New Kerala Model:
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The ‘New Kerala’ paradigm envisions infrastructure development using private investment and intends to eradicate extreme poverty. (#diagram)
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It balances social development and environmental sustainability.
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It aims to create a framework that intends to deliver outstanding outcomes in social sectors, narrowing the gaps in income and in sharing of resources.
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It makes an attempt to form synergies between civil society, local government bodies and the state government. (#diagram)
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The idea of ‘Nava Keralam’ (New Kerala) focuses on private investments along with equal attention to protect the interests of the poor and marginalised sections of the society.
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The policy document addresses the need for infrastructure development and takes all measures to eradicate extreme poverty.
Issues in Kerala’s Old Model:
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The old Kerala model did not address the issues of unemployment.
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In the wake of the pandemic, Kerala’s high life expectancy rate has converted to high death rate along with increasing cases of alcoholism.
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Despite being the state with the highest literacy rate, it ranks 9th highest in terms of per capita income accompanied by a contraction in its Gross State Domestic Product and unemployment rate of 9% .
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The alarming rate of fiscal deficit of 4% of GSDP limits the scope of revival of Kerala’s economy.
Conclusion:
Kerala has set remarkable examples in terms of growth and development which can be a subject of case study for other states to replicate the new model and scale it up for a transition to participatory and community based development.