Kerala Planned development | Kerala State PSC (KPSC) Preparation - Kerala PSC KAS PDF Download

Planned Development: Meaning and Necessity

• When India gained independence, its economy was primarily agricultural, with a minimal industrial base. The partition had resulted in widespread poverty and unemployment, further weakened by years of British exploitation. The immediate challenge was to adopt a development model that would ensure the country's overall growth.
• The Constitution of India, adopted in 1950, outlined protection and development policies through the Directive Principles of State Policy. These principles aimed to:
  • Promote the welfare of the people by establishing and protecting a social order where justice—social, economic, and political—guides all national institutions.
• Further, the Constitution directed the State to:
  • Ensure that all citizens, regardless of gender, have the right to an adequate means of livelihood.
  • Distribute ownership and control of material resources to best serve the common good.
  • Prevent the concentration of wealth and means of production that could harm the public interest.
• These principles were refined in December 1954 when Parliament adopted the 'socialist pattern of society' as the objective of social and economic policy. This approach, which combined values of socialism and democracy with planned development, aimed to achieve rapid growth and reconstruction of economic and social institutions. It was rooted in India's struggle for freedom and sought to mobilize national resources effectively for development.

Planned Development-Kerala

In Kerala, more than 65% of the population was historically engaged in agriculture. Initial challenges included underdeveloped infrastructure and a lack of mineral resources, which hindered industrial growth. Over time, the state saw the development of entrepreneurship primarily within the agriculture sector, followed by significant investments in the IT sector.
The development process across various sectors is outlined as follows:

Agriculture

• Kerala has historically depended on agriculture, producing a variety of crops including rice, black pepper, natural rubber, coconut, tea, coffee, cashew, and spices like cardamom, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The state is a major contributor to national production, producing 97% of India's black pepper and 85% of its rubber.
• In 1970, the increased availability of rice across the country led to a decline in rice production in Kerala. Consequently, the focus shifted towards seasonal crops and perennial tree crops.
• During 2015-16, the Government of Kerala initiated plans to establish 150 production units under the Coir Udyami Yojana, 600 units under the Mahila Coir Yojana, and 5 units under the Development of Production Infrastructure scheme to boost the sector.

Tourism

• Kerala is a popular destination in India and gained international recognition when National Geographic Traveller magazine named it one of the "Ten Paradises of the World" and "50 Must-See Destinations of a Lifetime" in 2012.
• The state's natural beauty and attractions, including beaches, waterfalls, lakes, mountain ranges, greenery, wildlife sanctuaries, ancient sites, and religious locations, have been enhanced through improvements in infrastructure, cleanliness, maintenance, and rejuvenation of tourist spots over the years.
• Initially unknown to national and international tourists, Kerala's strategic marketing and policies have elevated its status. In 1986, Kerala was the first state to declare tourism as an industry and adopted the tagline "God's Own Country" to attract tourists.

Education

• Education has been a major driver of development in Kerala, with the state achieving the highest literacy rate in India. The state's historical commitment to education has also contributed to better gender equity.
• A significant policy reform in Kerala's educational system was the introduction of the Kerala Education Rules in 1959. This reform aimed to curb corruption in teacher appointments, student admissions, and the management of private schools. It sought to implement nationally accepted standards in school administration and management, with additional focus on special education for reserved class students.

Industry

• The manufacturing sector in Kerala experienced sluggish growth post-independence, as the country embarked on rapid industrialization. The lack of essential minerals like coal and iron hindered industrial development.
• Early industries in Kerala were predominantly agriculture-based, including coir, oil milling, tile making, and the cashew industry. Over time, new industries emerged, and existing ones evolved. The state attracted investments from IT firms, leading to increased productivity through new technologies. As of July 2016, Kerala had nine operational IT/ITeS SEZs in locations such as Kakkanad, Thiruvananthapuram, and Pallipuram Village. Major IT companies like TCS, Infosys, and UST were providing job opportunities, with the industry projected to create 23,500 new jobs by 2017.
• Tourism has been a significant factor in shaping Kerala's economy. The state's popularity as a tourist destination has also led to a high consumption of alcohol. Today, Kerala is among the top choices for visitors.
• For the 2016-17 budget, the Government of Kerala proposed an allocation of USD 2.13 million for khadi and village industries. Additionally, the Kerala Khadi and Village Industries Board received financial assistance of USD 152.76 thousand for establishing the Gandhi-Khadi Museum at Payyannur.