COVERSTORY

K.V. Peter, P.G.Sadhan Kumar 2004-05. Productivity(s) of major crops cashew (740 kg/ha) are lower compared ow productivity and shrinking in are one of the lowest except to other Indian states and other of land area under food crops rubber (1437 kg/ha). In rubber, Kerala producing countries. Cost of production have resulted in reduced food has shown outstanding performance. is also higher in Kerala. The production in recent years in Productivity of rubber in Thailand productivity(s) of vegetables (< 10 ton/ LKerala. A drastic reduction in net (1362 kg/ha), China (1089), Indonesia ha) and fruits (< 10 ton/ha) are also lower. cultivated area under rice (8.88 lakh ha (655), Sri Lanka (857) and Malaysia Low productivity associated with high in 1975-76 to 2.89 lakh ha in 2004- (980) is below Kerala’s 1437 kg/ha. cost of production make Kerala 05) is recorded. Reduction is also visible Success story in rubber in respect of Agricultural products less competitive. in total area under tapioca (3.57 lakh ha research, development, extension and Percentage contribution of agriculture to in 1975-76 to 1.04 lakh ha in 2004- product development needs emulation total States GDP is likewise going down 05) and cashew (1.09 lakh ha in 1975- in other sectors. (26.23% in 1994 to 13.00% in 2004). 76 to 0.86 lakh ha in 2004-05). Area Productivity in rice (2301 kg/ha), Government investment in agriculture under has gone down from 9.26 pepper (327 kg/ha), cardamom (217 kg/ is also going down (below 6% of total lakh ha in 2000-01 to 8.98 lakh ha in ha), coconut (6379 nuts/ha/year) and plan expenditure). Food sufficiency A must target

6 KERALA CALLING January 2008 6 KERALA CALLING January 2008 Jawaharlal Nehru emphasised "Everything else can wait, but not The labourers are attracted to more agriculture" and the much quoted slogan of Lal Bahadur Sasthri "Jai Jawan Jai remunerative sectors like infrastructure Kissan" need to be repeated to give the and services. Reduced holding capacity and much needed recognition to farmers and low farm gate price are other hurdles. farming. Decades long experiences and social Kerala agriculture is characterised by and services. Reduced holding capacity developments point to the following: homesteads (marginal < 0.02 - 1.0 ha = and low farm gate price are other hurdles. z Science based agriculture is the only 59.19 lakh; small 1.0 - 2.0 ha = 2.61 Value addition and product correct pathway to salvage out from lakh; semi-medium 2.0 - 4.0 ha = 9.40 diversification have not been given the present crisis. Intensive lakh; medium 4.0 - 10.0 ha = 0.19 lakh; priority and would remain so till a intercropping with compatible high large 10 - >50 ha = 0.03 lakh). Each situation of benefit of scale is created by value crops need to be encouraged. homestead is a unit of livelihood and social and political action. This area z Value addition and product nutritional security. It sustains crops, should be given prime importance as it diversification should be promoted. animals including goats and rabbitry, helps the farmers to realise premium z Organic cultivation should be fishery and fuel wood trees. Homesteads price. Erosion of biodiversity especially encouraged. For getting premium are conceptually ideal to sustain a family, in land races of medicinal rice, cereals, price to organic produces, certification but it does not derive the benefit of scale, millets and medicinal plants is also a of organic produces should be done in in a price competitive market. matter of concern. an organised way. Migration of labour from farming to Above said distresses and weaknesses z High tech agriculture like high density non- farming sector is a matter of concern. of Kerala Agriculture call for corrective planting, precision farming and The labourers are attracted to more action. protected cultivation will certainly remunerative sectors like infrastructure As ’s first Prime Minister increase the crop productivity and

January 2008 7 January 2008KERALAKERALA CALLING CALLING 7 reduce cost of production. Centre” in the model of “International Presence of commodity boards z Export oriented production of fruits, Trade Centre” may be formed. (Coconut, Coir, Spices and Rubber), vegetables and spices should be Kerala is proud of its literate and risk Research Institutes ( CTCRI, CPCRI, organised on the basis of Good taking farmers with whose help we can IISR,CIFT, CMFRI, KFRI, CWRDM, Agricultural Practices (GAP). achieve the above goals. Kerala is blessed TBGRI, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for z Soil testing should be done prior to with natural resources like water, Biotechnology, CESS, CDS etc.), a large farming. Each Krishi Vigyan Kendra biodiversity including microbial diversity number of pro- active non- government (KVK) in the State should co-ordinate organisations like PDS, Malanad Development Society etc., and an exclusive State Agricultural University with 36 research stations spread all over the State and exclusive research stations for pepper, cardamom, coconut, rice, horticultural crops and cropping systems are knowledge assets which farming community should make use of. We do have the qualified and trained scientific manpower to take up any of the above challenges. Even though we have all the above strengths, there are threats too: z Flow of agricultural goods both row and processed at cheaper rates from neighbouring States. z Globalisation leading to free trade is causing havoc to traditional crops like coconut, tea, rubber, coffee etc., z Escalating land values and consequent greed for unrealistic money are to the detriment of this activity and soil card to be Agriculture. distributed. Value addition and z Traditional food habits are giving z An Authority on Horticultural Crops product diversification way to western food habits and the Seeds/ Planting Material Production have not been given food habits of other States. need to be established. The existing priority and would The above threats also throw research stations/ farms may be used remain so till a opportunities for a new and continuing for production of quality planting agricultural revolution -land saving, materials. situation of benefit of scale is created by water saving, labour friendly and eco- z “Spices Banks” may be established in friendly. The target of an annual growth spice districts of Wayanad, Idukki, social and political rate of 4% in Agriculture during the 11th Kozhikkode and , especially for action. This area Plan period is achievable in a climate of black pepper, cardamom and nutmeg. should be given prime more investment in agriculture and loans When prices fall down, the commodity importance as it helps to farmers at 4% interest rate. Gandhiji can be deposited at Spices Banks and remarked ‘If we import agricultural goods when prices go up, the commodity can the farmers to realise to India, we are also importing be released for sale. premium price. unemplyment’ which would lead to z Water is a limiting factor. Water has to social unrest and India will not be able to be declared as a public good. meet the Millennium Development Goal z Energy is costly and emphasis should and Kerala has the production potential of reducing poverty level to half the be given on plants for renewable as demonstrated by many successful existing by 2015. Let us strive for a Kerala sources of energy. farmers. We should be able to cash on capable of feeding its people by its own z Agro eco- tourism without disturbing the great brand name “Kerala” for spices sweat. the natural ecosystem would be a and ayurvedic herbs. Availability of „ The writers are Professor of Horticulture source of additional income to farmers. & former Vice-Chancellor and seaports, airports and reasonable road and Professor & Head, AICRP on Vegetables, z Marketing is key to high production railways should help in export of Department of Olericulture respectively, Kerala and productivity and a “Kerala Trade agricultural products. Agriculture University,

8 KERALA CALLING January 2008 COVERSTORY

Accommodating the Changes If we look at the curriculum of our students, we will find that politicians. The logic of evolution of most of them are able to add value in terms of providing these changes, mostly technology induced, which are likely to shape up technical suitability in jobs. However, the focus of curriculum Kerala, should not be seen as strategies in the years to come also needs to reorient our unimportant. Unlike in the past, prospective employment seekers with an attitude facilitating changes that have positive impact on and conforming to the new work culture and success. development are made transparent by sophisticated assessment of such Dr V. Mukunda Das developments by technology savvy Added to this are the drastic changes in professional experts. he Kerala landscape is not the the demographic pattern that are likely Keralites today are much more closely same now as it was 10 years to be witnessed in the next five to 10 linked to their relatives and friends all back. Changes are rolling years in Kerala. All these changes over the world through the click of a through Kerala because of emanating ‘from within Kerala or outside mouse. Communication to such people globalisation.T A revolution is taking place Kerala’, impacting on Kerala, are that used to take weeks together in the in information technology and other unprecedented and probably, not so past, with lot of difficulties, is now taking technical advances the world over. much foreseen by thinkers and less than a few seconds. It is, therefore

January 2008 KERALA CALLING 9 time for all of us, who are interested in be able to indirectly contribute to them are able to add value in terms of the future of Kerala, to understand these reducing poverty and increase societal providing technical suitability in jobs. dynamic changes impacting on welfare, not only in the short run but However, the focus of curriculum and reorient ourselves to make Kerala also in the long run, in the economy. strategies in the years to come also needs reach the top by utilising growth Productivity increase is a new mantra, to reorient our prospective employment opportunities existing the world over. which each one of us needs to assimilate seekers with an attitude facilitating and Countries and Societies all over the because of the changes caused by conforming to the new work culture and world have planned to imbibe these globalization. Whereas work culture in success. Studies done on IT professionals changes after evaluating opportunities. private sector is changing towards high in Kerala, by the author, has shown that Countries like China are focusing more productivity, it is high time that our almost 95 per cent of them are happy on the growth strategy and systems in public administration, because they have a wok culture which maximising employment using the brings them pride, as also best and most modern technology satisfaction. They feel that the in the world. This will add strength valuable time of their life is not to their people and country. I am wasted but devoted to creating told that if a Chinese or Japanese output in their organisations, which, works for one extra hour, he or she in the ultimate analysis, will add to will have a happiness feeling. This the strength of the country. This is a feeling is because they think they welcome attitudinal reorientation of are contributing to the country’s professionals who are some growth by utilising the time at their of the best paid in the country. This disposal for creating more output. reorientation has come to them after This spirit of nationalism, which joining the private IT organisations. trickles down to every inch of mind Similarly, if we can provide inputs, space of these people have substantially Kerala has enough both from psychological and social angle, contributed to the very fast changes in to define a ‘smart youngster’ from the society’s growth, and well being intellectual fibre in society, angle of attitudinal reorientation, this will otherwise dilapidated economies. The which can assimilate these do wonders for the future generation of signs of this nationalist pride in their work new philosophies related to Kerala. It must also be stated that it is orientation are contributing to better work culture. How many not difficult for us to bring in this future of their country. When you put of us think that if we work reorientation in the attitude. Probably, in extra work and if you feel that this we have to put more focus on positive extra work means being more productive for one more hour and thinking. The development balance in the growth of your own country, you increase productivity, the sheet of Kerala will show the output from will feel proud. This is a positive chord multiplier consequences of this, in future. affiliating citizens’ work pattern with this will be positive for In the emerging scenario of country’s future strength in a world developing our society? technological changes linking people and where each country is competing with places through speedy information other in terms of utilising resources for including human resources and its transfer and responses, Kerala’s social the welfare and benefit of their citizens. components, also focussed on enhancing system also need to change. This change One could logically ask a question; productivity. While saying this I know in social system could come either can Kerala lead the country in this pursuit that it is difficult for a state with through introspection by each individual towards creating a new ‘work value’ democratic processes and procedures to or by a collective set of individuals. system? Kerala become a role model for enhance productivity easily compared to Development of a ‘new consciousness’, health and population control in India. a country like China where everything is where in, right from the child rearing to Similarly, Kerala has enough intellectual dictated and controlled. But we can the stage of taking up employment, an fibre in society, which can assimilate these begin this. attitudinal reorientation needs to occur. In order for this to happen the domain new philosophies related to work culture. The information technology based of development planning and action How many of us think that if we work productivity enhancement is mostly seen need to move away from the ‘myopic’ for one more hour and increase taking roots in private sector. This has worldview and its fully short-term productivity, the multiplier consequences implications in terms of time orientation, mostly dictated by the of this will be positive for developing our management, commitment to work, politicians. Scientific, analytical and society/state. Increased productivity productivity perceptions in society and innovative approaches of outstanding orientation is just a matter of attitude than interpersonal relations. If an attitudinal professionals (who have genuine interest a Herculean physical task. Kerala’s white- reorientation, conforming to enhanced for the strength and welfare of Kerala collar workers must try to increase their productivity and success as a value system society, as also the country) need to get productivity by imbibing this new of every employee can emerge in Kerala, priority. philosophy, contributing to the growth it will be auguring a new era of social of the state, as well as the country. When change. If we look at the curriculum of „ The writer is Dean, IIITM-K, a Keralite increases productivity, he will our students we will find that most of

10 KERALA CALLING January 2008 COVERSTORY

With the world-renowned growth patterns in social, healthcare and educational indices and standards of living, this is the best time for Kerala to catch up with the rest of the high growth states in India in terms of economic and industrial growth.

Umang Patodia "Money Order Economy". Model" of development by economists, erala's economy can be best Agriculture dominates the Kerala political scientists, and sociologists. This described as a democratic economy. Kerala lags behind many other phenomenon arises mainly from Kerala's socialist welfare economy. Indian States in terms of per capita GDP unusually strong service sector. However, Kerala's emphasis (11,819 INR) and economic Kerala has the competitive advantages onK equitable distribution of resources has productivity. However, Kerala's Human in few sectors like Agriculture and Food resulted in slow economic progress Development Index and standard of Processing, Tourism and Medical compared to neighbouring States. living statistics are the best in India. Tourism, Knowledge Industries - IT & Relatively few major corporations and Indeed, in select development indices, ITES, Biotechnology, Construction, manufacturing plants are headquartered Kerala rivals many developed countries. Textile & Readymade Garments, in Kerala. Remittances from Keralites This seeming paradox of low GDP and Infrastructure – Shipping & Logistics, working abroad, mainly in the Middle productivity figures juxtaposed with Value Addition in Exports, Financial East, make up over 20% of State relatively high development figures in Services and Organised Retail. Concerted Domestic Product (SDP). Because of this social indices is often dubbed as the medium and long term initiatives and Kerala Economy is sometimes called as "Kerala Phenomenon" or the "Kerala policies are required to attract and sustain Destination of the Future

January 2008 KERALA CALLING 11 investment into these sectors. income to the motherland. The Non- the State. With the world-renowned growth Resident Keralites remittance was The Industrial Infrastructure patterns in social, healthcare and Rs.18465 crore in 2004 and it Development Company set up by the educational indices and standards of constitutes substantial part of the income to take up major living, this is the best time for Kerala to of the State. infrastructure projects in the sector will catch up with the rest of the high growth Kerala, the small South Indian State be a landmark in the history of States in India in terms of economic and with three international airports and one infrastructure development of the State. industrial growth. This can happen only international seaport, is a pioneer in The ‘Signature’ (Must Happen) with a pro-active and fast government various infrastructure projects in the Infrastructure projects like improved that can outperform other States in country. Kerala has the highest domestic air connectivity with major competition for investment and with telephone density in India. Almost all metros and cities and direct international effective sectoral policies and a working the Panchayats are linked by a network connectivity; provision of sky-bus Metro culture of 24/7. of computers and provided Internet for ; development of Vallarpadam Various studies have revealed that facilities. Despite the fact that Kerala is International Transhipment Terminal by migration from Kerala to foreign highly literate and the social PPP; more number of tolled road bridges countries and to other parts of the infrastructure is one of the best in the connecting all hinterland to bring country, the activities required to develop exportable products like spices, tea, etc. the facilities essentially needed to attract and speedy development of NH 47, NH Recent national and investments to the State were relegated 17 and NH 49 would change the entire international economic to the backseat. But in the recent past, visage of Kerala to the outside world. If developments point to a new things have got a new turn. these projects do take off, with Non- era of growth and With the realisation of Cochin Resident Indian’s support through Public Private Partnership Model, it could opportunity for companies International Airport, the first International Airport in the country built accelerate the State’s movement into a operating in Kerala. outside the ambit of the Government of robust economy. Rising costs in the Far East India, Kerala has proven the fact that the With its strategic location, world - and other world markets Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) can wide connectivity, rich resources, highly have also further highlighted provide efficient and successful skilled manpower, extremely low Kerala as a good choice for commercial solutions to the problems operating costs, developed that have been plaguing the infrastructure, proactive Government both commercial and infrastructure. policies with pro enterprise incentives and industrial entrepreneurs. With its excellent Inland Water an excellent quality of life, Kerala has Transport system and air, road and rail already become one of the best investment destinations of the world. Today, Kerala is one of the leading country has been one of the positive commercial and trading centres in India. features of the of The State offers unparalleled attractions development. The State's dynamic social as a base for doing business to cater to and cultural development in the past half the booming global markets. a century and relative stagnation in its Recent national and international productive sectors have created an ideal economic developments point to a new condition for acceleration of migration era of growth and opportunity for from the State. As a result of this unique companies operating in Kerala. Rising phenomenon, Kerala has become costs in the Far East and other world virtually integrated with the world markets have also further highlighted economy. The inflow of foreign currency Kerala as a good choice for both by way of remittances made by Keralites commercial and industrial entrepreneurs. working abroad has positively Core competency areas like electronics transformed the economy of the State to and software, bio technology, tourism, a great extent. agriculture, food processing, minerals, Industrious, innovative and ever petrochemicals and so on make Kerala responsive to opportunities, the Keralites, one of the least cost producers in the professional and technically skilled, have connectivity along with the new projects global economy. been exploring the horizons of career such as the Vallarpadam and Vizhinjam With professional and time bound opportunities outside Kerala. Nearly International Transhipment Terminals, action plans in place, Kerala has all the 25,00,000 Keralites (about 10% of extension of the Golden Quadrilateral potential to be the destination of the Kerala population) have immigrated to to Kerala, etc the industrial and the future. various countries. They contribute their economic position of Kerala as a whole expertise and innovative skills to their will witness a remarkable change, by „ The writer is Chairman, Kerala State States of domicile, bringing in additional attracting more and more investments to Council, Confederation of Indian Industry

