UDF Government Decides to Disband Loka Kerala Sabha

Thiruvananthapuram: The Cabinet has decided to disband the Loka Kerala Sabha, a platform for expatriates to share their concerns and views. Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced the decision at a press conference held after the Cabinet meeting.

Although the government has said that an alternative mechanism will be put in place, it has not clarified when the process of establishing the new system will begin.

The UDF, which had alleged while in the Opposition that the Loka Kerala Sabha was an extravagant initiative, had granted administrative sanction for its activities in the new financial year after coming to power and allocated funds for its expenses. After reports emerged about this, the Chief Minister's Office had stated that the programme would not be conducted.

The decision reflects opposition to an effective initiative conceived and implemented by the LDF government. The UDF had attempted to undermine the Loka Kerala Sabha from the beginning while in the Opposition. It is now dismantling an initiative that had formulated several welfare schemes for expatriate Malayalis and created opportunities for them to invest.

Various expatriate organisations had urged the government not to withdraw from the platform created to ensure that their voices were heard. The decision not to conduct the Loka Kerala Sabha was taken without giving due consideration to the interests of the expatriate community, which makes a significant contribution to the state's economy.

A special Cabinet subcommittee has been formed for the purpose, with the Chief Minister as chairman and the Ministers of Home, Industries, Health and Irrigation as members. Another Cabinet subcommittee has also been formed to deal with matters related to Festival Kerala, with the Chief Minister as chairman and the Culture Minister as convenor.