Kerala Pravasi Association

To address its financial crisis, authorities at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital have decided to raise OP ticket prices. Is this really the solution — to place the burden on ordinary citizens? But here’s a bigger question for the authorities: Where is the ₹15 lakh lost from the surgical shop over the past 7 years? In 2018, ₹6 lakh and ₹9.07 lakh in July 2019 went missing from the surgical shop, which sells implant equipment. Despite investigations by the Medical College Police and Vigilance, the case remains unresolved. The Government Medical College Development Committee continues to remain silent. Why is such a large sum not being addressed? Will they continue to stay quiet even after the facts are known? A swift and effective investigation is crucial to resolving this. Otherwise, raising the financial burden on the common people is unacceptable. . . #KozhikodeMedicalCollege #HealthcareCrisis #PublicHealth #MedicalEthics #CitizenBurden #InvestigationNeeded #Healthcare #HealthcareReform

The Kerala government is under fire from the High Court for its failure to provide clear financial data related to the Chooralmala-Mundakkai landslide disaster in Wayanad. Despite repeated instructions, the state has yet to answer how much of the ₹677 crore remaining in the State Disaster Response Fund can be utilized. Amid ongoing disputes with the central government over special aid for Wayanad, the High Court demanded precise figures. Yet, Kerala failed to clarify how much of the fund is spendable, what amounts have been committed, and the liabilities involved.   The court stressed that central assistance depends on detailed and accurate accounts. Without clear data, seeking aid is pointless.   For a disaster that claimed so many lives, this lack of accountability is unacceptable. The government must present accurate figures and avoid further insulting the victims through its negligence. . . #Kerala #HighCourt #WayanadDisaster #FinancialTransparency #DisasterResponseFund #CentralAssistance #Chooralmala #Mundakkai #VictimSupport

The delays in PSC appointments can no longer be overlooked. Despite securing spots on the rank list, countless candidates are left asking, ‘what’s next?’ Even after years of preparation, many still struggle to achieve their dream of government jobs. The primary cause of delays is the failure to report vacancies on time—a critical lapse that demands immediate correction. Without timely reporting, even top-ranking candidates are left disillusioned, with government employment remaining a distant dream. Annually, around 35,000 appointments are typically made, yet PSC recruitments have sharply declined. Instead of focusing on exam reforms, the priority must shift to expediting appointments. The PSC and government must act swiftly to address this growing concern.   At the current pace, recruitment numbers for this year are likely to remain dismal, prolonging the wait for thousands of job seekers. The government must take urgent steps to increase PSC appointments and accelerate the process to restore hope for aspiring candidates. . . #PSCAppointments #GovernmentJobs #JobSeekers #RecruitmentReform #VacancyReporting #CareerOpportunities #PublicService #JobMarket #EmploymentChallenges

National highways, which replace narrow, congested roads with wide, smooth, and safe corridors, are vital for any region's development. In Kerala, highway development projects are underway to meet growing traffic demands and modernize infrastructure. While construction inconveniences the public temporarily, the sluggish progress and repeated delays are inexcusable. A major cause of delay is the shortage of rock and soil. Despite the Supreme Court ruling that environmental clearance is unnecessary for soil extraction, local opposition and legal stays in several areas have disrupted construction. Companies argue these setbacks are significantly delaying the work. Initially, the lack of quarries in some regions caused delays. Resistance to operating crushers further compounded the issue. Without government intervention to secure resources, delays will persist. Although officials claim 60% of the construction is complete, key works such as culverts and service roads remain unfinished in many areas. Frequent rain has also slowed progress. Upgrading National Highway 66 to a six-lane highway seems unlikely to be completed within the contract period, ending in June 2025. The Kerala Pravasi Association (KPA) stresses that immediate government action is crucial to finish the project before the Pinarayi Government’s term ends in May 2026. . . #NationalHighways #InfrastructureDevelopment #KeralaHighways #TrafficManagement #ConstructionDelays #RoadSafety #UrbanDevelopment #EnvironmentalConcerns #PublicTransport

