A blueprint to revamp the ‘Kerala Model’ of development, which will also be a means to ensure that the record mandate won by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) to retain power in the State is used to create an inerasable legacy, will be at the centre of discussions at the State conference of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] that’s set to take place in Ernakulam for four days from March 1.
The document, which was discussed and endorsed by the party State committee, explores alternative policy trajectories with a view to firming up an all-round development paradigm for the State. It responds to cries of the Kerala model - which has produced commendable outcomes in the social sectors - stagnating, offering precious little to address the weaknesses in production and employment generation.
“We have been able to narrow the gaps in income and in sharing of resources. But how are we going to grow given the fiscal constraints and the weaknesses? From that stemmed the plan to capitalise on the favourable political situation in the State to create a paradigm for ‘Nava Keralam’ (New Kerala) even as we remain at the receiving end of the blows dealt to fiscal federalism,” said a party veteran.
