Governor P. Sathasivam on Monday unravelled the government’s policy for 2018-19, giving a telescopic view of its perspectives on sustainable development that revolves around the key themes of social, economic, and environmental stewardship and revealed subtle changes in approach.
His customary address to the Assembly on the first day of its first session of the year had a tinge of politics, but was subdued in its criticism of the BJP-ruled Centre and its policies.
Mr. Sathasivam referred to the law and order situation, which, he said, had witnessed “slanderous attacks on the secular traditions of our State”.
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Secular traditions
He said the State had stood together to defend its secular traditions despite doubts expressed by various quarters about its social sector achievements and the law and order record.
“Kerala has once again been identified as the first in the country in maintenance of law and order and tops the country in quality of life. There has not been an instance of communal riot in our State,” he said.
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The Governor said GST had resulted in serious abridgement of the State government’s fiscal powers. “The terms of reference of the 15th Finance Commission betrayed the tendency to curb the fiscal autonomy of the State. Demonetisation and the introduction of GST in an inappropriate manner and time had resulted in serious deceleration of the economy and mounting unemployment. Our State has also been caught within this downturn and the economic growth in the State has also been slowed down due to the crisis in the Gulf.”
Asserting that the State government will go ahead in a mission mode on five key sectors such as health, housing, education, infrastructure, and waste management, the Governor elaborated the framework of sustained development and its application by grouping the government’s initiatives into social, economic, and environment sustainability categories.
Consumer Affairs dept
As for social stewardship, the Governor said the government would establish a social advisory committee and social audit society to oversee the implementation of the National Food Security Act, not to mention a separate consumer affairs department.
The Governor’s address also proposed enactment of the ‘teachers minimum wages Act’ and ‘clinical establishment Act’ for improving quality in unaided education institutions and healthcare establishments.
He also spoke about the various projects in agriculture, tourism, IT, power, and railway development. The proposal to promote electric cars found a mention the speech.
As for environment stewardship, the Governor’s address dwelt at length the government’s plans to ensure environment protection in the context of climate change.
Another subtle change in policy is with regard to limiting the use of forestland for industrial plantation to meet its raw material demands and the remaining area will be restored by forestry species endemic to Kerala, he said.