Malappuram May Have to Be Divided Into Three or Four Districts, Says P M A Salam

Malappuram: Muslim League state general secretary P M A Salam has called for the reorganisation of Keralam's districts based on population. He said Malappuram, with a population of more than 45 lakh, and Pathanamthitta, with around 10 lakh people, receive the same facilities despite the significant difference in population.

“If population is taken into consideration, Malappuram may have to be divided into three or four districts,” Salam told the media.

He said there should be no discrimination in the allocation of resources and that taluks should also be reorganised. The existing irrational administrative structure needs to be changed, he said, pointing out that several other states have created new districts as part of their development process.

Salam said the UDF would take a decision after receiving the report of the proposed Delimitation Commission.

Chief Minister V D Satheesan had said recently that the government would consider creating a new district with Muvattupuzha as its headquarters. He also announced that a Delimitation Commission would be formed for the purpose. The announcement was made at an event in Muvattupuzha.

There had earlier been proposals to create a Muvattupuzha district by bringing together the Devikulam and Thodupuzha Assembly constituencies in Idukki district, Muvattupuzha, Kothamangalam and Piravom constituencies in Ernakulam district, and some areas of Perumbavoor.

There have also been discussions about creating a new district centred on Neyyattinkara in Thiruvananthapuram.

Kasaragod was the last district to be formed in Keralam, in 1984.