Keralam aims to become India's best State with focus on technology, maritime economy and jobs, says CM Satheesan

Outlining the government's vision for Keralam as it marks 70 years of its formation, Satheesan says the next five years will be crucial in determining the State's future

Keralam will seek to become India's best State by attracting fresh investments, creating jobs in emerging technology sectors, developing a comprehensive maritime economy and transforming the State into a major centre for education and health care, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has said.

Outlining the government's vision for Keralam as it marks 70 years of its formation, Mr. Satheesan said the next five years would be crucial in determining the State's future. The government aimed to build a new Keralam that combined economic growth with social justice, environmental sustainability and inclusive development, while upholding the secular and democratic values that the State has always been known for, he said.

The State would organise 'Festival Kerala' celebrations in major Indian cities and abroad to showcase its art, culture and heritage, while organising investment meets on the side to attract investors, the Chief Minister added.

Keralam's development strategy would move beyond conventional models to identify and take advantage of new and emerging opportunities, while taking into account the State's geographical limitations, the environment, climate and people's livelihoods. The State's development model would have people at the heart of it and the aim was to create development models that the world would take note of, he said.

Education, technology and employment

The government would introduce changes in higher education so that quality education and ample employment opportunities were accessible to the youth within the State. He said the State needed international-standard educational institutions, updated curricula in universities and colleges, and skill-training suited to changing global employment patterns.

Keralam would also seek to attract students from other States and countries, while positioning itself as a destination for quality education and health care.

Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, machine learning and robotics would receive particular attention. The government aimed to attract data centres, semiconductor facilities and global capability centres to Keralam, taking advantage of the State's early entry into the information technology sector.

Maritime economy

The proposed Mission Samudra would seek to establish Keralam as a major maritime and port-based economic hub, integrating the Vizhinjam international seaport with smaller ports, road, rail and inland-waterway connectivity, logistics parks, maritime clusters and port-linked cities.

The initiative could generate lakhs of employment opportunities by 2031, the Chief Minister said. He said the government aimed to shift at least 50% of road-based freight movement to sea routes.

Keralam's four international airports would also be developed to strengthen its position as a major aviation hub.

Silver economy

With the elderly population increasing, Keralam would focus on protecting its senior citizens, supporting those who require care and ensuring that they are not socially isolated. Keralam, the first State to establish a separate department for senior citizens and frame a legislation to protect the rights of senior citizens, would ensure that the elderly are never away from the mainstream.

The government's vision of a silver economy would seek to harness the experience and skills of senior citizens, the Chief Minister added.

Inclusive development would remain a priority and the aim was to ensure that none of the marginalised groups are left out and the fruits of development reach them also, the Chief Minister said.

He said the government would take steps to support children with autism and other disabilities, recognising the difficulties faced by their parents. It would also adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards drug mafias.

Faster clearances

Attracting more investment and industries would be essential to increasing State revenue and generating employment, Mr. Satheesan said.

The Assembly had passed the Saral Keralam legislation to simplify approvals for new enterprises, reduce unnecessary procedural delays and to free entrepreneurs from red tape. This was an important step to make Keralam a more investor-friendly State.

Development should not be measured solely by large projects or economic growth, he said. The State's development should reflect in the manner in which citizens' lives are improved.

The government's perspective would be "Good Governance with Empathy", so that every individual receives the assistance and consideration they deserve.

Secular, democratic values

Mr. Satheesan said Keralam's development journey must go hand in hand with the protection of its secular and democratic values. None should be discriminated against on the grounds of religion or caste, something the government would never compromise, the Chief Minister said.

The initiatives launched during the State's 70th anniversary should lay the foundation for substantial changes by its 75th anniversary, he said, appealing for collective effort and support of all to build a more prosperous, inclusive and forward-looking State.