12 KERALA CALLING January 2008 COVERSTORY

Dr B. Ekbal number of University departments later by similar recommendation made he colleges in India were under them. by the Gajendragadkar Committee virtually autonomous until Concept of Autonomous Colleges (1971) and the National Education the establishment of the three Over the years the number of colleges Policy (1986) and also envisaged the affiliating Universities of affiliated to the Universities multiplied, establishment of autonomous colleges. Calcutta,T Bombay and Madras in 1857. Kerala Experience consequently causing enormous hurdles The Universities were formed chiefly for in the smooth functioning of the very In Kerala the first serious initiative in the purpose of holding common affiliating system. Steep decline in the the matter of autonomous colleges was examination and to ensure common academic standards, profiteering by the made in 1987 when the Government standards. The Indian Universities college management, low level of the constituted an Expert Committee with adopted the affiliating pattern from the quality of teaching, vulnerable Dr. K.Gopalan as Chairperson to study London University (1835), which was examination systems etc were reported various aspects of the proposal to have discarded in 1857. The affiliating system from a number of institutions from autonomous college in the state. The was designed at a time when both the several states. It was felt that the affiliating Committee in effect recommended the number of colleges as well as those of the system stifles academic freedom and establishment of autonomous colleges. Universities in the country were small. innovations in higher education. No follow up action was taken on the The Universities in India are Nevertheless it was also felt that in the recommendation of this committee. classified as Unitary, Federal and existing circumstances affiliating system The Inter University Consultative Affiliating. Unitary Universities are is the only practical option before us. Council (IUCC) appointed a committee campus Universities. There will be It is in this context that ways to in 1999 chaired by Dr KKN Kurup the constituent colleges under the Federal increase the academic standards in the then Vice Chancellor of Calicut Universities. In affiliating Universities affiliating colleges without radically University and Dr Cyriac Thomas the there will be a number of affiliated altering the system itself was explored. Pro-Vice Chancellor of Kerala University colleges under their academic control. In The first specific recommendation in this as Convenor to study and report the India most of the Universities are regard was made by Dr. K. S. Kothari feasibility of granting autonomous states affiliating in nature and they also have a Commission (1966). This was followed to affiliated college. The committee

Educational Reforms Autonomy Focused

January 2008 KERALA CALLING 13 submitted its report in 2000 and in Autonomy to the departments and academic this case also no further action was taken. The Government made amendments in faculty in the universities and affiliated the University Acts in 2004 so as to colleges is a desirable educational reform. empower them to grant autonomous However, this should be implemented only with status to the affiliated colleges. What is Autonomy? the concurrence and consensus of all All the reports suggested above and concerned like the teachers, students and the the UGC protocols take a fairly uniform management of the affiliated colleges. approach with regards to the concept of autonomous colleges. The words of an employability of our graduates are PG courses but many undergraduate eminent educationalist well sums up the coming down day by day. courses are still run on the old mode essence of autonomy as the academic z It has to be conceded that the of terminal summative examinations. freedom given to teachers is to decide University governance system is not The Choice Based Credit and “what to teach, how to teach, whom to conducive enough for achieving Semester System are introduced only teach and how to evaluate.” academic excellence. in a few University departments. It should be understood very clearly z There is a general neglect of the arts z The refresher and orientation courses that autonomous colleges does not come and science colleges where the conducted by the Academic Staff under the category of self-financing majority of students are still studying Colleges and the National Seminars colleges. Autonomy means only academic whereas there is an over emphasis on being organised by the departments autonomy, not administrative or financial professional education. There is a in the colleges and Universities have autonomy. total anarchy in the courses run by not resulted in the academic Kerala Situation the affiliated colleges that run into improvement of the teachers. While implementing the the following categories either with Teachers also lack the knowledge autonomous concept the present our without the concurrence of the about the modern teaching educational scenario in Kerala should be Universities. methodologies and technologies since taken into consideration: The following Traditional courses there is no training programme to points need be looked into: UGC sponsored courses upgrade their pedagogical skill. The z It is generally agreed that in Kerala result is that the academic caliber of Self financing courses there is an academic stagnation within many teachers is so poor that they the University system and the Off campus courses cannot enthuse the students. Courses run by other Universities. affiliated colleges with the result that z In many colleges modern courses the academic standards and z Semesterisation was introduced in the especially conducted under the self-

14 KERALA CALLING January 2008 z Students assessment with regards to upward mobility, drop out rate, pass percentage, perception of the study, skill level and employability. z Semesterisation to be completed in the degree level also and move to Choice based Credit and Semester System. z Government should take a final decision regarding excess and or the lack of teachers in various colleges. Redeployment and fresh appoints where necessary will have to be made. z To improve the academic caliber of teachers a massive teacher training programme on modern developments in various academic disciplines, modern teaching learning technologies based on IT will have to be initiated. z The academic possibilities opened up by Edusat, Inflibnet and granting of Add-on Courses by UGC should be exploited to upgrade the skill and academic caliber of students and teachers. z Formation of Cluster of Colleges to share resources and jointly plan modern skill based vocational courses. z Linking colleges with research institutes and sharing of faculty and infrastructure like library and laboratory, designing joint courses. z Initiate University, industry, College, Government interaction. Conclusion Autonomy to the departments and financing mode are run by guest and The words of an eminent academic faculty in the Universities and contract lectures much to the erosion affiliated colleges is a desirable of academic standards. educationalist well sum educational reform. However, this should z The recent spurt of self-financing up the essence of be implemented only with the professional colleges, the attitude of autonomy as the concurrence and consensus of all the management of some these concerned like the teachers, students and colleges, the court verdicts in effect academic freedom given the management of the affiliated colleges. denying educational opportunities to to teachers is to decide Definite norms and protocols should be the poor have all contributed to a “what to teach, how to laid out for giving autonomous status to chaotic situation within the teach, whom to teach affiliated colleges. educational sector in Kerala. This has The government should grant resulted in a feeling of suspicion and and how to evaluate.” additional funds to the autonomous fear regarding any innovation that is colleges for payment of salary of teachers brought in however well intentional and other supporting staff and extra and relevant they may be. z Mapping of all courses conducted by expenditure required for conduct of What to do now the colleges under the various examination and also supports the Before embarking on any new reform Universities. colleges after the termination of the agenda the following steps need be taken z Academic assessment of the courses funding by UGC. urgently as regards the Arts and Science and the caliber of teachers and the „ The writer is former Vice Chancellor, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram Colleges. availability of infrastructure facilities.

January 2008 KERALA CALLING 15 COVERSTORY T.R. Dilip riorities given to health sector in successive budgets since late 1960s aimed at building health care infrastructure and trained Pmanpower, are widely acknowledged. This has created a demand for health care and subsequently brought the population closer to health system. The private health care sector has grown rapidly since 1980s capitalising on this newly created demand for health care services. Kerala is well equipped in terms of hospital bed facilities. There are nearly 33 beds per 10,000 population in the State, which is equal to that in US and other developed regions. The present age structure of the population and the current hospitalisation rates together underline the State’s potential to emerge as a major destination for medical tourism. Prior to seeking this goldmine the inter- district disparities in access to hospital infrastructure needs to be addressed for the welfare of the residents of the State. The districts of , , , Wayanad and are still backward in terms of access to hospital infrastructure. Further out of the 1.08 lakh hospital beds in Kerala as in 2004, 59 per cent are in private sector and remaining 41 per cent in the government sector. Trends in bed availability in the State point out that when the increase in number of government hospital beds was in tune with population growth, there was a virtual decline in both number of hospitals and hospital beds in the private health care sector. Data indicate the number of institutions in the private sector having inpatient treatment facility Infrastructure Care More

16 KERALA CALLING January 2008 16 KERALA CALLING January 2008 has declined from 2274 in the year 1995 per cent of FRUs, CHCs and PHCs in policies should aim at improving the to 1942 in the year 2004. This itself Kerala were found to be having 60 per service conditions of medical cautions us about the uncertainty in the cent of items listed in supply. The district professionals working under the profit motivated private health sector’s hospitals were adequately equipped in government system by bringing in participation in delivery of health care terms of infrastructure and staff. But they necessary reforms. The service condition services. require more drugs and equipments and environment needs to be upgraded One reason for this decline in private whereas FRUs, CHCs and PHC s suffer to retain the doctors and other related hospitals is the public policy on medical staff shortage. manpower in the public health system. education, facilitating opening up a large If we examine availability of doctors, As per NRHM, the District Health number of private allopathic medical then Kerala enjoys an advantageous Plan is the principle instrument for collages. Until the year 1994 there were position. As per Medical Council of planning, implementation and only five government medical colleges in India, 27,718 doctors are registered with monitoring, formulated through a the State. After that 13 more new self- the Kerala Medical Council till 2006. participatory and bottom up planning financing medical colleges were started. The public policy on medical education process. Kerala with more than one This along with opening of specialty has resulted in a huge increase in seats for decade of experience in decentralised hospitals, lead to relatively small hospitals MBBS degree course in Kerala (from planning is in a unique position to or nursing homes losing their significance about 750 seats in 1994 to 2100 seats promote the NRHM agenda. The and a large number of them have been in 2006). Despite this, the irony is that decentralised planning enables the phased out. our government institutions are facing district mangers in easily identifying the gaps in infrastructure, manpower and Kerala with more than one decade of experience in equipments and supplies. This will enable decentralised planning is in a unique position to promote the programme managers to target the public funds for health care in filling the NRHM agenda. The decentralised planning enables these gaps. However, the gaps in the district managers in easily identifying the gaps in manpower for delivering medical care infrastructure, manpower, and equipments and supplies. will still remain even after improving

Considering the age transition induced epidemiological profile of Kerala, the demand for long term nursing care as well as rehabilitative care for chronic illness is likely to come up in future. Adding to this is ageing of population, migration of working population and shift from nuclear to joint family system. The large specialty hospitals and private medical college hospitals will not be able to cater to this demand for long term nursing/ rehabilitative care in a cost effective manner. Therefore the recent consolidation of large private hospitals is expected to be a temporary phenomenon and demand for small hospitals and nursing homes are likely to improve in near future. Public policy aimed at promoting these types of institutions will severe shortage of medical doctors, service conditions mentioned above. be helpful in reducing the overall out of including specialists. Therefore a medical Here district level recruitment of medical pocket expenses on health care. education policy aimed at boosting professional is the need of the hour to The Reproductive and Child Health export of medical care services and overcome this hurdle hovering over the Project- Facility Survey (2001) throws doctors are not helpful in improving the public health system. Health care some light into availability of access to health care in the State. The infrastructure built during 1970s and infrastructure, staff, supply and recent efforts by the Government by 1980s are poorly maintained and public equipments in District Hospitals, First ensuring compulsory rural practice for sector facilities in rural areas are in Stage Referral Units (FRUs), students graduating from government depleted conditions. Additional funds Community Health Centres (CHCs) medical colleges and contractual available under NRHM should be used and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in appointments of doctors (including to renovate and modernise the hospital the State. Shortages were severe in the specialists), using funds available from buildings. case of supplies (vaccines, contraceptives the National Rural Health Mission „ The writer is Lecturer, Centre for and selected drugs) as only less than 10 (NRHM) is a temporary solution. Public Development Studies, Thiruvananthapuram January 2008 KERALA CALLING 17 COVERSTORY Dr P. Mohanan the goal. The task of state administrators is to create stakes for all sections of people tate is a very large organisation. so that they have something meaningful It touches almost every aspect of to work for and feel fulfilled. an individual’s life. Obviously, management of a State is a very For that, they should act as Scomplex job. A decision of a state benefactors of the entire people. Taking administrator impacts lives of millions all the people into confidence and getting and that too, frequently, over long period them put their shoulders to the task on of time. Hence, each decision has to be hand is a big challenge. arrived at after investing sufficient time The task of state administration is and thought to analysing its made more complex by the fact that consequences, positive and negative. It people’s expectations are different at requires an integrated approach to different times. Demands are more. governance. Implementing professional Resources are always less. Tendency to management in statecraft is a huge task. work for short-term goals costs the state But it is worth taking the pains. It is dearly in the long run. Development going to make a difference to the lives of requires a vision for 20 to 50 years and many millions. commitment to that vision. It should be Professional management is all about consistently followed. There should not setting the right goals and involving every be haphazard approach to development. one in contributing his or her level best Experimentation is also needed. But, in attaining those goals. It is, thus, the art each experiment is to be given sufficient and science of engaging people of an time. Similarly, there should be a balance organisation in activities that enrich between short-term and long-term goals. individuals and organisations. People are There is a limit to individual’s willingness most productive personally and to sacrifice short-term gains to long-term organisationally when they do things promises. A person has only one life. He that are close to their hearts. There is, has to live it meaningfully and happily. therefore, a need to understand Too much sacrifice for future benefit is individuals properly and assign them to like asking for moon. the right jobs. Professional management The administrators of the State have assigns strategic role to HR function to be both great managers and leaders. because of the key role that people play They must be able to see the entire people in shaping the destiny of organisations. as their clients and serve the best interest Involvement and ultimately of the people. The entire bureaucracy has engagement of people depends on what to be made accountable for results. he or she would get from goal fulfilment. Discipline is the first thing that any Each one looks at the goal for some person who joins the state service should personal benefit. Hence, creating stakes have. Trade unions have their role in for individuals is an important part of keeping the members comfortable. They goal setting. If the goal is meaningful to should not be allowed to overshadow the an individual, he is more likely to commit organisation and usurp decision-making his best efforts for the achievement of power. Managing Administration Professionally There should be hope and dream of a great future. Motivated people can achieve any task. If doom is spread, society perishes. Professional management of the State should work on this. Create a dream for the State’s people to identify themselves with and draw inspiration from.