In recent months, Kerala has witnessed several controversial remarks from political leaders, often expressing contempt and defiance in the name of political rivalry. Among them, CPI(M) leaders have been particularly vocal. A recent remark made by P. Mohanan, the CPI(M) District Secretary, at a protest meeting in Kozhikode, has sparked major outrage. In his comment, he accused the UDF and the Revolutionary Marxist Party (RMP) of making abusive remarks about its leaders. He also boldly stated that if violence came their way, the party workers would be ready to protect themselves, even against police and officials, warning them that the party was not a mere group of "dummies" but an organized force willing to defend its cause by any means necessary. P. Mohanan’s challenge to the Congress party, claiming they lacked the strength to oppose them, has raised concerns. Such comments from senior political figures promoting violent rhetoric are troubling. This type of language perpetuates a culture of violence, turning party workers into pawns in political power struggles. The Kerala Pravasi Association (KPA) believes this destructive cycle must end, urging society to unite in rejecting violence. Only when peace prevails can true development and prosperity be achieved. . . #KeralaPolitics #PoliticalRivalry #CPI_M #P_Mohanan #ViolentRhetoric #PeaceAndDevelopment #KPA #PoliticalControversy

The central and state governments are locked in a dispute over the delay in financial assistance for the Wayanad landslide disaster. While the state government claims the funds are being delayed, the central government attributes the issue to the state's three-and-a-half-month delay in submitting the assessment memo.  There is a significant discrepancy between the dates given by the state and central governments regarding the assessment memo. Kerala's Revenue Minister K. Rajan stated that the memo was prepared and submitted in August, but the central government clarified that it received it only on November 11. Additionally, the state submitted the report seeking Rs 2,219 crore on November 13. The state's claim about the center’s assistance to the Wayanad rehabilitation fund is disputed, with the center stating that it couldn’t declare it a national disaster after the November 13 elections. The financial assistance package for Wayanad highlights a clear divide between the Centre and the State. The people of Wayanad are not seeking concessions but urgent help to restore their lives with dignity. The KPA urges both the Centre and State to take immediate action, prioritizing humanity in their efforts to support disaster victims and fulfill their responsibilities without further delay. . . #WayanadDisaster #FinancialAssistance #GovernmentDispute #Kerala #CentralGovernment #StateGovernment #DisasterRelief #HumanitarianAid #Rehabilitation #CrisisManagement

Consumers are once again being forced to bear the brunt of skyrocketing electricity costs, with the state electricity board nullifying long-term contracts under legal constraints. The latest hike adds 16 paise per unit, marking the fifth increase since the Pinarayi government took office. Fixed charges have also risen—households consuming up to 250 units face an additional ₹5 to ₹30 monthly, while those above 250 units will pay ₹40 to ₹50 more. Even agricultural electricity usage now carries a 5 paise per unit hike, affecting nearly five lakh consumers.  What signal does this government, which claims to champion an industry-friendly Kerala, send to the public with such consumer-adverse policies? Instead of prioritizing public welfare, the government continues to pass laws that burden consumers. Poor decisions by the electricity board and the regulatory commission have exacerbated the situation. Kerala remains dependent on costly external power sources each summer, with the added cost unfairly placed on consumers through permanent surcharges on bills. Despite the recurring crises, there is no effort to embrace renewable energy solutions or reduce electricity costs, particularly for agriculture. Shifting the board's immense losses onto consumers without sustainable solutions is not only unfair but intolerable. . . #ElectricityCosts #ConsumerRights #KeralaGovernment #EnergyPolicy #SustainableSolutions #PublicWelfare #AgriculturalImpact #ElectricityBoard #RegulatoryCommission #RenewableEnergy

