Kerala Pravasi Association

Kerala Minister V. Sivankutty's recent controversial comments at a public event are yet another example of arrogance amplified by the microphone. He criticized a popular Malayalam film actress for demanding Rs 5 lakh as remuneration for choreographing the welcome dance and song for the upcoming state school youth festival, later retracted his statement. Whether he fully understood its impact or not—there is no excusing the public insult directed at an artist. The actress did not approach the government; it was the government that sought her out. There's no precedent for artists performing at government events without compensation. So, how is asking for fair pay considered wrong? How can her rightful request for payment be dismissed as greed? The minister even called her actions arrogant, referencing her start at the school arts festival. While that was her beginning, her rise was earned through years of hard work. Besides her cinema success, she is also a dance teacher, training many children, including those in arts festivals. Teaching and performing are core to her profession. The minister’s remarks may be driven by personal motives or concerns, but there is a limit to such rhetoric. Those in power must exercise greater responsibility, as careless words can quickly become harmful. The public will not overlook the irony of those criticizing her while benefiting from government funds for events like the Nava Kerala Sabha, along with travel allowances and other perks. . . #VShivankutty #KeralaPolitics #PublicFigures #ArtistRights #WomenInArts #FairCompensation #CulturalRespect #MediaResponsibility

Kerala, a state where both the ruling and opposition parties united against the Citizenship Amendment Act, had strongly opposed the central government's agenda. However, criticism is mounting over the state’s failure to withdraw most cases related to the protests against the Act. In 2019, the Chief Minister had announced that all cases filed against CAA protesters would be withdrawn. Yet, recent events paint a different picture. Fourteen individuals, including MLA T. Siddique, who participated in a protest organized by the District Congress Committee (DCC), were recently forced to appear in court and secure bail. The ongoing legal proceedings stem from a protest led by the DCC in front of the KSRTC bus stand against the CAA. Cases, including non-bailable offenses, have been filed against participants, with MLA T. Siddique among those accused. Charges of damaging public property have also been added, which Siddique firmly denies, stating that no public property was harmed during the 2019 protests.   While the Chief Minister continues to claim, at election campaigns, that cases from the CAA protests and Sabarimala Temple agitations have been withdrawn, those who led these protests are still entangled in legal battles. The Kerala Pravasi Association (KPA) condemns the use of legal cases to suppress the political freedom of opposition members. The government must take immediate steps to withdraw all cases related to the CAA protests and Sabarimala agitations to uphold justice and fairness. . . #Kerala #CitizenshipAmendmentAct #PoliticalUnity #JusticeForProtesters #LegalReform #OppositionVoices #CivilRights #ProtestAgainstCAA #SabarimalaAgitation #PoliticalFreedom

The Government Mental Health Center in Kozhikode, is currently operating without adequate security staff. The salaries of the existing employees have been delayed for the past three months, and the hiring of new staff remains uncertain due to the ongoing salary crisis. The lack of proper staffing is causing significant difficulties in patient care. When patients are transferred from wards to cells, the absence of adequate security makes it extremely challenging for the staff. The situation has led to an increase in incidents of patients attempting to escape. To address this, a list of 114 candidates was submitted to the Government Mental Health Center from the District Military Welfare Board, and meetings were held to appoint 13 individuals. However, no one has been willing to take on the responsibility due to the salary crisis. In a situation where current staff members are not receiving their salaries, it is unlikely that new recruits will take on roles that require ensuring security. To resolve this issue, the salary arrears must be cleared, and new employees should be hired promptly to ensure the smooth functioning of the center. Without this, both patients and staff will continue to face significant hardships. . . #MentalHealth #Kozhikode #HealthcareCrisis #PatientCare #SecurityStaff #SalaryIssues #GovernmentSupport #MentalHealthAwareness #HealthcareWorkers #StaffingChallenges

Every child born into this world is entitled to fundamental rights that should never be denied or opposed. Yet, today, we see troubling instances where one life infringes on another’s. Every individual deserves the right to live with dignity and security in society. As human rights violations continue globally, it is a call to action for each of us to stand firm in protecting these rights and fostering a society that upholds justice and equality for all. . . #ChildRights #HumanRights #DignityForAll #StandForRights #SocialJustice #GlobalAwareness #EmpowerChildren #EndHumanRightsViolations

"Our movement will not survive if we fail to retaliate at the right time. If we get hit, retaliate back with more force."- These are the words of CPM leader and former minister M.M. Mani. He was speaking at the Idukki Santanpara CPM Area Committee meeting to cadres advising them to use physical might to retaliate against oppressors. It is deeply concerning that while the party claims to renounce political violence, its leaders continue to encourage it. The recent vandalism of a Congress office in Kannur, which grabbed headlines, has now been linked to a CPM sympathizer. Political parties must take a firm stand against violence and ensure that those involved in political crimes or murders are neither protected nor shielded politically or legally. True political strength lies in confronting opponents ideologically, not physically. Resorting to violence is nothing but cowardice. Is it the arrogance of expecting to retain power that drives such actions? Instead of endorsing violence, leaders should focus on resolving conflicts through dialogue and peaceful means. Political violence can only end when leaders show genuine integrity and commitment to democratic values. . . #PoliticalViolence #DemocraticValues #IntegrityInLeadership #NonViolentResistance #ConflictResolution #RetaliationNotViolence

Kerala has long received minimal financial aid from the Centre compared to northern states. Adding to this disparity, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has now demanded a revenue share for the Centre from the Vizhinjam International Port project. While the Kerala government has invested nearly ₹4600 crore in the project, the Union Minister justifies the demand citing the ₹817 crore viability gap funding (VGF) provided by the Centre. The VGF, announced at the project’s inception, is meant to support infrastructure projects that may not be financially viable, encouraging private investment. Kerala also matched the central contribution. However, the Centre now insists on recovering the VGF with its net present value (NPV) and a share of project revenues. In contrast, the ₹1411 crore sanctioned for Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin Port Outer Harbour project came with no such repayment conditions. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has demanded similar treatment for Vizhinjam. The Centre’s repayment terms mean Kerala must return the ₹817.80 crore, potentially amounting to ₹10,000–₹12,000 crore over time, considering interest and port revenues. The Kerala Pravasi Association (KPA) has criticized this move, arguing that instead of supporting state development projects, the Centre’s stance is obstructive. The KPA has urged the Union Finance Minister to consider Kerala’s request empathetically and avoid policies that hinder progress. . . #Kerala #VizhinjamPort #FinancialAid #UnionFinanceMinister #KPA #InfrastructureDevelopment #StateDisparity #KeralaInvestment #EconomicJustice #SupportKerala

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