18 KERALA CALLING January 2008 The paramount duty of a State is to of a great future. Motivated people can and NGOs are taking on themselves ensure security, peace and stability for its achieve any task. If doom is spread, society some of the roles that State performed people to engage in satisfying and fruitful perishes. Professional management of the well in the past. The ambit of state activities (that is freedom to pursue things State should work on this. Create a dream administration has grown beyond of one’s choice). Key result areas for the for the State’s people to identify recognition in the past couple of decades. State are law and order, education, themselves with and draw inspiration These days, State cannot be expected to healthcare, infrastructure and ultimately from. There should be something for do everything for its people. But the state welfare of the people. Peace is the most everyone in it. It should not leave out administrators should know what the valuable of all things. Proper any group. When a great unifying dream State ought to do and what it can do maintenance of law and order is essential is put in place and properly better. The state administration is for security and peace. State has a communicated, people gradually identify growing weak. The finances of the State responsibility to ensure availability of themselves with it and discover their are eaten up by salary and pension good quality education and healthcare potential to excel in delivering results for payments. Efforts to shore up finances to its entire people. Another area where making that dream come true. always end up charging more tax and State can contribute significantly is Managing a progressively raising service charges. infrastructure. State should spend weakening State Meddling to Managing adequately on these sectors. There was a time when State was the The State is a major regulator. That is Hope and Dream only agency to work for growth and a role it cannot delegate to others. State There should be hope and a dream development. But today, private sector may withdraw from running colleges,

January 2008 KERALA CALLING 19 hospitals, steel mills etc. But it should discourses. Religion and spirituality are within the State for the youth. not withdraw from regulating them downplayed and empty ideological 2) Growing elderly population. adequately. Instead of setting up symbols are floated as real. This has robed The population dynamics is enterprises in the state sector, it can the people of their sanity and tranquillity. becoming adverse for the State. The regulate access to and quality of these Suicide, rising crime graph and rampant burgeoning old age population is a grave services through its grants. The State corruption can be traced to some of these concern for the State. They have to be should understand the knack of creating social problems. kept happy. But the number of people enough bangs for its bucks. Spending The development of the state needs to support them (the number of youth) public funds on nonviable public sector a radical approach. Education is the is fewer. Care for the old may not match and cooperative enterprises is like looting corner stone of that programme. Access the requirement. State’s exchequer. The state to quality education is a birth right of 3) Migrant labour and settlement administrators should ensure that the any citizen. Facilitate setting up world issues. hard earned revenue is wisely spent and class educational and training institutions Shortage of labour will force the State it creates tangible results for the or support them with State grants. Let to depend increasingly on migrant community. the youth study and imbibe right values labour. It may have its negative Problems and Solutions at these institutions peacefully and consequences like increasing incidence of It should be possible to anticipate ensure disciplined behaviour. crime, social and law and order problems. problems much in advance and State and Challenges of Growth 4)Managing e-waste and implement solutions before the problems The State of Kerala is preparing itself environment go out of hand. The root cause of to seize growth opportunities. IT and Electronic gadgets have limited life. problems in the State can be traced to tourism have come handy for the State. Unless they are recycled properly, they lack of discipline in educational But growth is sure to throw up huge may soon cause environmental disaster. institutions and social spheres. challenges for the State. 5) Managing yawning economic Organised politics and unbridled Problems that the State may face and inequality trade union activism destroyed the social their likely consequences in the next ten With economic growth, economic discipline. Any heinous crime or corrupt years are: inequality is very likely to widen. This practice is ultimately justified for political 1) Huge shortage of workforce, may cause new social problems. There must be measures to help the poor to improve their economic lot. Conclusion The economy of our nation, and that of our State, is on a boil and chaotic uncertainty is a rule rather than exception. Professional management has a critical role to perform in state administration in such fast changing environments. State administration is a very broad area that impacts every one’s life for long years. Hence, there should be long-term vision and action plans for governments to follow from term to term rather than cobbling together a make belief administration. Giving professional management adequate room Professional management has a critical role to perform in in public administration can bring about the State administration in such fast changing environments. amazing results. Political leadership should show the courage to induct Hence, there should be long-term vision and action plans professional managers into state for governments to follow from term to term rather than administration. There are examples of cobbling together a make-belief administration. people who have transformed organisations, take for instance what Sam Pitroda has done to telecommunications particularly youth. The state gains. Rank and file of political parties in India. The more professional state administration and its services to people and their affiliated youth organisations administration becomes, with proper will take the major hit. This is going to and trade unions have been rallied checks and balances, the more the affect delivery of all services badly. The around for display of political power. A administration become transparent, cost of goods and services will also rise. pall of doom has been deliberately spread effective and efficient. Solutions may include tapping women by those who were hankering after „ The writer is Head, Department of political power. Social and political spaces power, creating the right job Commerce and Management Studies, are maligned by empty and gloomy opportunities and incentivizing working University of Calicut.

20 KERALA CALLING January 2008 COVERSTORY

Infrastructure Integrated Plan Demanded Being a thickly populated State, it is essential to build helipads in all the districts and also at the thickly populated and commercial districts, to develop even economy airports.

Dr G.C. Gopala Pillai Today any visitor from other states or on these two bypasses. Similarly, the erala is a small state where land other country generally criticises on the transportation sector. It is high time that is a scarce commodity. When road condition of the State. It is not only a dedicated railway freight corridor is we speak about infrastructure the maintenance aspect of the road but established from Kochi to Coimbatore development or industrial also the bottlenecks on account of lack of or even to Bangalore. This will speed up development,K there is a need for land wide roads. The width of the road is yet the cargo movement and consequent utilisation. There have been occasions another issue. There is a real need to positive result in the industry. Another where the industrial investors have gone widen most of the roads and also to example is the non completion of the back with disappointment due to non- maintain the highest standard of the road seaport-airport road at Kochi. It is half availability of land for industry. condition. Take an example of the two completed and no action for the last Nowadays we are hearing about land bypasses in the southern parts of Kerala, about 10 years regarding the completion mafia. We are aware about the fact that the Kollam and the Bypasses. of the road. Let us look at the in some of the areas land is available. The People speak about and lament about it. overcrowding of the National Highway creation of land bank is worth But hardly any consequential effect. It is from to Edappally. How much time consideration. about 20 years that nothing happened we are wasting sometimes! Is it not better

January 2008 KERALA CALLING 21 to create an elevated road developed the other side, we speak about five million are the centres of anti-social elements. above the existing roads from Aroor to unemployed youths. The latest scenario General public are suffering since there Edappally? is that the companies as well as business is no alternative. Is it not better for the Now Let us look at the tourism houses need skilled people in the various State to bring private investment in all infrastructure. It is high time to mobilise domains of expertise and knowledge but these bus stations for providing better private investment in the tourism sector. hardly people are available in the State. toilet facilities and sanitation, top class What about the developments in the What does it indicate? It shows that the shopping malls, high tech facilities and modern technology field like so called five million or above many other infrastructure. This is possible nanotechnology, biotechnology, stem cell unemployed people don’t have skill to without losing the right on the land by research, plasma technology etc.? Being do any job. Their employability is a big the Government. a small state with 14 districts, today we question. Hence there is a need for large- One more aspect is there. The public do not have any fast track mechanism to scale skill development institutions in the is suffocating for want of adequate

parking facilities in every part of the city In Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi or and even in which culminating to inconvenience, many other towns, if we can provide multilevel parking traffic jams and even accidents. In facility utilising some Government owned land by attracting Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi or private investment, the advantage would have been Kozhikode and even in many other towns, if we can provide multilevel tremendous for the public. parking facility utilising some Government owned land by attracting private investment; the advantage would physically reach between the districts. State. Even we can think of a skill have been tremendous for the public. Being a thickly populated State, it is university for the State. Today even in Private investment can be attracted to essential to built helipads in all the the domestic household field, skilled create multi level parking facility by districts and also at the thickly populated people in the areas of carpentry, giving land on lease basis. Private investor and commercial districts, to develop even plumbing, electrical, gardening, interior can make his return on investment from economy airports. If infrastructure is furnishing and allied fields, are not advertisement spaces, car wash and clean available, people can move fast and available. facility and some other services. In this develop fast business which ultimately Let us look at the various “bus way, the scope of creating infrastructure results in faster business activities. stations” in the State. No toilet facilities. in the state of Kerala is unlimited. Kerala always used to boast itself as a Dilapidated buildings! No proper „ The writer is Managing Director, InKEL, centre of excellent human resource. On shopping facilities! Often these places Thiruvananthapuram

22 KERALA CALLING January 2008 COVERSTORY

Get Ready for Hi-tech era

The major attraction of Thiruvananthapuram is that it is easily accessible to the international community through the Gulf route or the Singapore route, and, both Singapore and Dubai are well connected to US by non-stop flights.

R.P. Lalaji divert the money ust before the installation of the now spent on IT current ministry the portfolio development to the allocation of the ministers were starving farmer and J announced. That raised a furore farm labourers”? and the rumour mills started working The questions went over time and they put out a lot of on and on, and it mischievous news snippets. None of was punctuated by these was made in good taste, especially one common the one about the portfolios held or not answer; any time held by the Chief Minister. However one this year he will put nasty piece was specially connoted for us his foot down and in the IT industry. And vested interests show who is the boss gleefully conducted it to a few here. It here. “And he will was then told and re-told and untold then order everyone number of times so that its negative around to set their impact swelled to its maximum potential. priorities right.” “Wasn’t the incoming Chief Minister This canard was then repeated over militantly anti-automation and anti- and over again and it really did disturb also made his customary visit to address western?”. “Would he allow a cosy area us. And, some of us who had very the CEOs of Technopark, in the capital to remain a special island ambitious expansion plans with firm Thiruvananthapuram. So, on the populated with our youngsters serving financial commitments put our plans on appointed day we all took our positions the American capitalists?” “Would his the back burner. Then like every other around the now famous large oval pro-farmer sentiments compel him to Chief Minister, the new Chief Minister conference table at the Park centre.

26 KERALA CALLING January 2008 Nobody had a clue as to what he was Within weeks TCS, IBS and my own hours. The second major attraction is the going to tell us or how the meeting group of companies, Softex started green ambience of the city and the low- would end up. There was a tense silence building our own complexes in the plots costs. A rupee goes a long way here than around the table as we waited for him allotted to us earlier. As Bangalore and it other IT destinations in the south. A with all the forebodings in our minds. Kochi with constructions saturated and large number of good engineering The tension around the table was over filled, this place is a welcome colleges could prepare smart men and palpable. We didn’t exchange even the addition to Kerala’s IT infrastructure. women for the IT industry to ensure that usual pleasantries and finally when he And it made several companies to the labour pool is well supplied and entered the conference room everything abandon their plans to move out of replenished. went on like clock work. He spelled out Kerala to realise their expansion plans. When the deal for Smart City was his game plan for IT and it was more Thiruvanathapuram is now known renegotiated everybody thought that ambitious than what we could hope for internationally and it is very much on Kerala would lose it. Now it is back.

and finally when he left he had won our the world IT map. The major attraction And IIST is coming. KELTEC has hearts. However there was no press report of the city is that it is easily accessible to become BrahMaos, the transshipment about this momentous visit and strangely the international community through terminal is on. Yes, we are very much on no journalists came to ask us about what the Gulf route or the Singapore route, our way to become the hi-tech State. But happened at the meeting. and, both Singapore and Dubai are well a lot more remains to be done as the IT After the meeting we gave a lusty sigh connected to US by non-stop flights, front. of relief and went back to our offices and which mean a client can fly down to „ The writer is Chairman, Softex Group, got busy typing out our future plans. Thiruvananthapuram in less than 15 Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram

January 2008 KERALA CALLING 27 COVERSTORY Dr.Fr. M.K.George S J he State of Kerala is awakening to the tremendous growth possibilities opened up by Tan increasingly globalized world. As a people always open to growth possibilities and willing to take risks as manifested by the varieties of migration throughout history, the State is intensely responding to economic growth challenges. Some of the very recent Governmental initiatives like Special Economic Zones, Smart City and other Policy changes point to a paradigm shift which could radically transform the face of Kerala. At the same time, as a people who are deeply conscious of social justice and equity, social security issues are also being raised. Social Security Social security primarily means securing a basic minimum level of security for the employed so as to protect them from economic distress. It was meant to be a support in the event of an economic crisis caused due to the loss or substantial reduction of earnings, which may arise due to the loss or substantial reduction of earnings, either due to unemployment, sickness or old age. However, this assumed that all the labour should be absorbed in the organised sector. In our case, records show that almost 92 per cent of Indian labour force is unorganised and remains outside the Not Charity

But Right seldom be adequate to meet them. The underlying idea behind social security Nine per cent of our population is the elderly and measures is that a citizen who has sixty seven per cent of those elderly are widowed. contributed or is likely to contribute to By 2021, about 20 per cent of our population would be his country’s welfare should be given elderly and the demand on the social security protection against certain hazards”. The system would be really enormous. same has now been reiterated by the recent report of the National purview of social security measures. It is security envisages that the members of Commission for Enterprises in the this awareness that led to a redefinition the community shall be protected by Unorganized Sector and the draft of social security by the National collective action against social risks causing national legislation to extend social Commission on Labour in 1969. The undue hardship and privation to security to unorganized workers. Commission said, “The term social individuals whose private resources can Eminent economists like Amartya

28 KERALA CALLING January 2008 vulnerabilities of this group too can be We have become a people who have ameliorated. controlled mortality, but morbidity rates The Kerala Legacy are high. Life style diseases are on the It is the unique legacy of Kerala that increase. Emotional health is low, with the State has been in the forefront of about 10 to 15 per cent mentally sick, providing reasonable equality for human highest suicide rate, and highest alcoholic and social development. It has evolved consumption rates. Divorces are on the innovative social security schemes like increase, and the family courts bear welfare funds, pensions, universal (Public witness to this. While unemployment is Distribution System) PDS etc. The case rampant, the number of migrant workers of PDS alone is a magnificent example of is also increasing. Unofficial statistics put how the State responded to social them anywhere around two lakhs or more. security concerns already in the 1960s Nine per cent of our population is the by covering almost 93 per cent of the elderly and sixty seven per cent of those population under its food security elderly are widowed. By 2021, about 20 measure. Be it the twenty three odd per cent of our population would be welfare boards or pension schemes, health elderly and the demand on the social care or other social welfare schemes, the security system would be really State has always been in the forefront of enormous. In brief, the State seems to social security. The crucial question is hide a rather horrendous seamy side, whether in the changing social and which needs to be attended to. Any discussion on the social security of the State should take into consideration this Social security underbelly of the State. primarily means The Challenges ahead securing a basic What would be the challenges ahead and who will be the priority groups who minimum level of will be need to be attended to? One security for the primary premise on which we should employed so as to begin this exploration is the fact that designing and implementing viable social protect them from security measures is a daunting challenge, economic distress. partly because of the numbers involved It is now seen as a and the bewildering variety of needs and basic entitlement of contexts of the needy citizens. Basic political commitment and consequent all beings. political will are essential in this effort. Assuming the basic premise, what Sen (1999) endorsed the view and economic scenario the State can both would be the major precautions for the claimed that social security has the maintain and scale up the social security Kerala State? The first and foremost potential of equalising economic measures. priority would be to attend to the most disparities. He in fact suggested widening ‘God’s own Country’- vulnerable and the marginalised. From a of the social security net as a means of A reality Check socio-political perspective, they would be reduction of social and economic Any discussion on social security the B P L group, particularly the fisher inequalities. Social Security is now seen measures should begin with a reality folk, the and the elderly. Women as a basic entitlement of all beings. It is check. This small state, which has and children, follow considering the now accepted that the social security achieved a developmental status on par reportedly increasing violence and denial measures are to be extended to the with the developed world, is now facing of human rights to this section of unorganised sector so that the unprecedented crises. About 26 per cent humanity. The forces of the market of our population is still below govern the policies largely. Thus, the the poverty line. Almost greatest challenge in front of the State 43 per cent belong to and the Civil Society is not to forget the the category of low substantially large portion of the people, middle class. The who need to be assured of basic securities. educated It is very important to remember that unemployed social security to the people, especially come the unorganised workers is not charity. It around is their basic human right. 40 „ The writer is Principal, Loyola College, lakhs. Thiruvananthapuram

