UDF government’s first 100 days

Although the first 100 days of a government are not enough to make a full assessment, the saying that “a good beginning is half the work” gives some reason for optimism. The UDF government led by V.D. Satheesan, which came to power with a majority of more than 100 seats promising a new era of hope, has completed 100 days in office. As the government crosses its first three months after beginning its journey on May 18, the legacy of the previous 10-year Left government is both a responsibility and a foundation for its future progress. The biggest step so far has been the Priyadarshini free travel scheme for women on KSRTC ordinary buses, regardless of their income. Such popular measures are what help strengthen the feeling among people that this is “our government”

Since India gained independence, successive governments at the Centre and in the states have introduced several popular welfare schemes. However, numerous studies have clearly shown that the actual benefits of many such schemes have often been taken by officials and middlemen. The conditions imposed by governments for each scheme have often created opportunities for corruption and undermined the very purpose of the schemes. By introducing free Priyadarshini services without imposing any other eligibility criteria, the government has managed to remove the feeling among people that “anything is possible for the influential, while the powerless are left to their fate”.

Another major achievement has been the fight against the spread of drugs through Operation Toofan. More than 10,000 people have been arrested as part of the operation in this short period. The project has become a feather in the government’s cap, and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and the police personnel leading the operation certainly deserve appreciation.

The Health and Devaswom departments, which were in a state of disarray when K. Muraleedharan took charge of them, are now showing clear signs of improvement through his interventions. The announcement of a separate department for senior citizens received widespread appreciation, but the failure to appoint a minister in charge of it remains a shortcoming.

The increase in the honorarium of ASHA workers and the government’s decision to keep the police personnel responsible for the “rescue operation”, as well as the senior police officer who allegedly tried to protect them, out of service have helped give the government a more transparent political image. The start of exports from Vizhinjam, the launch of the Mission Samudra project and the decision to acquire land are among the major achievements of the government in its first 100 days. Although Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan had no previous experience as an administrator, he has shown an energetic and efficient style of leadership without allowing his lack of administrative experience to become a weakness.

The failure to appoint heads for various academies and welfare corporations remains a shortcoming. Each of the new ministers has been moving forward with welfare-oriented measures in their respective areas. The government’s intervention in controlling price rises during the Onam season and ensuring the distribution of essential commodities through Supplyco and ration shops are also significant. The fact that social welfare measures continued without interruption despite the financial crisis is no small achievement.