After drubbing, Kerala govt to fast-track development projects

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government is all set to implement public welfare and development activities through a fast-track system in the wake of the massive drubbing received in the Lok Sabha elections.

The move was made after considering the fast-approaching 2025 local elections and the 2026 assembly elections. The LDF government will also scrap plans to go ahead with the Silver Line project which has received backlash from the public. Preference will be given to development activities likened by people that can be completed within one and a half years.

The stalled LIFE scheme will be revived with new vigour. Welfare pension schemes and other stymied salary distribution will be fast-tracked. People's applications, petitions and files will be disposed of expeditiously. For this, nodal officers will be appointed in all departments under the supervision of the Chief Secretary.

The projects needed by the people will be identified and implemented. For this, opinions will be sought from all department secretaries, people's representatives and political leaders. The selected projects will be placed on the priority list.

The much-touted K-Phone, LIFE, urban transport projects, small port development projects, and waterways development didn’t hit the target with the people. The outer ring road, Kozhikode- Thiruvananthapuram metro projects, urban road development and integrated transport projects essential for Vizhinjam port development are also moving at a snail's pace. The application required for Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode metro projects has not yet been sent to the Centre.