January 2008 KERALA CALLING 29 COVERSTORY Sanil P. Thomas ational Games curtains were down with scintillating fireworks in Thiruvananthapuram. It wasN in 1987. And it is 2008. In a long span of two decades what else infrastructure we did build? International stadium at Kaloor, Indoor Stadium at Kadavanthra, Mega synthetic track at Maharaja's College ground - all in district. Swimming pool at Alappuzha and a few more are in the offing. High Altitude Training Centre at , swimming event for pool at Pirappankode, Thiruvananthapuram. Over? And, how long we have to wait for yet another sporting extravaganza, at least a National Games. It was proved many a a high jump time that only with a mega sports event, sporting facilities would come into being. The surprise, if any, will dissolve when one examines at least the history of National Games. Even under dreadful economic crisis host States were able to mobilise funds in plenty. I would like to recollect what Suresh Kalmadi, told me in an interview during the 1994 Pune National Games. "It was not my idea alone to build the sports city. Sharad Pawar and I simple-mindedly mooted it. No more help from the Government. All the rest from the private sector." In between the braving criticism that Maharashtra can ill-afford to spend extravagantly when the State reels under the shock of a natural calamity, Suresh Kalmadi set up a Rs.50 crore sports city in a record 10 months in Pune for the 1994 National Games. The sports city was built on 200 acres. Kerala too has shown meticulous organisation in 1987. The demerit was that the venues were scattered through out the State. And, shall we dream it again, another National Games with high tech infrastructure i.e., stadium and equipment. Kerala sports ministry is all set to win the chance to host yet another National Games. It may materialise in a few years. But couldn't we think, rather dream 10 years down the line? Even before hosting the first Afro- Asian Games, Chandra Babu Naidu and Andhra Pradesh started dreaming about an FI car rally in Hyderabad. Later Maharashtra followed. But with Kalmadi

30 KERALA CALLING January 2008 the first time in the history of cooperative societies that one schools was formed solely for the purpose of promoting sports. We too can try what the aforesaid Sports Promotion and Environment cooperative Society did. Of course, sports lottery brought some enthusiasm. No need to wind up the idea. Meanwhile we must tap the private sector, cooperative sector and of course the NRIs. Cricket Association is planning it in a big way with Rs.50 crores from BCCI alone for a stadium. Asian Football Confederation will join hands with KSC for 'Vision India' in February. Some private Corporates are in full swing for volley ball. Revival of famous All India tournaments, at least in football is the need of the hour. By the time, Kerala Games (College Games), Mini Games

As the education, sports ministries started thinking together about school Revival of famous All India sports, KSC and KOA must think tournaments, at least in together for Kerala sports. After the boom football is the need of the in 1970s and 80s, one sports school, hour. By the time, Kerala divisions and hostels didn't rise to the Games (College Games), expectations. Operation Olympia or Olympic Gold as the name changes as Mini Games type melas per differing interests won't should not find a place in revolutionarise Kerala Sports what so ever. Kerala Sports Calendar. Let's study how the Chandigarh It is anticlimax to host such sports college works. And see, how the meets after inter university small residential sports school, forwarded on cooperative line in a hamlet near meets and state and Belgaum in 1984 grew. It was probably National School Games, especially in exam season. type melas should not find a place in Kerala Sports Calendar. It is anticlimax, and Vijay Mallia think together it will to host such meets after inter university probably be Delhi. meets and State and National School It is super dreaming. We with talents Games, especially in exam season. upbeats in athletics, football, volleyball, Let me conclude. We need a mega swimming, badminton etc. must dream sports event in the near future. Targeting for infrastructures. Catch the talents it, develop infrastructure. Reschedule the young. Groom with meticulous sports calendar deleting unwanted planning. Ensure bright future in Kerala events. Tap in the private money. Look itself. for the cooperative sector as well. Kerala Sports Council and Kerala Politicians to guide, professionals to see, Olympic Association should contribute it is done. Utilize the expertise of ex-stars, a concerted effort so as to achieve the especially superstars and veteran goal. organisers. And, chak de Kerala.„

January 2008 KERALA CALLING 31 COVERSTORY K.G.Padmakumar L.Bindu, P.S.Manu quaculture is the fastest growing food producing sector that accounts for almost 50 percent of the Aworld food fish production with abundant potential to meet the growing demand for aquatic food. As most inland fish produced is consumed locally and marketed domestically, freshwater fish forms unique source of high quality animal protein for marginally food secure communities. Despite a high percentage (77%) of population in Kerala consume fish and high level of fish consumption, fish in requisite quantities is beyond the reach of the poor. Food insecurity is the most visible dimension of poverty and is catfish, kuyil, Katti, manal waaha, as traditionally rice farming has been a sign of extreme destitution. puliwaaha, Pachialavetty, Wynad mushi practiced in the rain fed wetlands. and Naadan mushi. Streams and rivers Storage of rainwater for irrigation and Although, among the maritime states of Kerala are also the ‘gold mines’ of power generation has been relatively a of India, Kerala occupies foremost several ornamental fish species. modern concept in Kerala and most of position in marine fish production, the dams were constructed after accounting for over 20 % of the total Reservoir Resources independence. There are 35 reservoirs landings in the country, contribution to Constructed mainly for hydel power in the state, spread over 42890 ha, 21 of inland fish production is only negligible generation or irrigation, the fishery them are below 1000 ha and among the (2.20%) and this is primarily due to the potential of reservoirs is much higher rest, Idukki reservoir is the largest with inadequate attention received by this than reservoirs. Unlike the neighboring area over 6168 ha. Owing to manageable sector. However, in the context of the state, Tamil Nadu, Kerala doest not have size, all these reservoirs are logistically crisis situation in marine capture fisheries a history of ancient irrigation reservoirs, and growing uncertainties concerning its sustainability in recent years, people are turning towards the inland fish and the state has to give due emphasis for development of inland fisheries and freshwater aquaculture. The scientific management of inland fishery resources essentially needs to Aquaculture consider the community ownership of the resource. Owing to the degraded nature of the aquatic environments, the thrust of the management strategy should be on conservation of stocks and for Food biodiversity. While in the lacustrine system, the focus should be on optimisation of production by various bio-manipulation practices, in the open Security water fisheries, the focus may be on enhancement strategies. Unique Endemicity Out of the 670 freshwater fish species Successful resource management reported in India, 210 are found in the undoubtedly depends on the increased inland watermass of Kerala, of which over participation of stake holders, groups and 25% ie, 53 are exclusively endemic to the region. These endemic forms include communities. Such an effective partnership and several rare fish species such as blind linkage by close involvement of the catfish, Eettilakandai, Karimpachi. local interests will go a long way to ensure Cultivable food fishes native to Kerala protection of the resources and environment. waters include kooral, Tooli, Yellow

32 KERALA CALLING January 2008 suitable for fish production. Despite the during the past decades can be utilised Fish population studies existence of many such small and at the farm and community level. This in the engineered fish medium reservoirs in the state, efforts to can help recycling of nutrients and develop them on scientific lines for fish utilization of byproducts and waste for sanctuary indicate that production are wanting.. production of crop- livestock-fish fish utilise sanctuary Although the average yield in the systems. habitats and the managed reservoirs is 23.38kg/ha, the In the context of shrinking land bases average per ha yield of the total reservoir and water resources, time-tested deposited substrate area in the state is only 5kg/ha. The technologies of integrated farming materials for breeding. hydel reservoirs built in high land involving aquaculture has great relevance While developing locations have deep basins portraying to Kerala. The rice-fish farming model this engineered habitat, oligotrophic tendencies as compared to developed and popularised by Kerala that on the plains which are in transient Agricultural University in is co-operation of the local phase of eutrophication. In deep basin such a widely acclaimed farming model fisher communities were reservoirs such as Idukki,, a substantial as rice and fish are staples in the diet of sought and their part of the storage is always held up as the people in these places. Operated in a dead storage and nutrients such as structured manner, this could not only participation ensured. phosphate and nitrates is deficient or enhance income base of the farmer and totally absent. Standing crop of plankton sustain rice cultivation but also help to being extremely poor, fish production protect water resources. It has been ownership. The State Electricity Board tends to be low in such systems. The demonstrated that rotational farming of has control over the reservoirs under irrigation reservoirs in midland rice and fish could help to convert low hydro-electric project and those in the locations in the state being land rice fields temporarily into water reserve forest are under the forest shallow and spread over storage and harvesting structures. department. Fisheries department has rich alluvial soils with and Introduction of herbivorous and access only to the irrigation reservoirs. high nutrient loading macrophagous fish species in rice fields This multiple ownership comes in the from allachthonous can help to control weeds and bring way of scientific management of sources, and high about significant savings on fertilizer cost reservoirs. Introduction of fast growing primary productivity making rice cultivation more organic. species to colonize unutilised niches is may be conducive Intensified stocking of natural and considered a pre-requisite for fisheries for fish production. manmade water bodies, habitat development in reservoirs. A three- Despite improvement and open water culture are pronged strategy for reservoir fisheries abundant and some of the other identified strategies. comprising production of seeds of varied resources, Observations on open water fish culture appropriate species and creation of the inland fisheries in cages and pens, taken up in 1998 for breeding and rearing facilities at the production in the the first time in Kerala in lake, reservoir sites is essential. state is only at a has shown that enclosure fish culture can Waste water fed Agri-aqua subsistence level. play a significant role in augmenting yield Production The main from capture fishery. The advantage of Inland fish farming can also help to challenges in this captive aquaculture is high utilise wastewaters and agro-based enhancing production owing to dense stocking and industrial effluents. This will add a new production are intensive feeding. Cage fish culture has dimension to inland aquaculture tackling issues such as great potential in large water bodies such rendering it eco-restoring, environment 1).Degradation of as lakes and reservoirs. The endemic fish compatible and economic. By 2020, it aquatic environment E.suratensis has been demonstrated to is estimated that over 50% of our 2).Increasing competition for grow upto 230- 350 gm in seven to eight population will be urban whereby, resources and 3) Inadequate months when reared under a feeding human food chain and nutrient cycles institutional system regime using commercial pellets. Since are going to become unstable as waste Mastering the challenges open water bodies are used for diverse and by-products are not going to be Integrated management of activities involving wide range of stake returned to soil leading to ecological resources shared by fisheries and holders, such farming strategies should problems. Utilisation of sewage and other users is essential to facilitate take into consideration the carrying urban wastewater for aqua-farming is one sustainable inland fish production. capacity of the water body and of the suggested methods for treatment In order to enhance fish production, developed through artisanal fisher of such effluents. Such waste water reuse there is a dire need for integration groups. system that promote waste water fed of inland fisheries, aquaculture and The low productivity of most of the production units near our urban centres agriculture. This can add value to reservoirs in Kerala is attributed to is one strategy to alleviate environmental the shared resources. Integrated fish undesirable species mix, lack of scientific problems. farming techniques and farming database, inadequate stocking, wrong In the context that fishery decline in system models tested and developed selection of species and multiple natural waters is due to environmental

January 2008 KERALA CALLING 33 COVERSTORY degradation of aquatic habitats and poor fisheries management, conventional fisheries management measures such as regulation of mesh size, closed areas or closed seasons cannot be the right option for enhancement. Ranching and open water fish culture are considered options in such a context. The phenomenal rate of growth of the lake fishery in China has been attributed to such effective management programme involving setting up of fish protection zones and promotion of artificial stocking. Protected Sanctuaries Studies carried out by the Kerala Agricultural University in the Vembanad lake have revealed that by providing simulated breeding habitats, fishery recruitment and production of endemic fish species can be enhanced. The development of an we A variety of artificial nest and substrates deposited on the lake floor in the engineered fish sanctuary, has been found to provide nesting surfaces for Karimeen (Etroplus suratensis), the commercial fish species of the lake. Fish population studies in the engineered fish sanctuary indicate that fish utilise sanctuary habitats and

Development

the deposited substrate materials for Dr (Prof) I.S.Bright Singh Water breeding. While developing this engineered habitat, co-operation of the he Nobel laureate Dr. Kerala is in the process of local fisher communities were sought and Amartya Sen’s statement transforming in to an ideal residential their participation ensured. These ‘development must be place with much thrust on habitat experiences highlight that successful environment inclusive’ development. However, we often forget Tbrings forth the reality that development the prime requirement of healthy living resource management undoubtedly depends on the increased participation cannot be divorced from ecological and - water. It is a non-controversial fact that of stake holders groups and environmental concerns, as both are the major thrust in the developmental communities. Such an effective interrelated. Every citizen has the activities must be on protecting the partnership and linkage by close freedom to lead a pollution free life, and freshwater resources, their conservation involvement of the local interests will go preservation of a pollution free and sustainable utilization. This becomes a long way to ensure protection of the atmosphere must be an important much more important when we realize resources and environment. objective of development. This brings to that the average per capita utilization of „ The writers are with Regional us the focus of development, which freshwater per day in the State is not less Agricultural Research Station, Kerala invariably the God’s own country has to than 1000 litres! If we have to continue Agricultural University, recognize. with this demand, all our freshwater

34 KERALA CALLING January 2008 COVERSTORY degradation of aquatic habitats and poor fisheries management, conventional fisheries management measures such as regulation of mesh size, closed areas or closed seasons cannot be the right option for enhancement. Ranching and open water fish culture are considered options in such a context. The phenomenal rate of growth of the lake fishery in China has been attributed to such effective management programme involving setting up of fish protection zones and promotion of artificial stocking. Protected Sanctuaries Studies carried out by the Kerala Agricultural University in the Vembanad lake have revealed that by providing simulated breeding habitats, fishery recruitment and production of endemic fish species can be enhanced. The development of an we A variety of artificial nest and substrates deposited on the lake floor in the engineered fish sanctuary, has been found to provide nesting surfaces for Karimeen (Etroplus suratensis), the commercial fish species of the lake. Fish population studies in the engineered fish sanctuary indicate that fish utilise sanctuary habitats and

Development

the deposited substrate materials for Dr (Prof) I.S.Bright Singh Water breeding. While developing this engineered habitat, co-operation of the he Nobel laureate Dr. Kerala is in the process of local fisher communities were sought and Amartya Sen’s statement transforming in to an ideal residential their participation ensured. These ‘development must be place with much thrust on habitat experiences highlight that successful environment inclusive’ development. However, we often forget Tbrings forth the reality that development the prime requirement of healthy living resource management undoubtedly depends on the increased participation cannot be divorced from ecological and - water. It is a non-controversial fact that of stake holders groups and environmental concerns, as both are the major thrust in the developmental communities. Such an effective interrelated. Every citizen has the activities must be on protecting the partnership and linkage by close freedom to lead a pollution free life, and freshwater resources, their conservation involvement of the local interests will go preservation of a pollution free and sustainable utilization. This becomes a long way to ensure protection of the atmosphere must be an important much more important when we realize resources and environment. objective of development. This brings to that the average per capita utilization of „ The writers are with Regional us the focus of development, which freshwater per day in the State is not less Agricultural Research Station, Kerala invariably the God’s own country has to than 1000 litres! If we have to continue Agricultural University, Kumarakom recognize. with this demand, all our freshwater

