"Delegates See 'New Pathways to New Kerala' as Achievable After Previous Successes," says MV Govindan.

Kollam: “New Pathways to New Kerala, the roadmap for the development of the state, presented by the Politburo member and Kerala Chief Minister, was well appreciated and received by the delegates at the 24th CPIM Kerala State Conference,” said CPIM State Secretary M.V. Govindan, responding to media queries at a press meet today.

Govindan pointed out that with the deteriorating center-state relations under the RSS-led BJP government, which has shown a preference for crony capitalists, it is essential to carve out an alternative development path for Kerala. He also highlighted the ongoing attacks on the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), with the central government reducing the state’s borrowing limit, further complicating the state’s efforts to fund crucial infrastructure projects. This roadmap, he stressed, serves as a crucial response to these challenges and aims to guide Kerala’s development in a more sustainable and equitable direction.

The proposal presented at the conference received overwhelming support from the delegates, many of whom expressed confidence that the lion's share of the initiatives outlined in the "New Kerala" project presented at the previous conference had been successfully implemented. They emphasized that the successful execution of those initiatives demonstrated the feasibility of carrying out the current proposal as well. The delegates were optimistic that, with similar dedication and effort, this new roadmap for Kerala’s development could also be effectively realized.

A key aspect of the roadmap is the need for effective resource mobilization. The delegates unanimously agreed that pooling resources would be vital to the successful implementation of the proposal. Additionally, they suggested that the roadmap be widely campaigned to the public, with both the government and the party working together to ensure its broad reach and acceptance.

In response to media questions regarding specific suggestions and recommendations from the delegates, Govindan explained that the conference provided a platform for a wide array of ideas. Every delegate contributed their insights, and these collective suggestions will play a significant role in shaping Kerala’s future development.

The delegates emphasized that the vision for a "New Kerala" must prioritize social justice, with development initiatives taking into account environmental concerns and the ongoing challenges posed by climate change. Agriculture and tourism were identified as key sectors for growth, with a strong focus on incorporating digital technology and mechanization to enhance productivity in agriculture.

Further suggestions included the promotion of value-added products, such as perfumes, derived from Kerala’s rich natural resources. Addressing wildlife attacks, which threaten both agriculture and human safety, was also considered a critical issue by the delegates.

“In conclusion, the "New Pathways to New Kerala" roadmap is seen as a bold and necessary step toward securing the state’s future. With strong backing from the delegates and a clear focus on sectors like agriculture, tourism, and environmental sustainability, the roadmap aims to position Kerala as a model of progressive development, even in the face of challenges from the central government,” Govindan reiterated.