Student politics has seen a disturbing decline in standards across campuses, with violence increasingly replacing genuine political discourse. The recent incident at Thiruvananthapuram University College, where a differently-abled student was brutally attacked by SFI members, is a glaring example of this trend. What is even more shocking is the police's inaction against the perpetrators. Despite four SFI members being linked to the assault and their affiliation with the CPM, they continue to frequent the college without any effort from the police to apprehend them. Why is the police protecting those who are spreading violence on campuses? Violent politics should never be encouraged. Student politics must focus on nurturing individuals who can identify and eliminate the forces behind unrest, ensuring campuses remain free from violence. Politics based on assault and intimidation is not democratic but a form of thuggery, creating individuals lacking empathy and humanity. The time to end such practices is long overdue. Protecting perpetrators instead of taking action only emboldens them and enables further violence. . . #StudentPolitics #CampusViolence #PoliticalDiscourse #SFI #CPM #Thiruvananthapuram #EndViolence #DemocraticValues #Kerala

Does power as the ruling party justify flouting rules or disregarding the law? Or is it the confidence that the district administration and police will remain silent spectators? A glaring example unfolded recently in Thiruvananthapuram’s Vanchiyoor, where a road was completely blocked, and a stage was constructed without permission. The Vanchiyoor police not only refrained from taking action but also stationed officers on both sides to redirect traffic, disregarding explicit court orders against obstructing roads for such purposes. Only after the incident drew media attention did the police, who had been guarding the area all day, raise a complaimt. The stage construction, which entirely blocked a section of the road, caused significant inconvenience for ordinary citizens, including schoolchildren and patients, who were left stranded and struggling. The roadblock was caused by the CPM’s Palayam Area Conference public meeting. Police barricades were set up to block both ends of the road, and officers were deployed to divert vehicles. This led to severe traffic congestion, as vehicles were funneled into a single lane. School buses and ambulances were among those caught in the chaos. The roads were finally reopened late at night, only after the conference and the KPSU’s play "Ningal Enne Communistakki" ("You Made Me a Communist") had concluded. Reports indicate that the police had not granted permission for the stage construction. It is deeply troubling that the police actively provided protection for such an unauthorized event. The belief that the ruling party can violate the law unchecked is misguided. Programs disrupting public life and restricting citizens’ freedom of movement must not be condoned. The KPA insists that all lawbreakers face consequences, regardless of political affiliation. . . #RuleOfLaw #PublicSafety #CivilRights #LawEnforcement #CitizenRights #TrafficManagement #CommunityImpact #JusticeForAll

The Government's decision to exclude the Dubai-based TECOM from the Kochi Smart City has shattered the vision of creating a global IT hub modeled after the renowned Dubai Internet City. Despite 13 years of operations, TECOM failed to attract significant investments or fulfill its promise of creating 90,000 jobs, with less than 10,000 employed so far. The Kochi Smart City project, once touted as a game-changer to place Kerala on the global IT map, now faces an uncertain future. Though it became a reality after prolonged political debates, the project never reached its anticipated goals. Leadership changes within Dubai Holding Group further contributed to its setbacks. The government has now reclaimed 246 acres of land originally allocated for the project. Signed in 2011, the agreement aimed to develop an IT township adjacent to Kakkanad Infopark. However, an important question remains: did the government exert adequate pressure on TECOM over the past two decades to fast-track the project? With TECOM’s exit, it is unclear whether the Smart City Kochi brand can still be retained. However, reclaiming the land and developing it as an IT park is a viable alternative. The immediate priority is to find a new investment partner to breathe life into this stalled venture. After nearly two decades of waiting since 2004, the government now seems ready to revive this long-dormant dream. The Kerala Pravasi Association (KPA) emphasizes the need to revive this ambitious project and ensure it becomes a cornerstone of Kerala’s IT development. The Kochi SmartCity should be transformed into a hub that provides opportunities for the state’s skilled youth, delivering on its promise as a catalyst for growth. . . #KochiSmartCity #ITDevelopment #KeralaIT #GlobalITHub #KPAInitiative #InvestmentOpportunities #TechInnovation #SmartCityRevival #EconomicGrowth #JobCreation