of good quality certified seeds and balanced fertilisation and nutrient management. Involvement of local government institutions and co-operatives are important for achieving this objective. Land use plans, which aim at the most efficient and sustainable use of very plot, and river basin plans for 44 rivers for effective use of irrigation are the other two important directions for agriculture development. Promotion of value addition and processing should also be part of efforts to increase farmers’ incomes.

Given the peculiarities of the state, the report points out that Kerala is not suited for industrial units that require vast acres of land, or degrade the environment, or are based only on cheap and unskilled labour. The report calls for synergy between the government, universities, and industry to develop industries that make effective use of the skilled labour force and latest advances in technologies, including biotechnology, artificial intelligence, electronics, and nanotechnology, while also transforming the traditional industries with new technologies, design, and marketing.

While maintaining the gains made in school education, there is a need to further expand it. Regarding higher education, it is proposed that curricular and institutional reforms be undertaken. Networks of teachers and researchers need to be created among the institutes in Kerala and with those abroad while also encouraging student exchanges. The socially inclusive character of higher education needs to be deepened and regional balance ensured in higher education. It is also pointed out that specific plans and programmes for individual universities, colleges, and related institutions need to be formulated and implemented.

While the government promoted disabled-friendly public infrastructure, transport, information, and communication, the report notes that these measures should be further expanded. The access to education for the people from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities should be improved and drop out further reduced. The focus should also be on skill development and employment generation. Measures for providing housing for all should be accelerated. Skill development, employment generation, and livelihood security for women, in particular for vulnerable women, should be prominent thrust areas. Prevention of gender-based violence, redressal and rehabilitation in the context of continuing violence also require attention.

The Kerala Development Report, in short, is a basic reference document for the formulation of the 14th Five-Year Plan. It aims to fulfil the broad objectives of enhancing the productive basis of the state, while protecting environment, increasing modern employment opportunities, and expanding social protection for the underprivileged.