TRIVANDRUM, 31 July 2005 — President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s 10-point agenda for the development of Kerala has evoked tremendous response — cutting across the political divide. While addressing the state legislature, Kalam presented the mission that would double the state’s per capita income from the existing Rs. 23,000 in three years.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy immediately asked the state’s planners to chalk out an action plan.
“The federal and state government should initiate discussions on his suggestions and reach a consensus both within the house and among the public on the proposals. All possible suggestions should be translated into action,” Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan said.
Tourism, waterways, herbal cultivation, creation of exclusive NRI investment zones, healthcare, deep-sea fishing, development of the existing space mission, knowledge products and biotechnology and value addition of cash crops were identified by the president for Kerala’s prosperity.
He also stressed the need for physical connectivity and exploitation of natural resources like titanium as components of the engine of growth.
Works minister Dr. M.K. Muneer said the government was going ahead with the access-controlled high-speed corridor linking the southern tip to the north.
In the first phase, Kottayam-Thrissur stretch linking the Cochin International Airport would be expedited. “I have already given directions and asked the Planning Board chief and the chief secretary to take immediate action,” Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said.