34 KERALA CALLING January 2008 resources have to be protected at any cost areas were kept as natural reserve forest from the pressures of anthropogenic without much alteration, the forest mass activities, industrialization and outside this zone has suffered badly in agriculture. the recent past. Plantations of many The State has to make sure that the commercial crops came up in such places hydrological cycle gets completed with a and caused severe damage to the forest steady state in ground water table to cover, its continuity and biodiversity support the water demand of the people values. Migration to such forest areas and and environment, for which the State settlements has completely altered the must undertake water literacy mission landscape. Ironically during the post with all its seriousness to educate the independent era it was the forests, which public in the modest and restricted usage became the major scene of of water and protection of the resources. encroachments. Forest Forests were once looked upon as It has been estimated that for sound zones for production of timber for the environmental health 33% of earth must State. This approach has to change. be under forest cover. However, in reality Sustained yield of water and its release it has shrunken to less than 20%. Ability into rivers could be made the primary of modern man to alter landscapes and objective of forest management; the other interfere with natural ecosystems has objective must be biodiversity increased manifold in the recent past and conservation. this has made inroads into forest There is a burgeoning manufacturing ecosystem as well. Even though extensive sector these days utilizing all kinds of non- wood forest produce, including medicinal Kerala is in the process plants. The expanding trade and increasing exploitation will sound the of transforming into death knell of many of our forest an ideal residential biodiversity if not checked in time. place with much thrust It is necessary to encourage the on habitat development. production of these resources outside forest as a buy back arrangement between However, we often forget manufactures and local growers. the prime requirement of Another major action plan to be healthy living - water. undertaken is the reestablishment of wild life corridors presently under private Environment inclusive

ownership. Many of these can be reacquired paying adequate compensation and restored as forest. Wetland ecosystem Uniqueness of the State is its wetland ecosystem, the hub of biodiversity, rice bowl of Kerala and livelihood of bulk of the population. But the post independent era witnessed extensive reclamation in the name of development without considering the sensitivity of the region. One of the biggest drawbacks in the existing land use policy is the exceptions given, which are misinterpreted and misused culminating in unscrupulous conversions. The public has to be educated on the importance of wetland ecosystem and all the associated

January 2008 KERALA CALLING 35 COVERSTORY environmental and ecological problems On strengthening the water S. Harikumar due to its destruction. Besides the loss of transport much of the pressures on roads he development pattern of biodiversity, which will affect the in the movement of goods can be Kerala has close relation with livelihood of common man, there will be lessened. all India pattern in terms of severe scarcity of drinking water too. The Earth Quakes and Land Slides growth of state domestic different types of wetlands existing in Kerala is endemic to earth quakes and productT and the sectoral composition of the State are paddy fields, mangrove landslides. However, proper demarcation growth. The SDP growth rate of the forests, kole lands, lakes, lagoons, of seismic zones and land slide prone areas State was eight percent during 2005-06 backwaters etc. These wetlands, especially has not been accomplished. and the GDP growth rate 8.4 percent. paddy fields, have been extensively Maintenance of forest cover and The State derives the main stimulus for converted during the last two decades discouraging agriculture in those areas are its growth from the tertiary sector, at the for human habitation, perennial crops some of the measures to be taken for national level the secondary and tertiary etc. One has to realize that conservation avoiding landslides. sectors contribute a major share. Kerala of wetlands has greater significance in Implementation – Development is remains an industrially backward State mitigating the problems of draught and environment inclusive even after the completion of 10th Fiver drinking water scarcity and in making year Plan. The establishment of large the State a sustainable ecosystem. It has to be realized that the perils in the environmental management of the number of public sector undertakings It has to be remembered that State is not due to lack of policies, but also could not achieve the desired level conversion of paddy fields for non- of development. To overcome the agricultural purposes is none other than slackness, a major shift in emphasis was the reason for the scarcity of rice now made especially from the ninth plan being experienced in the State and the Kerala shall become the God’s own country onwards. New schemes have been hike in price. evolved and implemented with a view Mines and quarries only if the people of to attract more investment to the State. With the expansion of human habitat the State deliberately During the post reform period, some there has been steep rise in the demand work hard from all argued that the State could not attract of construction materials. This has mega projects due to many reasons. Some resulted in greater pressures on mines and quarters realising quarries, but without any appropriate that development is impact assessment of the mining process. environment inclusive. If not properly managed this will lead to ecological disasters as earth quakes and land slides. due to lack of their effective Sand and rock being natural non - implementation. The major reason is the renewable resources, their judicious use lack of cooperation from public, may be has to be assured. because of the lack of awareness on the Industrial Development ecological damage, which might cause if Industrial development in the State proper care is not taken in the appropriate is an essential requirement considering time. The ecosystems and the biological the economic development. But having diversity contained within them provide a limited land area with a fragile ecosystem a stream of goods and services, the this has to be implemented with great continued delivery of which remains care. World wide there is a surge of essential to our economic prosperity and technology with zero emission and zero welfare, which are often undervalued. effluent discharge. It has to be mandatory They must be valued and integrated into to have such technologies implemented any kind of developmental activity as the in the industries in the State. poorer sections of the society depend on It has to be appreciated that a these ecosystem based goods and services pollution free environment is the birth for livelihood. Moreover, a participatory right of every citizen. approach has to be taken for the Transportation sustainable management of the resources If the State of Kerala has to be of the State. recognized as a region of better living, Kerala shall become the God’s own transportation sector has to be country only if the people of the State strengthened with much focus on the deliberately work hard from all quarters public transport. One of the blessings of realising that development is the State is the long stretch of backwater environment inclusive. system from one end of the State to the „ The writer is Director, School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of other in parallel to the coast. Science and Technology, Kochi

36 KERALA CALLING January 2008 COVERSTORY environmental and ecological problems On strengthening the water S. Harikumar due to its destruction. Besides the loss of transport much of the pressures on roads he development pattern of biodiversity, which will affect the in the movement of goods can be Kerala has close relation with livelihood of common man, there will be lessened. all India pattern in terms of severe scarcity of drinking water too. The Earth Quakes and Land Slides growth of state domestic different types of wetlands existing in Kerala is endemic to earth quakes and productT and the sectoral composition of the State are paddy fields, mangrove landslides. However, proper demarcation growth. The SDP growth rate of the forests, kole lands, lakes, lagoons, of seismic zones and land slide prone areas State was eight percent during 2005-06 backwaters etc. These wetlands, especially has not been accomplished. and the GDP growth rate 8.4 percent. paddy fields, have been extensively Maintenance of forest cover and The State derives the main stimulus for converted during the last two decades discouraging agriculture in those areas are its growth from the tertiary sector, at the for human habitation, perennial crops some of the measures to be taken for national level the secondary and tertiary etc. One has to realize that conservation avoiding landslides. sectors contribute a major share. Kerala of wetlands has greater significance in Implementation – Development is remains an industrially backward State mitigating the problems of draught and environment inclusive even after the completion of 10th Fiver drinking water scarcity and in making year Plan. The establishment of large the State a sustainable ecosystem. It has to be realized that the perils in the environmental management of the number of public sector undertakings It has to be remembered that State is not due to lack of policies, but also could not achieve the desired level conversion of paddy fields for non- of development. To overcome the agricultural purposes is none other than slackness, a major shift in emphasis was the reason for the scarcity of rice now made especially from the ninth plan being experienced in the State and the Kerala shall become the God’s own country onwards. New schemes have been hike in price. evolved and implemented with a view Mines and quarries only if the people of to attract more investment to the State. With the expansion of human habitat the State deliberately During the post reform period, some there has been steep rise in the demand work hard from all argued that the State could not attract of construction materials. This has mega projects due to many reasons. Some resulted in greater pressures on mines and quarters realising quarries, but without any appropriate that development is impact assessment of the mining process. environment inclusive. If not properly managed this will lead to ecological disasters as earth quakes and land slides. due to lack of their effective Sand and rock being natural non - implementation. The major reason is the renewable resources, their judicious use lack of cooperation from public, may be has to be assured. because of the lack of awareness on the Industrial Development ecological damage, which might cause if Industrial development in the State proper care is not taken in the appropriate is an essential requirement considering time. The ecosystems and the biological the economic development. But having diversity contained within them provide a limited land area with a fragile ecosystem a stream of goods and services, the this has to be implemented with great continued delivery of which remains care. World wide there is a surge of essential to our economic prosperity and technology with zero emission and zero welfare, which are often undervalued. effluent discharge. It has to be mandatory They must be valued and integrated into to have such technologies implemented any kind of developmental activity as the in the industries in the State. poorer sections of the society depend on It has to be appreciated that a these ecosystem based goods and services pollution free environment is the birth for livelihood. Moreover, a participatory right of every citizen. approach has to be taken for the Transportation sustainable management of the resources If the State of Kerala has to be of the State. recognized as a region of better living, Kerala shall become the God’s own transportation sector has to be country only if the people of the State strengthened with much focus on the deliberately work hard from all quarters public transport. One of the blessings of realising that development is the State is the long stretch of backwater environment inclusive. system from one end of the State to the „ The writer is Director, School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of other in parallel to the coast. Science and Technology, Kochi

36 KERALA CALLING January 2008 development. Taking into consideration, the Government must act as the leader and responsibility for providing the facilities, which are essential for implementation. The role of the Government as facilitator is possible only after a stage of development is reached. Dress up All neighbouring states, which are well ahead of Kerala in development, are eagerly waiting for a chance to receive mega projects. In this circumstance of the Project this it is useful to have following suggestions: 1. The State must have clear picture on of the reasons were overemphasized and development perspective. Whether the the developments that can be some sidelined. A comparison of Government is ready to provide their accommodated. If possible a list of sector development initiatives taken among the requirements and act as a facilitator? wise interest could be prospered and south Indian states reveals that Kerala is Whether the people are ready to accept shown in the website. District wise lagging behind and the pace of these efforts to enjoy the real benefits? availability of land for projects is to be development is very slow. This happens In Kerala, the land available for non- identified and notified in advance. All in a State with high literacy and all indices agricultural purposes is very scarce. environmental problems and other of social development are comparable to Further the density of population is also related issues must be studied in advance that of developing countries. This very high. This leads to scarcity of land before listing of land in each district. For slowness in the development initiatives for agricultural purposes and land value this people’s participation through local will further dampen the interest of is very high considered to other states. bodies must be taken and it will be investors. When new projects are mooted for initial advantageous even in later stages. When we look at the development discussion, the most important question 2. A State level agency, quasi efforts in the State during the last five that arises from the people is how much governmental, will be useful to workout years many new projects are coming up advantage will be it for the people in terms and identify the projects and respective of hike in real estate prices. All discussions districts. and decisions hang around this. This 3. A single window clearing system is When new projects are leads to enormous increase in land prices essential to minimize administrative mooted for initial and in turn this affects the cost of future delays discussion, the most projects. The real benefit of any 4. The infrastructure support required development project is not the short-term for the projects must be provided. The important question that gains, but the real benefit in terms of development projects will lead to arises from the people increase in employment and income and urbanization and this requires many civic is how much advantage the multiplier effect. The linkages amenities. This has to be arranged by the generated out of these will be State. Local transportation is serious will be it for the people tremendous. Hence, any project, which problem in all cities in Kerala. This leads in terms of hike in real can have positive impact, is to be to multiple problems. A solution to all estate prices. welcomed and accommodated at the these must be identified well in advance. earliest. 5. A policy framework is to be decided As noted earlier, number of for each district to protect the interests of to enjoy the specific advantages. investment proposals received and negatively affected people is highly However, many of the investment implemented in the State, when appreciated. For these people’s proposals fades away in the initial stage compared with other states and or even participation can be utilised. itself. Most of these poojects have gone with south Indian states, Kerala is at the For getting ready to receive any new to other neighbouring states. Some bottom. The State is yet to prove that project for development a clear long-term projects have come up and the initial the implementing mega projects will be vision is essential. The government, efforts for some are going on. The success successful. The basic question is do we people and political parties should of Techno Park emphasizes other schemes have any arrangements for the promotion consider that development projects are such as Smart city, Vizhinjam project, of investment activities like in other states. for the State and the people, and the Vallararpadm projects, Biotech Park and What we have is a system, which will effects of this will percolate to lower level many IT parks. All these projects aims at create delay in implementation and this and the basis of the economy gets huge investment and this would change leads to flight of proposals. The state strengthened in the long run. the retarded growth of the State and will government and people have to gear up „ The writer is Professor and Head of the attract further investments. However, for receiving new projects. As far as the Department, Dept of Applied Economics, the basic question is, are we prepared to State is concerned, the state government Cochin University of Science and Technology, receive these projects from the cannot remain simply as facilitator of Kochi

January 2008 KERALA CALLING 37 COVERSTORY Rural Kerala Dr P.K Manoj he State of Kerala in the Indian union is characterised be focussed by a number of significant socio-economic, industrial Given the special features of the Kerala economy, andT political peculiarities. These include, one of the best strategies for industrial inter alia, the very high level of technically development and employment generation appears qualified and skilled manpower, near full to be that of stimulating the market for the service literacy rate, extremely high level of NRI population and hence high level of sector. It is widely recognised that this market foreign remittances, very high levels of offers the largest growth opportunities for the social development as well as living State in the immediate future. standards comparable with advanced countries, high PC penetration, highest telephone intensity in the country, 100 development in general and rural the State and its networking has already percent digital connectivity etc. to name development in particular, given high been initiated. Some strategies for rural a few. A vast network of micro finance unemployment rate especially among the development that Kerala might adopt in institutions promoted either by the educated. In the wake of information the knowledge era of today, considering government or by private organisations and communication technology (ICT) its special features and also replicable is another positive feature as far as Kerala revolution sweeping across the world, the developments elsewhere in the world, are is concerned. Of late, in December 2007 above features of Kerala economy makes discussed below. Kerala has become the first State in the it the ideal location to utilise its vast and z Specialised advice to farmers on entire country to achieve total banking unique socio-cultural and knowledge scientific methods of cultivation, value status or full financial inclusion. infrastructure for leveraging the immense added crops, export potential of various In spite of these favourable features, potential of ICT. By means of a rural crops, high-tech agricultural products, there exists high scope for further development network (RDNet), etc. needs to be provided. (For instance, advancement in respect of industrial computerisation of all the 152 Blocks in the immense potential of organic crops,

