Vision 2031 Marks New Chapter In Kerala’s Development: CM Pinarayi Vijayan

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the international conference “Vision 2031: Development and Democracy” has marked a new chapter in the state’s development journey. Addressing the concluding session of the conference organised by the State Planning Board, he said the event successfully brought together leading academics, intellectuals and technical experts from India and abroad to discuss Kerala’s future.

The Chief Minister said the conference stood out for the depth of its discussions and the long-term vision reflected in the ideas that emerged. The suggestions and proposals raised during the deliberations will serve as a foundation for Kerala’s growth at every level in the coming years. Such meaningful dialogues, he said, will strengthen the state’s development path.

He noted that Kerala society has clearly recognised the value of drawing on knowledge and experience from across the country and the world. The conference was unique in many respects and broadened the understanding of Kerala among participants. The exchange of ideas has helped boost confidence among the people and will further strengthen the state’s decentralised democratic system. The government will take forward the recommendations that emerged from the discussions.

Issues that require new laws will be placed before the Legislative Assembly. Matters needing further study will be examined through detailed and authoritative reports. Policy decisions will be taken wherever necessary. Practical ideas will be converted into projects and implemented through government and semi-government institutions. These steps, he said, will help realise the vision of a New Kerala as the state marks 75 years of its formation.

The Chief Minister emphasised that policy-making is not a closed exercise. It evolves through continuous dialogue between society and the government. Vision 2031 is not just a technical document, but a participatory development framework in which everyone—from economists to ordinary citizens—has a role.

Kerala’s development model, he said, has always focused on land reforms, public education and healthcare, backed by continuous renewal. Markets alone cannot ensure social justice, and public intervention remains essential.

Kerala became the first state to completely eradicate poverty in November 2025, the Chief Minister said, describing it as the result of sustained public investment over the years. The next step is to build a strong knowledge-based economy while upholding social commitment. The state aims to create quality jobs and encourage innovation without compromising on welfare.

He also highlighted the role of local self-government institutions since the People’s Planning initiative launched in 1996. The government plans comprehensive changes to municipal and Panchayati Raj laws to meet present-day needs, and special committees will be appointed for this purpose.

Social unity remains the most important condition for development, he said. Secularism is one of Kerala’s major strengths and contributes to economic progress. At a time when concerns are being raised about the financial powers of states, he stressed that cooperative federalism requires adequate financial capacity for states. Despite existing constraints, Kerala will continue to prioritise welfare schemes and public services, the Chief Minister asserted, adding that the state will move forward with confidence and clarity in realising the goals outlined in Vision 2031.