Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has asserted that economic challenges have not hindered the State’s progress.
“Despite such obstacles, the progress we have achieved is clear for all to see. A closer look at the societal changes reveals that Kerala continues to advance on all fronts, contrary to claims being propagated by various quarters,” he said, while addressing a district-level meeting in connection with the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government’s fourth anniversary on Friday.
Emphasising that the State’s idea of Navakeralam (New Kerala) was not just an idea, but a reality in the making, Mr. Vijayan pointed out that Kerala’s internal production recorded an impressive growth of 72.84% in 2023-2024.
The State’s tax revenue, which was ₹47,000 crore three years ago, has surged to ₹81,000 crore. This significant increase in revenue has reduced the gap between public expenditure and internal production.
Employment generation
The State has also made remarkable strides in fostering its start-up ecosystem. From 640 start-ups in 2016, the number has skyrocketed to 6,300 at present. The investment in Kerala’s start-ups stands at ₹5,800 crore, and by 2026, the government aims to increase this number to 15,000 start-ups, which is expected to create over a lakh jobs. He added that Kerala has also positioned itself as a modern knowledge production hub, having realised projects like the Digital Science Park, Institute of Virology and the India Innovation Centre for Graphene.
Responding to a question while interacting with the invitees from various cross-sections, the Chief Minister said the government has already initiated steps to establish memorials for the renaissance leaders of the State. One such memorial in honour of Sree Narayana Guru is currently under construction in Thiruvananthapuram.
Besides, the government had adopted steps to rename the iconic V.J.T. Hall in the State capital after Ayyankali. The government will engage in discussions with representatives of various reformation movements to finalise its future course of action.
Initiatives for youth
He added that the government has planned new initiatives aimed at improving the mental health of students through sports, arts and cultural activities in schools, with a focus on reducing substance abuse among youngsters.
Awareness sessions will also be organised during the new academic year to address societal issues including substance abuse, road safety, sanitation and digital discipline.
General Education Minister V. Sivankutty presided over the meeting. Food and Civil Supplies Minister G.R. Anil and Archives Minister Kadannappally Ramachandran were also among those present.
Published – May 23, 2025 07:25 pm IST