38 KERALA CALLING January 2008 procedures for getting requisite Appropriate public- to be further promoted. Rural housing certification from the government etc.). shortage can be effectively met only with The State is yet to start an Open private partnershi(PPP) the active support of co-operative University on the lines of IGNOU models for rural housing sector through its affordable (Indira Gandhi National Open development needs housing schemes. University) – a central University to be looked into z Other areas wherein ICT could be offering quality distance education in view of the presence employed meaningfully in Kerala for courses. YCMOU, the open university rural development include, inter alia, the of Maharashtra is a role model in this of an array of powerful following: (a) Tourism and Medicine: regard which has got vast infrastructure socio-cultural Believed to be the ‘God’s Own Country’ to train the farmers, the state-of-the art organisations and by the foreigners, Kerala is one of the technology in respect of scientific farming, NGOs with elaborate most sought after tourist destinations of in local language, mostly through virtual the entire globe. Similarly, Kerala is quite mode. Such a university can provide branch network. popular for its traditional medicine traditional as well as vocational education (Ayurveda). Thus, e-tourism and e- and training to the rural masses. ICT economic growth for developed and medicine initiatives offer tremendous initiatives that are already in place, like, developing countries alike. For a country scope for the State. (b) ICT initiatives in Kiosks for farmers (KISAN), schemes for like India, particularly for Kerala which handicrafts and other indigenous promotion of Agriculture (e-Krishi) etc. is suffering from poor industrialisation, products etc. have to be further streamlined on the high unemployment and low Concluding Remarks above lines. productivity, the need for ICT adoption The scope for further advancement z ICT adoption in micro finance and for improving the efficiency and in rural development in the State is quite women empowerment is another expanding the market of the SMEs as vast, in view of the really appreciable promising area. The State’s micro finance well as providing employment to the overall achievements of the State in initiative for women empowerment (viz. masses need not be overemphasised. adopting and implementing various ICT Kudumbasree) and a number of similar z Given the special features of the initiatives, despite the low per-capita initiatives by various other agencies have Kerala economy, one of the best strategies income and considerable financial been found to be quite successful and for industrial development and constraints that it faces. The the banks are ready to finance such employment generation appears to be achievements in e-governance front can initiatives. In a state like Kerala which is that of stimulating the market for the be effectively translated to those in rural already having an enviably high level of service sector. It is widely recognised that developments through suitable linkages gender equality, ICT can bring about this market offers the largest growth and policy initiatives for utilising the “e- opportunities for the State in infrastructure”. In view of the quite the immediate future. As such, favourable socio-economic environment this strategy needs to be of the State, particularly the abundant implemented on a war footing, amount of technically qualified and primarily because it enables the skilled human resources and high level use of ICT as an enabler of fast of social equity, the State has got excellent socio–economic development potential for bringing in ICT-led rural of the State. The vast prospects development in a balanced and equitable of engineering service manner, and hence to achieve rapid outsourcing (ESO), legal service prosperity sans digital divide. The outsourcing, medical ongoing governmental initiatives transcription etc. are just a few. themselves appear to be quite successful z Promotion of ICT as and sustainable in the long run. a production sector is also an However, the State needs to raise resources alternative, though may not be to meet the huge financial outlay as effective as the services sector. required for the full fledged maintenance This broadly includes three of the ongoing schemes; and further, it major sectors viz. IT Service, has to take immediate steps to further very fast social change through women ITES and IT Hardware. Urgent steps improve the PC penetration rate in the empowerment and hence contribute need to be taken for creating the requisite State. Appropriate public-private towards the rapid rural development of infrastructure, human capacity and partnership (PPP) models for rural the State by tremendously improving urban amenities, including life style development needs to be looked into in their efficiency and reach. options. Of late, the increasingly view of the presence of an array of z ICT for promotion of Small and favourable industrial environment of the powerful socio-cultural organisations and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): An active state have already started attracting many NGOs with elaborate branch network. SME sector has widely been recognised companies. „ The writer is Faculty Member, Dept. of Applied Economics, Cochin University of as one of the most crucial factors for z Co-operative sector in the State, Science and Technology, Kochi attaining long-term and sustainable particularly co-operative housing needs

January 2008 KERALA CALLING 39 CURRENT

Chief Minister Presents Development Agenda Excerpts from the speech made by the Chief Minister at the National Development Council.

V.S. Achuthanandan excluded many but is now to be made changed drastically during this period, Chief Minister more inclusive; that it had left several as has the condition of those who have sections of society prospered, but only for the onourable Prime Minister, untouched whom it must worse. But this change too Chief Ministers, Members now incorporate within its has been a consequence of of the Union Cabinet, benevolent embrace; that the same growth process Deputy Chairman and it had by-passed them, and which has produced the HMembers of the Planning Commission, therefore left them in a state other phenomenon, Assembled Dignitaries, Ladies and of persisting poverty and namely the prosperity of Gentlemen, misery, unlike the rest of the “included”. It is It is a matter of gratification that the society whom it had significant that according Draft Eleventh Five Year Plan, though touched and who had to the National Sample much delayed, is finally ready for consequently prospered. Survey data the proportion presentation to the National My point is that there are of rural population Development Council. Notwith- no sections untouched by accessing less than 2400 standing the difference that the growth process in a modern society. calories per person per day has increased undoubtedly exists between the The persisting misery of some is the from 74.5 per cent in 1993-94 to 87.0 approach of my Government and that of the Government of India on issues of plan strategy, I am glad that the planning A major role is assigned to the proposed increase process in the country can finally get in the agricultural growth rate from two per cent underway on the basis of a concrete five under the Tenth Plan to four per cent under the year plan document. Eleventh. Towards this end the Draft Plan document At the same time, however, I shall be failing in my duty if I do not underscore suggests a number of measures, from watershed the difference in outlook and approach management to research and development. between my Government and that of the Union Government as enshrined in outcome of the same growth process in 2004-05, precisely during the period the plan document. This difference was which has brought prosperity to others; when the growth rate is supposed to have outlined by me in my comments on the that the growth process which our picked up. Since accessing 2400 calories Approach Paper to the Eleventh Five Year country is witnessing necessarily has is the definition of the poverty line in Plan presented to the NDC a year ago, differential impacts on different sections rural India, it follows that rural poverty and also in a document submitted by of society; that the misery of those in in the country, strictly speaking, is both the Kerala State Planning Board to the misery is not because of their pristine state much higher than is officially claimed, Southern Regional Conclave on the of being untouched by growth, but and rising, instead of falling as claimed Approach Paper, convened by the precisely because they are victims of the in the Plan Document. Planning Commission at very same growth process which has Other statistics too show a significant Thiruvananthapuram in July 2006. brought prosperity to others. In short, change for the worse for the lower Looking at the Draft Eleventh Five Year the “included” and the “excluded” are segments of the rural population. Again, Plan, I find that this difference still both created by the same growth process. according to the NSS, the percentage of persists. The difference begins with the An obvious manifestation of this rural households operating nil land area very title of the Plan document "Towards proposition is the fact that the “excluded” was 21.9 in 1993; it has increased to Inclusive Growth”. The suggestion here are not where they were, say, a decade 32.0 by 2002-03. Lest it is thought that is that the growth process had hitherto and a half ago. Their condition too has this rising landlessness is merely a

4 KERALA CALLING January 2008 symptom of occupational diversification, the landless or the agricultural workers. conspicuous by its virtual absence in the and hence of dynamism in rural India, I It affects large segments of the peasantry, document is the offer of remunerative should mention that according to every as is evident for instance from the spate prices to the peasantry. Instead of assured single one of the various concepts of the of peasant suicides all over the country. procurement at remunerative prices, the unemployment rate used in India, Thus the growth process has affected a document talks only of “greater whether “usual status” or “current daily very large segment of the rural population predictability in measures designed for status” or “current weekly status”, there adversely even as it has increased the price stability”. In the absence of such was a significant increase in number of billionaires and brought some assured remunerative prices, credit flow unemployment of both males and prosperity to the upper echelons of the to small and marginal farmers will not females in rural India between 1993-94 urban middle class. But if this differential increase, even if the Vaidyanathan and 2004. Thus landlessness in terms of impact is endemic to the growth process Committee recommendations are operational area was increasing in the very we have been experiencing, then more implemented. It is the collapse of price period when unemployment was also of the same can hardly have a favourable support that is responsible to a large increasing, which suggests a process of impact on the “excluded”. extent for the phenomenon of agrarian immiseration that is systemic and not This becomes clear when we look at crisis that has been haunting the country separate from the celebrated process of the specific elements of the Plan strategy of late, but the Plan document fails to growth acceleration. The same trend which the Planning Commission expects meet the problem head on. As a result, towards immiseration can also be will engender “inclusiveness”. A major role the four per cent agricultural growth it observed with respect to owned area, is assigned to the proposed increase in expects to prevail over the Eleventh Plan where again the extent of landlessness the agricultural growth rate from two per period is unlikely to materialise. Even if has increased. And it is confirmed too by cent under the Tenth Plan to four per perchance, it does materialise, then that the decline in the number of bovines, cent under the Eleventh. Towards this can only be through the agency of large ovines and milch cattle per 100 end the Draft Plan document suggests a farmers, in which case the employment households between 1991-92 and number of measures, from watershed generation that the Plan document 2002-03 (since peasants in distress management, to irrigation, to research expects in agriculture is unlikely to occur. typically first lose their cattle and then and development, to contract farming. What is more, the license proposed to be their land). While watershed management, irrigation given for contract farming in a situation The immiseration I have mentioned and research are undoubtedly of great is not confined to the marginal farmers, importance, one measure that is Contd on page 43

January 2008 KERALA CALLING 5 Contd from page 5 purchasing power in the hands of the CM presents Development Agenda workers. Indeed several ILO studies conducted in the context of the where the State does not provide assured low-paid jobs that it should more European Community have shown that prices, will only entail a squeeze on the appropriately be considered a shift in the measures of “labour market flexibility” small and marginal farmers (whose location of the labour reserves rather than have not had any favourable impact on bargaining strength is much lower than a diminution of the labour reserves employment. And yet the Draft Plan not of the contracting corporate entities), through absorption into quality only proposes such “flexibility”, which is whether or not they produce enhanced employment. And even if this shift in a euphemism for an assault on the rights output. In short, the “inclusiveness” the location of labour reserves is counted, of the workers, but puts forward the visualised in the Plan document for the for argument’s sake, as gainful argument that the absence of such indigent agricultural population will employment, the unemployment rate has “flexibility” constitutes a “psychological” remain a chimera. nonetheless increased in the recent block for entrepreneurs. To restrict What a combination of debt relief period, so much so that one can quite workers’ rights for provide and assured agricultural price can achieve legitimately say that the current rate of “psychological” satisfaction to the is illustrated by the example of Kerala unemployment is the itself. We can not of course provide highest ever in post- assured agricultural prices for cash crops independence India. which are internationally traded. But we While doing nothing have provided an assured price for paddy palpable to make a dent on @ Rs nine per kg. This year it is higher unemployment, the Draft than what the Government of India have Plan suggests a change in announced. This, together with the labour laws for introducing promise of debt relief which the newly “labour market flexibility” as constituted Debt Relief Commission of a means of reducing Kerala has brought to the peasantry, has unemployment! There is put an end to peasant suicides in Kerala. We must not of course be complacent, because the appreciation of the exchange We can not rate of the rupee, on which more later, provide assured portends further hardships for the agricultural prices peasantry. But Kerala’s case shows the for cash crops which general way forward for alleviating peasant distress, without which all are internationally planning becomes meaningless. traded. But we Realising the Draft Plan’s objective have provided an of “inclusiveness” depends crucially upon assured price for the absorption of the labour reserves into paddy @ Rs nine gainful employment. The Draft Plan’s per kg. This year employment strategy however is suspect. The emphasis on skill upgradation and it is higher training is welcome, but it can make only than what the a small contribution to the gigantic task Government of of absorbing the massive labour reserves India have in the country. For this the two main mechanisms suggested in the Plan announced. document are the increase in agricultural growth and a shift of the work-force out neither any theoretical argument nor any capitalists can scarcely qualify as an of agriculture into rapidly growing empirical justification for the assertion “inclusive” growth strategy. manufacturing and services sectors. that labour market flexibility has a The Draft Plan expresses Employment absorption in agriculture, favourable impact on employment. apprehensions about oil prices, but an we have seen, is likely to be a chimera. Insecurity of employment and denial of even more serious and immediate threat When it comes to the shift of workers trade union rights have the ultimate to the people comes from the appreciating out of agriculture into the rapidly effect of reducing the wage rate exchange rate. The appreciation which growing non-agricultural sectors, the compared to what it otherwise would has been quite substantial over the last record till now has been poor, as the Plan have been. This not only directly increases few months has brought loss of markets document itself demonstrates. Some have inequality in income distribution and and closures to a host of small units, with argued that things have begun to change hence militates against “inclusiveness”, seriously adverse consequences for in the very recent period, but the recent but also has a restrictive effect on employment, and a squeeze on the shift out of agriculture has been into such employment owing to the reduced incomes of the cash crop growing

January 2008 KERALA CALLING 43 FLORICULTURE peasantry. In Kerala which has a strong export crop base, this has brought great hardships to the growers: if coconut growers have been hit by the Centre’s edible oil import policy, the growers of other crops like cashew have suffered on account of the rupee appreciation. Public sector industrial units in the State which have been making profits for decades are suddenly faced with losses and are asking for budgetary subsidies for survival. We have here a classic example of speculation throttling enterprise, indeed of ordinary people being victimised by the caprices of a bunch of international financial speculators. This is what the Union Government’s adherence to neo-liberalism and hence to the policy of making India a part of the vortex of Black-eyed speculative global financial flows has entailed for the common people of the country. I welcome the Plan Document’s recognition of the problems Susan arising from the FRBM Act. Theoretically it is the revenue deficit which is supposed to capture “excess consumption” on Suresh Muthukulam the part of the State that arguably needs to be curtailed, and twining perennial vine having colour flowers with dark not the fiscal deficit whose size is affected by public investment. brown 'eyes; or centres - it is the black-eyed Susan, which In practice, as the Plan document recognizes, since a number A grows quickly and easily in full sun. The annual is available of welfare expenditures which have important productive in white, cream, yellow and gold and is usually started from effects figure in the revenue account, putting curbs on the seed. revenue deficit can be counter-productive. Neither deficit therefore constitutes an obvious target for control. In any case, Black-eyed Susan is a good plant of hanging baskets or to have a statutory ceiling on any deficit whatsoever that is for trellises, against a sunny fence or look spectacular growing binding in all seasons, come hell or high weather, is patently up on obelisk in a container. It is a native to tropical Africa unreasonable. It is time therefore that the whole question of which has become naturalised in Asia. FRBM Acts both at the Centre and the states is looked at Botanically named 'Thunbergia alata', the species name afresh in the light of reason rather than the purely ideologically- is from the Latin, 'alatas', meaning 'winged' which refers to inspired principles of “sound finance”. the winged petioles but it could also allude to the seeds that As is clear my government has serious difference with the have projections looking rather like wings. entire approach and outlook of the Draft Plan. Supply-side Susan is propagated by cuttings or by seeds. Plants from economics within a neo-liberal regime in our view will never seeds are more vigorous than those from cuttings. Seeds overcome disparities but will only accentuate them. A policy of germinate easily in a damp mixture of fine humus-rich soil control over financial flows; of enlarging the domestic market with some sand. A glass sheet on top helps the soil moist but through a boost to peasant agriculture by making it do allow some air to circulate. Newspaper on top of the glass remunerative; of instituting a relatively egalitarian pattern of will help germination by keeping the seeds dark. Mature landownership through appropriate land reforms; and of plants may have seedlings underneath ready for transplanting. enhancing the purchasing power in the hands of the poor by Used light soil rich in humus but with good drainage and taxing the rich who are in the process of becoming super-rich; add some super phosphate. Water the plant well at first and is in our view the preconditions for curbing the rampant growth then moderately all year but especially in summer. Add in inequalities and the pervasive immiseration that currently compost or leaf manure at planting time and again two or characterises the Indian society. Nonetheless, I welcome the three times per summer, as a mulch. Give an occasional fact that the Eleventh Plan document is ready and we can dressing of fertilizer mixture like 18:18:18 or 19:19:19. resume the process of planning on the basis of some concrete Black-eyed Susan grows quickly and starts flowering at signposts.„ an early age. It can be trimmed if it gets too big. Light trimming in spring will encourage flowering. The main varieties are Susy (mixed colours), alba (white), aurantiaca (yellowish orange) and Bakeri (white). 'Susy' is It is decided to increase the subscription rate of one of the most popular varieties. The plant also has a name Kerala Calling from January, 2008. 'Clock vine' as has been honoured in the standard set of Annual subscription charge will be Rs 80. South African postage stamps. This ornamental friendly vine Subscription charge for five years will be Rs 300. Amount can be remitted by cash in the District attracts bees, butterflies and birds; birds also often nest in the Information Office at Civil Stations or at the thickly tangled stems. Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Thiru In African countries Black-eyed Susan is used as a vegetable vananthapuram. Single copy of the issue costs Rs 8. or stock feed. Medically it is used for skin problems, cellulites, The amount may also be sent by money order to back and joint pains, eye inflammation, piles and rectal cancer. the Director, Information and Public Relations Gall sickness and some ear problems on cattle are also treated Department, First Floor, Secretariat Annexe, with this plant. For cheerful mornings, give black-eyed Susan Thiruvananthapuram - 1. a try in your garden.

