My home district, Palakkad, in the state of Kerala in India was one of the economically backward districts till a few years back. Therefore, the news that the district has now achieved 100 % electrification was a pleasant surprise to me.
The State of Kerala has many such ” firsts” to its credit in spite of frequent political instability and an uncongenial labor situation which generally inhibit fresh investments from private players both domestic and international. In spite of this, the state has achieved 100% literacy in most of its districts, boasts of one of the most advanced and cost effective health care system in India, one of the most advanced Information Technology enabled citizen services networks in India, highest telecom penetration and cell phone usage density in the country.
Free education up to secondary level with free mid day meals thrown in to attract poor students, presence of many self help agencies and NGO’s to promote social security, micro credit and women empowerment at the village level, adequate hydro electric power etc. have all contributed to the economic growth of this state. Another significant growth engine is the Malayali diaspora who slog it out in blue collar jobs in the gulf region or who partner with the best of brains in R&D work in the US, Europe and Australia etc. and their steady remittances to banks back home has created significant foreign exchange reserves in the state.
The full potential of this state is yet to be developed and we can expect many more such “firsts” from the hard working and innovative minds if their collective energy is suitably channelised and leveraged by a progressive looking and stable government irrespective of political affiliations.
Wow! Thank you! I always wanted to write in my site something like that. Can I take part of your post to my blog?
Thank you.You are welcome.
Greetings, I like your website. This is a cool site and I wanted to post a note to let you know, good job! Thanks