Reimagining Keralam conference begins; focus on alternative to Kerala model

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A three-day Reimagining Keralam Round Table Conference, aimed at preparing a roadmap for the time-bound implementation of development projects announced in the Budget, began here on Wednesday. Inaugurating the conference, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said the state, which had become stagnant under the legacy of the Kerala model, would be equipped to meet the challenges of the new era.

“What matters is not how many projects have been announced, but how many have been implemented on time and with quality. The projects will be given a clear shape within six months and brought on track within two years,” the Chief Minister said.

Removing the obstacles faced in attracting investment across various sectors is the main objective of the conference, said Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty, who delivered the keynote address.

Ministers A.P. Anilkumar, P.C. Vishnunadh, P.K. Basheer, N. Shamsudheen, Bindu Krishna, M. Liju, Roji M. John and O.J. Janish, State Planning Board Vice-Chairman K.M. Chandrasekhar, Chief Secretary Biswanath Sinha and Industries Department Additional Chief Secretary A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish were among those who attended.

35 projects across six clusters

• Thirty-five projects under 16 departments are being discussed across 31 sessions divided into six clusters. A project roadmap will be prepared by consolidating suggestions on how each project should be taken forward.
• The discussions cover Mission Samudra, Invest Kerala, artificial intelligence, disaster resilience, the silver economy, an aviation hub, Global Watch Tower, an MSME growth scheme, expatriate participation, Knowledge Valley, Wayanad Tribal University, J.C. Daniel Film City and the M.T. Vasudevan Nair Cultural Park.
• Policy experts, research institutions, academic institutions and investors from various sectors are participating in the conference. Project implementation, planning and coordination among departments will be examined in detail.