44 KERALA CALLING January 2008 PSU Information Commission interprets Privacy

he State Information TCommission has decided that a person who had appeared in the written test and interview for the selection of Assistant Public Prosecutor Grade II is entitled to get the information regarding the marks obtained by the candidates. The Commission directed the PIO of the Home Department to provide the information sought for within 15 days. The candidate has a right to information regarding the marks secured in the test M. Hari Kumar, who was a candidate for the post of Assistant (Infrastructure Development Kerla Ltd) is an Public Prosecutor Grade II, requested initiative of the Government of Kerala. It is formed the Principal Information Officer of with the objective of undertaking large scale the Home Department, Government InKEL infrastructure development projects. Whereas of Kerala, for the split up marks infrastructure development requires large capital and it involves long obtained in the written test and gestation period, the Government have no such huge money available for interview by the candidates in the investment, it was felt necessary to mobilise private investment in the APP list. The PIO rejected the request. infrastructure sector. This has paved way for the formation of InKEL. The appellate authority also rejected his appeal under Section 8 (1)(j) of InKEL has 26 per cent of equity from the State Government and 74 the Right to Information Act. per cent from the private investors. During December 2007, the board was reconstituted with Elamaram Kareem, Minister for Industries as Hari Kumar approached the State Chairman and Dr.G.C.Gopala Pillai as Managing Director. Other Board Information Commission against the members are T. Balakrishnan, Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce, decision of the appellate authority. P.H..Kurian, Managing Director , KSIDC Ltd, Dr. P. Mohamed Ali, Deciding the petition, the M.A.Yusuffali, C.K. Menon, Varghese Kurian and C.V. Rappai. Commission observed that the interpretation of the first appellate The present equity of the Company is fixed as Rs100 crores. Last date authority that furnishing of the mark for receiving shares has been extended till 15th January 2008. The response list and marks obtained in interview from the private investors including the small investors appears to be would amount to an invasion on the overwhelming. There is an overall request from many quarters to increase privacy of a person is fallacious and the equity base to 200 crores or even up to 500 crores. This request will be hence unmaintainable. Privacy refers presented to the Board for taking an appropriate decision. to decency and social morality and The InKEL’s focus today is to prepare a business plan after analysing self-responsibility of an individual Kerala’s requirement in the infrastructure sector. Priorities will be fixed and and it cannot be extended to an each of the projects will be implemented with the blessings of Government examination or of an interview. and other professionals.„

January 2008 KERALA CALLING 23 HORTICULTURE

Miracle Muringa

Dr T.E. George having a variety of potential uses. The four times t is not for nothing, a campaign immature green pod, called drumstick as much called “Muttathoru Muringa” or “muringakka” is an indispensable calcium as in meaning “A Drumstick Tree for ingredient of a variety of South Indian milk and three every Homestead” has been dishes like sambar, avial etc. times the potassium Irecently launched in Kerala to further Scraped drumstick pulp can be made of bananas. The tree's bark, popularise the cultivation of the already into a very tasty dish, drumstick bhurtha. roots, fruit, flowers, leaves, seeds and gum popular tree vegetable Moringa oleifera The seeds are consumed like peas or are also used medicinally, as an antiseptic, Lam. This graceful tree that adorns our roasted like nuts. The flowers are edible for treating rheumatism, for controlling landscape is an exceptionally nutritious when cooked which taste like blood pressure, for strengthening the perennial vegetable, all parts of which mushrooms. The leaves are cooked and immune system and for curing head used like amaranth leaves. The leaves are aches. The seed oil called ben oil is used also dried and crushed into powder and in cooking, cosmetics and lubrication. used in soups and sauces. The drumstick The seed cake after oil extraction can be leaves are highly nutritious, being an used as a manure or as a flocculant to excellent source of Vitamin A (6.8 mg/ purify water. A number of muringa 100g), Vitamin C (220 mg), protein products, namely fresh fruit, canned (6.7 g), iron (seven mg), calcium (440 fruit, fruit powder, seed, seed oil, seed mg) and potassium (260 mg). It would cake powder, leaf, leaf powder, muringa be no exaggeration if one says that the pickle, muringa tea powder and root are leaves, pods and flowers of this tree have exported from our country. seven times the Vitamin C found in Muringa, a native of India, comes up oranges, four times the Vitamin A of very well in tropical conditions and can carrots, three times the iron of spinach, be grown in any type of soil, provided it

40 KERALA CALLING January 2008 BIRDSANCTUARY is well drained. The major planting season is May-June. The ecotypes under cultivation are Jaffna, Chavakacheri, Chemmurunga, Kodikalmurunga and Palmuringa Cockatoos while the varieties cultivated are KM- 1, PKM-1 and PKM-2. Kerala the companion birds Agricultural University has developed two high yielding types namely MO- Dr Shinekumar 144 and AD-4. While PKM-1 and emember seeing those cuddly birds on the circus ring. The birds with the AD-4 are annuals or short duration Rspectacular head crest entertaining you by pulling toy carts and peddling types, all other ecotypes and varieties little cycles. are perennials. The annual types are They are the legendary cockatoos. The birds from the parrot family capable propagated by seeds, the seed rate being of spreading out their crests and captivating anyone with the mesmerising looks. 625 gm per hectare. In the perennial Cockatoos, in fact, are one the longest living members of the parrot family. There types, stem cuttings of 1.0 to 1.5 metre are records showing that cockatoo had lived even upto 119 years. Native to length and 15 to 20 cm girth are used Australia and New Guinea, Cockatoos are lovable and affectionate birds. The as the planting material. It is better to crests are their insignia. They are instantly recognised by their crests, which are plant the cuttings first in poly bags and raised or spread out when exited or alarmed. transplant them into the main field after sprouting. A total of 625 cuttings are Depending upon the hue and beauty of the crests cockatoos fall under four required for planting one hectare at a groups. These are greater Sulphur crested, Lesser sulphur crested, Umbrella and recommended spacing of 4 x 4 m. Roseate. Generally, muringa does not require The prime attraction of the Greater sulphur crested is, of course irrigation, as it is a drought tolerant crop. its crest that spreads out like a fan. Though with a comparably However, during dry spells, irrigation small crest, the Lesser sulphur crested has a big fan can be given once in 10 to 15 days. following the world over. The unique feature Every year, the plant needs 60, 80 and about umbrella is that its crests curved backward 40 g of nitrogen, phosphorus and and falls over the head potash respectively, apart from 10 to The umbrella is also 20 kg farmyard manure. The tree basin known as the Loud is to be cleared of weeds once in a year Cockatoo because it and slight hoeing of the soil under the loves screaming. The trees will be beneficial. Plants with striking pink plumage overgrown branches experience gives the Roseate its name. difficulty in harvesting and hence These are relatively docile pruning is to be done before harvesting. cockatoos. Muringa is a fast growing tree and starts Bear in mind that bearing pods within six months after Cockatoos are intelligent and sowing in annual types and within also possess strong beaks. For this eight to nine months after planting reason secure the door of the cage perennials. Young fruits are to be with a padlock rather than just a harvested as mature fruits will be hasp. The bird has a prehensile fibrous and inedible. The main tung and may well learn to undo harvesting season is January – May. The simple catches without difficulty and yield is around 200 to 250 fruits per once free in room may cause damage tree in annual types. In perennial types, to furniture. the yield will be generally low (80 to Parrot food, green stuff fruits are 90 pods per tree) in the first two years the feed for cockatoos. Two eggs for of bearing, after which it increases normal clutch and these should hatch progressively to about 400 to 500 fruits after an incubation period of 25 days. per tree in the fourth and fifth years. Both adult birds take turns at this task. No serious pests and diseases are noticed Under proper training cockatoos in this crop except leaf eating caterpillars become great companion birds. They which can be controlled by spraying simply overwhelm you with their organic pesticides like neem kernel response to commands and attractive suspension or neem oil - garlic emulsion. movements. Though cockatoos are „ The writer is Professor & Head, birds priced at five figure, their owners Department of Olericulture, College of take pride in owing them and hence Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur don ~ care much about the price.

January 2008 KERALA CALLING 41 BIRDSANCTUARY is well drained. The major planting season is May-June. The ecotypes under cultivation are Jaffna, Chavakacheri, Chemmurunga, Kodikalmurunga and Palmuringa Cockatoos while the varieties cultivated are KM- 1, PKM-1 and PKM-2. Kerala the companion birds Agricultural University has developed two high yielding types namely MO- Dr Shinekumar 144 and AD-4. While PKM-1 and emember seeing those cuddly birds on the circus ring. The birds with the AD-4 are annuals or short duration Rspectacular head crest entertaining you by pulling toy carts and peddling types, all other ecotypes and varieties little cycles. are perennials. The annual types are They are the legendary cockatoos. The birds from the parrot family capable propagated by seeds, the seed rate being of spreading out their crests and captivating anyone with the mesmerising looks. 625 gm per hectare. In the perennial Cockatoos, in fact, are one the longest living members of the parrot family. There types, stem cuttings of 1.0 to 1.5 metre are records showing that cockatoo had lived even upto 119 years. Native to length and 15 to 20 cm girth are used Australia and New Guinea, Cockatoos are lovable and affectionate birds. The as the planting material. It is better to crests are their insignia. They are instantly recognised by their crests, which are plant the cuttings first in poly bags and raised or spread out when exited or alarmed. transplant them into the main field after sprouting. A total of 625 cuttings are Depending upon the hue and beauty of the crests cockatoos fall under four required for planting one hectare at a groups. These are greater Sulphur crested, Lesser sulphur crested, Umbrella and recommended spacing of 4 x 4 m. Roseate. Generally, muringa does not require The prime attraction of the Greater sulphur crested is, of course irrigation, as it is a drought tolerant crop. its crest that spreads out like a fan. Though with a comparably However, during dry spells, irrigation small crest, the Lesser sulphur crested has a big fan can be given once in 10 to 15 days. following the world over. The unique feature Every year, the plant needs 60, 80 and about umbrella is that its crests curved backward 40 g of nitrogen, phosphorus and and falls over the head potash respectively, apart from 10 to The umbrella is also 20 kg farmyard manure. The tree basin known as the Loud is to be cleared of weeds once in a year Cockatoo because it and slight hoeing of the soil under the loves screaming. The trees will be beneficial. Plants with striking pink plumage overgrown branches experience gives the Roseate its name. difficulty in harvesting and hence These are relatively docile pruning is to be done before harvesting. cockatoos. Muringa is a fast growing tree and starts Bear in mind that bearing pods within six months after Cockatoos are intelligent and sowing in annual types and within also possess strong beaks. For this eight to nine months after planting reason secure the door of the cage perennials. Young fruits are to be with a padlock rather than just a harvested as mature fruits will be hasp. The bird has a prehensile fibrous and inedible. The main tung and may well learn to undo harvesting season is January – May. The simple catches without difficulty and yield is around 200 to 250 fruits per once free in room may cause damage tree in annual types. In perennial types, to furniture. the yield will be generally low (80 to Parrot food, green stuff fruits are 90 pods per tree) in the first two years the feed for cockatoos. Two eggs for of bearing, after which it increases normal clutch and these should hatch progressively to about 400 to 500 fruits after an incubation period of 25 days. per tree in the fourth and fifth years. Both adult birds take turns at this task. No serious pests and diseases are noticed Under proper training cockatoos in this crop except leaf eating caterpillars become great companion birds. They which can be controlled by spraying simply overwhelm you with their organic pesticides like neem kernel response to commands and attractive suspension or neem oil - garlic emulsion. movements. Though cockatoos are „ The writer is Professor & Head, birds priced at five figure, their owners Department of Olericulture, College of take pride in owing them and hence Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur don ~ care much about the price.

January 2008 KERALA CALLING 41 ETHNICFOOD Indu Narayan BiteBite CrispyCrispy

Cheeda Chemmeen Pressed rice (aval)-four cups ground nuts-one cup (roasted and Murukku skinned) 1” coconut slices (sundried)-two cups Prawns-1 ½ tbsp (soaked) raisins-1/2 cup button onions-1/2 cup sugar-two teaspoons garlic flakes-¼ cup a pinch of turmeric powder coconut milk-two cups salt to taste maida-four cups oil-to fry roasted bengal gram-two curry leaves (chopped and fried) (powdered) Heat oil in a thick-bottomed pan. Put a ghee-¾ tablespoon small quantity of aval at a time, fry and sesame seeds-¼ tablespoon transfer to a plate. Sprinkle turmeric powder on it and toss. Fry groundnuts salt-to taste Achappam also in the same oil. Then fry coconut Grind the prawns to a fine paste. Next, grind the onions and garlic. Maida-four cups pieces and mix raisins, sugar, salt and curry Steam maida and transfer to a plate fine rice powder-one tablespoon leaves with the fried ingredients. When cooled, store in an airtight container. and crush all the lumps of powdered coconut milk-two cups bengal gram. Sift the urad dal with a eggs-two fine sieve. Mix everything together. sugar-1 ½ tablespoon Add the coconut milk and knead sesame seeds-1 ½ tablespoon well. Add all the other ingredients salt (to taste) to the dough and mix. Press the oil (to fry) dough through seva press in the shape of muruks. Use the lid with Method: Sift together maida and small star-shaped hole. Deep-fry the rice powder. Take enough coconut muruks in hot oil. Drain and store in milk to make a loose batter with airtight container. rice flour. Whisk eggs and add to batter. Add sugar, salt and sesame seeds. Mix the batter well till it Omapodi becomes thick. Heat the achappam mould in oil. Dip ¾ of the mould Bengal gram dal flour-two cups into the batter and then immerse butter-1/2 teaspoon in hot oil. When the achappam salt-to taste leaves the mould, dip it again in oil-for frying the batter, and then in oil. Repeat Mix all ingredients except oil in a till all the batter is used up. Drain bowl. Add enough water to the mix extra oil by placing them on paper. to make a thick dough. Press through the seva press and prepare omapodi in hot oil.

