As the Left government in Kerala enters its fourth year in office, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced an ambitious plan to eradicate extreme poverty in the state by November 1, 2025. Highlighting the government’s achievements, Vijayan emphasized the transition towards a knowledge economy and substantial improvements in basic infrastructure.
In a recent statement, CM Vijayan outlined the government’s dedication to transforming Kerala into a knowledge-based economy. He noted that the Left governments have consistently prioritized infrastructure development and welfare initiatives. “Our government is committed to addressing deficiencies and bridging gaps in various sectors. Kerala boasts the lowest poverty rate in India, and our next milestone is to eliminate extreme poverty entirely by November 1, 2025,” Vijayan stated.
The Chief Minister underscored the success of the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) in creating employment opportunities, contrasting it with the Union government’s failure to fill vacancies in Central government establishments, such as the Indian Railways and other public sector undertakings. “Since 2016, the PSC has facilitated the employment of 2.5 lakh individuals. Additionally, we’ve established 30,000 new posts and formed a special recruitment board to oversee hiring in state public sector undertakings,” Vijayan highlighted.
The Left government’s efforts have earned global recognition, even as they contend with financial challenges imposed by the Union government. Vijayan criticized the financial policies of the Central government, which he claimed are designed to constrain the state’s economic growth. Despite these hurdles, Kerala’s own revenue has surged, showcasing the government’s ability to generate substantial internal funds. “When the United Democratic Front (UDF) was in power in 2016, the state’s own revenue was only 26% of the total revenue. Under the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, this has increased dramatically to 73%. We’ve seen a Rs 30,000 crore rise in tax revenue, enabling us to finance our expenditures predominantly through our own resources, even amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Vijayan explained.
Education has also seen significant improvements under the current government. Vijayan pointed out that the general education system, which was in disarray during the UDF regime, has been elevated to international standards. This transformation is part of the broader strategy to develop a knowledge economy and improve overall welfare in the state.
In conclusion, CM Vijayan’s address reflects the Left government’s vision of a prosperous and self-reliant Kerala. By focusing on job creation, financial autonomy, and educational reforms, the government aims to eradicate extreme poverty by 2025 and position Kerala as a leading knowledge economy.