Kerala Government to Launch Nava Kerala Citizens’ Response Programme

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has announced plans to launch the Nava Kerala Citizens’ Response Programme, a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening participatory governance and guiding the state’s development through direct citizen engagement. The programme, described by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as a “new form of democracy,” will reach out to citizens, gather their opinions, and involve them in development discussions, making them an integral part of policy formulation.

“The development of the state is rooted in the needs, hurdles, and aspirations of the people. A government must understand these and implement policies to uplift every individual,” the CM said during a press briefing, highlighting that the LDF government maintains constant communication with citizens to ensure social progress at every stage of development.

Under the proposed programme, voluntary workers from the State Social Volunteer Corps will visit households, educational institutions, health centres, offices, commercial spaces, transport hubs, and other community locations to study ongoing development and welfare projects. Their observations and public feedback will be consolidated into comprehensive reports, which will then guide the planning and implementation of NavaKerala projects.

The programme is scheduled to run from January 1 to February 28, 2026. A four- member state- level advisory committee has been constituted, including the Chief Secretary, Chief Principal Secretary to the CM Dr. K M Abraham IAS (Ret.), former Chief Secretary and IMG Director K. Jayakumar IAS (Ret.), Prof. Dr. Saji Gopinath of IIM Kozhikode, and the former Vice Chancellor of Kerala Digital University. A state- level implementation committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary, will also be formed, along with committees at district, assembly, and local government levels, including officials and experts.

Volunteers will be appointed ward-wise, with four assigned to each ward. Participation is voluntary and unpaid, though appreciation certificates will be awarded. “These selfless volunteers, committed to the progress of the state, form the backbone of the programme. Their social commitment will inspire society and encourage more citizens to join the NavaKerala initiative,” the CM said. Students, NSS and NCC volunteers, and professionals will also have opportunities to participate.

The programme will collect feedback on development needs, gaps in ongoing projects, and suggestions for improving welfare initiatives. It will also include citizen input on social issues such as drug abuse prevention, communal harmony, youth and student engagement, knowledge dissemination, scientific and technological development, agricultural and industrial growth, higher education expansion, infrastructure upgrades, cultural and sports development, transportation and public facilities, healthcare, human-wildlife conflicts, and employment initiatives.

All study reports will be submitted to the government by March 31, 2026. The CM emphasised that this initiative will provide greater direction and momentum to the state’s development efforts and give citizens an opportunity to actively shape policy.

Quoting opposition leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent speech at EIA University in Envigado, Colombia, the CM noted that Kerala’s decentralisation programmes, efficient health and education systems, and citizen- empowered policies are globally recognised. “Kerala has consistently demonstrated the success of participatory governance over the past 40–50 years,” he said.

Looking ahead, Kerala is preparing Vision 2031, a long-term plan coinciding with the state’s 75th anniversary. Seminars across 33 sectors will analyse past achievements and formulate strategies to make the state fully efficient and inclusive in all areas.

“Active and constructive participation of the public is essential for the success of the programme. The NavaKerala Citizens’ Response Programme will play a key role in ensuring that governance is guided by citizens themselves,” the CM said, reiterating the government’s commitment to people-centric development and transparent, accountable governance