Governor delivers policy address, criticises Centre

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, who has indefinitely withheld the controversial University and Lokayukta Amendment Bills, delivered the policy address in the Legislative Assembly on Monday without even skipping the indirect references to his own actions. After the speech, he left the assembly without indulging in friendly talks with anyone.

The governor read out the policy address handed over by the government as it was. He did not make any changes to it. The statements that the dignity of the legislation and the intention of the legislatures must be protected and that the will of the people is represented through the legislatures were indirect attacks against the governor. He lauded Kerala's growth in terms of economic growth, social empowerment and welfare of basic sections.

The launch of the Kerala Knowledge Economy Mission, which aims to generate 20 lakh jobs in five years, was made clear in the policy address. There were also anti-central remarks in the governor's policy address which began by saying 'My Government'. The policy address also indicated that the controversial SilverLine has not been abandoned. Meanwhile, the opposition protested from the beginning and the end by raising placards saying that there was collusion between the governor and the government.

Mullaperiyar
The policy address stated that besides giving water to Tamil Nadu, a new dam is needed considering the serious threats posed by the ageing Mullaperiyar dam.

KIIFB
The central government's decision to include the loans taken by KIIFB in Kerala's total borrowing limit has limited the state's borrowing capacity. This will reduce the government's ability to increase its priorities. Resources will become limited. The state is expecting favourable intervention from the Centre in this regard.