Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced that the ‘Navakeralam Citizen Response Programme,’ designed to gather public feedback on various development and welfare initiatives, is set to inject fresh vitality and a clear direction into Kerala’s journey towards progress.
During a press conference held on Monday, the Chief Minister detailed the ambitious program, scheduled to run from January 1 to February 28 of the upcoming year. This initiative will harness the power of Kerala’s dedicated volunteer force to assess the impact of existing development and welfare schemes. Furthermore, comprehensive studies will be conducted in underserved areas to identify ways to enhance governmental efficiency and boost public engagement.
“Our volunteers will lead this vital study, reaching out directly to the people,” stated Mr. Vijayan. “They will visit homes, residential communities, educational institutions, healthcare centers, marketplaces, bus stops, libraries, clubs, and various associations within each ward. Their mission is to listen attentively, collecting diverse opinions and constructive suggestions. The program’s core aim is to actively involve citizens in critical development discussions and policy-making. The culmination of this effort will be a detailed study report, serving as the foundational blueprint for Kerala’s future trajectory.”
Steering the Initiative: Two Key Committees
To ensure the seamless execution of the ‘Navakeralam Citizen Response Programme,’ two crucial bodies will be established: a four-member State Level Advisory Committee and a State Implementation Committee. The advisory committee will comprise distinguished individuals including Chief Secretary A. Jayathilak, Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister K.M. Abraham, Institute of Management in Government (IMG) Director K. Jayakumar, and former Vice-Chancellor of Digital University Kerala Saji Gopinath.
Each ward will be assigned a team of four volunteers, carefully selected from the state’s existing volunteer force. Members of the National Service Scheme (NSS), National Cadet Corps (NCC), and professional students are also encouraged to participate in this impactful endeavor.
The collected reports will delve into a wide array of social issues and offer recommendations. These include strategies to combat drug abuse, foster communal harmony, and promote growth in the agro-industry, arts, and sports sectors. The scope will also extend to matters of scientific and technological advancement, addressing travel challenges, improving public sanitation facilities and bus shelters, enhancing elderly care systems, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, among other critical areas, as highlighted by Chief Minister Vijayan.