42 KERALA CALLING January 2008 FLORICULTURE peasantry. In Kerala which has a strong export crop base, this has brought great hardships to the growers: if coconut growers have been hit by the Centre’s edible oil import policy, the growers of other crops like cashew have suffered on account of the rupee appreciation. Public sector industrial units in the State which have been making profits for decades are suddenly faced with losses and are asking for budgetary subsidies for survival. We have here a classic example of speculation throttling enterprise, indeed of ordinary people being victimised by the caprices of a bunch of international financial speculators. This is what the Union Government’s adherence to neo-liberalism and hence to the policy of making India a part of the vortex of Black-eyed speculative global financial flows has entailed for the common people of the country. I welcome the Plan Document’s recognition of the problems Susan arising from the FRBM Act. Theoretically it is the revenue deficit which is supposed to capture “excess consumption” on Suresh Muthukulam the part of the State that arguably needs to be curtailed, and twining perennial vine having colour flowers with dark not the fiscal deficit whose size is affected by public investment. brown 'eyes; or centres - it is the black-eyed Susan, which In practice, as the Plan document recognizes, since a number A grows quickly and easily in full sun. The annual is available of welfare expenditures which have important productive in white, cream, yellow and gold and is usually started from effects figure in the revenue account, putting curbs on the seed. revenue deficit can be counter-productive. Neither deficit therefore constitutes an obvious target for control. In any case, Black-eyed Susan is a good plant of hanging baskets or to have a statutory ceiling on any deficit whatsoever that is for trellises, against a sunny fence or look spectacular growing binding in all seasons, come hell or high weather, is patently up on obelisk in a container. It is a native to tropical Africa unreasonable. It is time therefore that the whole question of which has become naturalised in Asia. FRBM Acts both at the Centre and the states is looked at Botanically named 'Thunbergia alata', the species name afresh in the light of reason rather than the purely ideologically- is from the Latin, 'alatas', meaning 'winged' which refers to inspired principles of “sound finance”. the winged petioles but it could also allude to the seeds that As is clear my government has serious difference with the have projections looking rather like wings. entire approach and outlook of the Draft Plan. Supply-side Susan is propagated by cuttings or by seeds. Plants from economics within a neo-liberal regime in our view will never seeds are more vigorous than those from cuttings. Seeds overcome disparities but will only accentuate them. A policy of germinate easily in a damp mixture of fine humus-rich soil control over financial flows; of enlarging the domestic market with some sand. A glass sheet on top helps the soil moist but through a boost to peasant agriculture by making it do allow some air to circulate. Newspaper on top of the glass remunerative; of instituting a relatively egalitarian pattern of will help germination by keeping the seeds dark. Mature landownership through appropriate land reforms; and of plants may have seedlings underneath ready for transplanting. enhancing the purchasing power in the hands of the poor by Used light soil rich in humus but with good drainage and taxing the rich who are in the process of becoming super-rich; add some super phosphate. Water the plant well at first and is in our view the preconditions for curbing the rampant growth then moderately all year but especially in summer. Add in inequalities and the pervasive immiseration that currently compost or leaf manure at planting time and again two or characterises the Indian society. Nonetheless, I welcome the three times per summer, as a mulch. Give an occasional fact that the Eleventh Plan document is ready and we can dressing of fertilizer mixture like 18:18:18 or 19:19:19. resume the process of planning on the basis of some concrete Black-eyed Susan grows quickly and starts flowering at signposts.„ an early age. It can be trimmed if it gets too big. Light trimming in spring will encourage flowering. The main varieties are Susy (mixed colours), alba (white), aurantiaca (yellowish orange) and Bakeri (white). 'Susy' is It is decided to increase the subscription rate of one of the most popular varieties. The plant also has a name Kerala Calling from January, 2008. 'Clock vine' as has been honoured in the standard set of Annual subscription charge will be Rs 80. South African postage stamps. This ornamental friendly vine Subscription charge for five years will be Rs 300. Amount can be remitted by cash in the District attracts bees, butterflies and birds; birds also often nest in the Information Office at Civil Stations or at the thickly tangled stems. Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Thiru In African countries Black-eyed Susan is used as a vegetable vananthapuram. Single copy of the issue costs Rs 8. or stock feed. Medically it is used for skin problems, cellulites, The amount may also be sent by money order to back and joint pains, eye inflammation, piles and rectal cancer. the Director, Information and Public Relations Gall sickness and some ear problems on cattle are also treated Department, First Floor, Secretariat Annexe, with this plant. For cheerful mornings, give black-eyed Susan Thiruvananthapuram - 1. a try in your garden.

44 KERALA CALLING January 2008 MONUMENT Dr S. Hemachandran ‘Karumadikuttan’, in Karumadi near feet and is in a good state of . The image (a portion of preservation. uddhism, now almost defunct head and chest is lost) is in yogasana with in India as an organised Another image of Buddha was ushnisha and jwala on the head and traces institutional religion has left its discovered from the village of of uthariya (upper cloth). The Buddha vestiges scattered all over the Maruthurkulangara in image discovered from is Bland in what are now ‘archaeological Karunagappally. The sculpture has no nearly 3 feet in height and belongs to 9th remnants. Buddhism was introduced in protuberance on the head. The century AD. The ushnisha and jwala and Kerala by missionaries sent by Asoka the diaphanousness of the carved upper the upper cloth worn in the upavita Great who was the first Indian emperor cloth is superlative and worth fashion is rendered sumptuously by the to become a convert to Buddhism. The mentioning. The image is now kept in gifted hands of the sculptor. It is now first historical evidence about Kerala is the garden of . preserved inside a chaitya like structure at found in the inscriptions of Asoka who During the recent exploration Mavelikkara junction. cited four kingdoms viz. Coda (Cola), conducted near Kottappuram by the Pada, (Pandya), Ketala Puto Seated Buddha representation was a Department of Archaeology we have (Keralaputra), Satiya Puto (Satyaputra) in popular mode of depiction of Buddha. encountered a headless sculpture of the south of his empire. Keralaputra is The figure of Buddha at Bharanikkavu seated Buddha. It is now kept at the mentioned in the rock edict II and Girnar near Mavelikkara is also in a seated Directorate of Archaeology, of Asoka. The Buddhist images posture. The many folded upper cloth Thiruvananthapuram. Buddhism discovered from the coastal district of passing over the left shoulder and lying gradually faded away and completely South Kerala manifest the influence of flat on the chest is carved naively and disappeared from Kerala of Hinduism. Buddhism in the state. elegantly. There is also a protuberance But the grandeur of this religious faith (ushnisha) at the top. The total height of The region between the districts of is treasured in glorious relics they have the sculpture including pedestal is two Kollam and Alappuzha had preserved to left behind in this small land strip.„ the posterity a number of beautiful stone images of Sree Buddha like Maruturkulangara, Bharanikkavu (near Mavelikkara), Mavelikkara and Ambalappuzha. The place names in the Carving region like, Karthikappalli, , Mainagappalli and the presence of ‘Kavus’ are the evidences of a glorious past of the Budha Culture in this region (Palli is the reminiscence of the the Buddha word Pallichantham ie. donation of properties to the communities except the Hindu religion. for example Jewthappalli, Seated Buddha Christian Palli and Muslim Palli. The presence of Buddha vestiges are also representation was a found in other regions in Kerala like popular mode of depiction (Mathilakom premises and of Buddha. The figure of at Kottappuram). Wayanad etc. Certain Rock-cut temples are also attributed to Buddha at Bharanikkavu Buddhism. near Mavelikkara is also in The stone images of Buddha found a seated posture. The many in the region around Kartikappalli taluk clearly indicate the prevalence of the faith folded upper cloth passing of ‘Sakys simha’ in all these parts and very over the left shoulder and likely that these images represent at least as many temples of Buddha in as many lying flat on the chest is places. T.A. Gopinatha Rao, the well carved naively and known Epigraphist suggest that the Ay elegantly. King Vikramaditya Varaguna who ruled in the third quarter of the 8th century hand granted landed properties to the temple of ‘Srimulavasam’ which he argues that situated in the above said region which had been evoked by the turbulent sea in course of time. The most illustrious sculpture of Buddha found in Kerala is January 2008 KERALA CALLING 45 Tritiya Juddeha (Bengali) Alternative Living Theatre, Kolkatta

...Evam Indrajeet (Hindi) Super Market (), Kalashray, Mumbai Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy, Thrissur

Quick Death (English) Theatre Roots and Wings, New Delhi

Indian Theatre performance as part of the National Drama Festival conducted jointly by Information and Public Relations Department and Kendra Sangeetha Nataka Academy at Tagore Theatre, Thiruvananthapuram became an experience for the lifetime to the spectators.

Dalu Parameswaran flashes light on the stage Zindagi Retire Nahin Hoti (Hindustani) CEVA Drama Repertory Company, Chandigarh

PHOTOFEATURE Ghumayee (Dogri) Natrang, Jammu DRAMA LOVERS in the State Capital have enjoyed the year-end by watching a handful of much acclaimed dramas from across the country. The festival unfolded new trends in the world of drama. V.S. Achuthanandan, Chief Minister, has inaugurated the seven-day long National Theatre Festival organised by the Information and Public Relations Department in Thiruvananthapuram. Kavalam Narayana Panicker, renowned theatre exponent, was the festival director. Eight plays in six languages were performed. Noted actor Amol Palekar has made his presence in the inaugural function. Noted V.S. Achuthanandan, Chief Minister, inaugurating the National Theatre Festival in directors Balwant Thakur, G.S. Thiruvananthapuram. Sheela Thomas, Secretary, I&PRD, Amol Palekar, Cine Artist Chani, Sankar Venkateswaran, J. and P. Venugopal, Director I&PRD are also seen. Shylaja and Probir Guha have Indian Theatre Resurrects made their contributions. Readers’ Festival

HUNDREDS OF BOOK lovers in the city of Thiruvananthapuram has got a New Year gift as the one week long book fair has hit the city once again. It was a rare occasion for children owing to the prominence given to Children’s literature. A wide collection of books ranging from comics to general knowledge was available in the festival. CDs on various topics were sold like hot cakes. Prof. Hamid Ansari, the Vice President of India, has inaugurated the book fair, which was presided over by R.L. Bahtya, Governor of Kerala. P. Govida Pillai releases a book on Barister G.P. Pillai, written by Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy, State Language Institute, Malayinkezhu Gopalakrishnan, by Kerala Folklore Academy, Kerala University and Kerala Sahithya handing over a copy to Indira Academy have participated in the book fair. Ramakrishna Pillai, grand daughter of G.P. Pillai. P. Venugopal, Director, I & PRD, Rubin D’Cruz, Director, State Institute of Children’s Literature, P. Abdul Rasheed, Additional Director, I & PRD are also seen. The book edited by P.S. Rajasekharan is an I&PRD production.

Tom Jose, Secretary, Publics Works Department and K. Ramachand of T.R.D.C.L exchanging the MoU for modenisation of roads in Thiruvananthapuram in the presence of Mons Joseph, Minister for Public Works. Prof. Hamid Ansari, the Vice President of India, inaugurating the Book Fair.

46 KERALA CALLING January 2008 Tsunami Documented

THE FIRST TSUNAMI museum in the country, named the Kerala Tsunami Museum, was opened at . The museum, which is the third one of its kind in the world was dedicated to the Nation by C. Divakaran, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies. K.P. Rajendran, Minster for Revenue presided over the function. The museum was K.P Rajendran, Minister for Revenue, inaugurating the formation of disaster constructed at a cost of Rs 10.50 management team. lakh. The tsunami museum is designed to function as an authoritative information provider on disaster Mitigation Team indications which can serve to reduce devastation and casualties K.P RAJENDRAN, Minister for Revenue, pointed out the necessasity to have a in areas vulnerable to tsunami. coordinated effort to mitigate disasters in the State. He was inaugurating The other two tsunami museums the formation of disaster management team at Thiruvananthapuram. in the world are the Pacific Not only the land, but the people are also affected by calamities like Tsunami Museum in Hilo, Hawaii earthquakes. Efforts should be made to wipe out the agony of the minds, and the International Tsunami the minister said. Presiding over the function, M. Vijaya Kumar, Minister Museum in Thailand. for Law, said that the Youth Welfare Board has taken initiatives to get the The Kerala Tsunami Museum has participation of youth clubs for this exercise. been set up by a team from the The project will be developed with the support of kudumbashree and Pacific Tsunami Museum led by anganwadi workers and also with the help of resident’s association. The tsunami expert Walter Dudley who project is being undertaken by the Revenue Department with the help of chairs the Scientific Advisory Union Home Ministry and United Nations Development Programme. Council of the Pacific Tsunami Museum. Between crab-ness and God-ness OURS IS AN ERA of tremendous changes. Technical advances are in progress in every walk of life. Artists, being part of it tend to move according to the events happening around them and might set new conventions. Swathi Jayakumar is no exception. Swathi Jayakumar’s recent show at the Vailoppilli Samskrithi Bhavan drew our attention mainly because of the unconventional paintings that he brings out with perfect rhythm and balance adopting digital technology.

The images are swarm of crabs being story of transition but the undoubtedly something transmuted, to a kind of transformation is not an very close to the village extraordinary forms. The end in itself. It offers a rituals of Kerala. The familiar crabs turned world of 'affects' in Empirical realities of his looking weird in many between the becomings of paintings are not very aspects. On the canvas all crab-ness and god-ness. complex. We witness a the crabs tell the same

January 2008 KERALA CALLING 47 Missile Speed to Industries The Kerala Government's efforts to forge tie-ups between State and Central public sector undertakings start giving fruits. The inauguration of BrahMos Aerospace Thiruvananthapuram Ltd. is a prestigious reward for the State Government for its bold steps to revamp and make profitable all those public sector units. The high-status defence production unit is established in the Kerala capital by taking over the State-government-owned A.K. Antony, Union Minister for Defence, receiving the symbolic Kerala Hitech Ltd. (Keltec). It was a positive and creative key of KELTEC from V.S Achuthanandan, Chief Minister. step when the State Government decided to hand over expected an investment of Rs.1500 crore in the second Keltec to the Defence Research and Development phase besides the 150 crore first phase. The State Organisation (DRDO) under the Ministry of Defence last Government has shown magnanimity by handing over year. the State Unit for only one rupee as a formality. It is The Government also envisages joint ventures with the part of a strategy adopted by the State Government Transformers and Electricals Kerala Ltd (TELK) and the to revamp all public sector units holding it in the public National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Steel sector itself. Complex Ltd and the Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL). When the existing Government assumed power eighteen Similarly, the process for establishing a rail bogie unit months back, only 12 public sector units were profit at Autokast by the Railways is progressing. generating. Now the number of profitable units have The Chief Minister of Kerala, V.S. Achuthanandan doubled within a short span. anticipated an investment to the tune of 1000 crore The Government have made the State conducive for from the Central Goverment, while inaugurating the investors from within and outside the country, bearing BrahMose airopsace jointly with with A.K. Antony, Union in mind the future of Malayalis. The Smart City, Miniater for Ministry for Defence. Vallarppadam and Vizhinjam projects open new avenues Thiruvananthapuram becomes the second centre in with the sky as the limit. India to produce high range supersonic missiles. It is Sunil Hassan LIFE & LINE P.V. Krishnan

48 KERALA CALLING January 2008 Missile Speed to Industries The Kerala Government's efforts to forge tie-ups between State and Central public sector undertakings start giving fruits. The inauguration of BrahMos Aerospace Thiruvananthapuram Ltd. is a prestigious reward for the State Government for its bold steps to revamp and make profitable all those public sector units. The high-status defence production unit is established in the Kerala capital by taking over the State-government-owned A.K. Antony, Union Minister for Defence, receiving the symbolic Kerala Hitech Ltd. (Keltec). It was a positive and creative key of KELTEC from V.S Achuthanandan, Chief Minister. step when the State Government decided to hand over expected an investment of Rs.1500 crore in the second Keltec to the Defence Research and Development phase besides the 150 crore first phase. The State Organisation (DRDO) under the Ministry of Defence last Government has shown magnanimity by handing over year. the State Unit for only one rupee as a formality. It is The Government also envisages joint ventures with the part of a strategy adopted by the State Government Transformers and Electricals Kerala Ltd (TELK) and the to revamp all public sector units holding it in the public National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Steel sector itself. Complex Ltd and the Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL). When the existing Government assumed power eighteen Similarly, the process for establishing a rail bogie unit months back, only 12 public sector units were profit at Autokast by the Railways is progressing. generating. Now the number of profitable units have The Chief Minister of Kerala, V.S. Achuthanandan doubled within a short span. anticipated an investment to the tune of 1000 crore The Government have made the State conducive for from the Central Goverment, while inaugurating the investors from within and outside the country, bearing BrahMose airopsace jointly with with A.K. Antony, Union in mind the future of Malayalis. The Smart City, Miniater for Ministry for Defence. Vallarppadam and Vizhinjam projects open new avenues Thiruvananthapuram becomes the second centre in with the sky as the limit. India to produce high range supersonic missiles. It is Sunil Hassan LIFE & LINE P.V. Krishnan

48 KERALA CALLING January 2008