KERALA MODEL DEVELOPMENT: DEVOLUTION OF POWER

The Kerala model of development plays a significant role in creating a road map for the development of the Indian nation. This state is considered to be the most educated and socially developed region in a vast country with a number of states like India. In this study, the model of development of Kerala has been discussed. Besides, it highlights the devolution of power in the country and how the governmental reforms of this state have set a new meaning of power distribution for the effective development of a state. The democratic decentralisation of Kerala holds specific significance in the history of development in India. 

Kerala model of development: devolution of power

Modern Kerala has emerged as a constituent state of the Indian Union that consists of three regions namely, Cochin, Malabar and Travancore. The state is considered to be the greenest region around the world and is popularly known as “God’s own Country”. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the world. The Kerala model of development has achieved educational and social development that can be compared to most of the developed nations. The state has an excellent record in education, health and redistribution of land that assists the region to provide a case to argue the basis of societal and human development in India. As per the data of 2019, the state enjoyed an education rate of 90% which is the highest rate of literacy around Kerala. 

This state is the first Communist state of elected India and it has pioneered equitable land reforms that help this region to top the list of development in the country. Population growth rate in the state is lower than other states of India which helps the state to compete with the near-zero population objective of China. Besides, the pressure of population on meagre land in Kerala is very high with almost 819 persons per square mile. According to the latest data, the mortality rate of Kerala is very low, 14 per thousand people died in the state. This indicates an excellent health standard of both male and female populations in the state. The social status of women in Kerala is comparatively much higher than the rest of the country with women posted in higher ranks at their workplaces. 

Impacts of Kerala Model of Development

Travancore of Kerala has struggled to obtain a responsible government along with the struggle of Malabar to acquire national freedom. The majority of villages and rural areas (almost 91%) in Kerala have access to fresh water and all the villages in the state are electrified. The developed condition of the villages and rural areas of this state reflects the mantle of governing history of Kerala. Besides, surveys conducted by reliable public and private organisations reveal that Kerala has the lowest rate of people below the poverty line. For instance, only 12.5 per cent of Kerala’s population are below the poverty line. 

The Marxists (Communist Party of India) are considered to be the biggest reason supporting the healthy development of Kerala in education, healthy and social development of people in Kerala. The political and social changes of Kerala have restructured the system of power within the state. However, despite high standards of human development in Kerala, the model of development of Kerala ranks low in terms of economic and industrial developments.

Definition of devolution of power

The term devolution of power means a transfer of power from central government to state or regional government/ authorities. Devolution is a local custom which mainly governing an inheritance of land. Devolution of power usually occurs through conventional statuses among authorities rather than through changes in a country’s constitution Thus a unitary system is created in the government system in this manner which is considered as a unitary system rather than a federal system. In this type of governing system, the power of the subnational government can be taken back by the central government at any time. Throughout the history of India, there has been a tendency of centralising power by government authorities. In this devolved system, powers which are granted are not guaranteed in constitution and all powers are also not permanent However, during the late 20th Century, both unitary and federal systems have sought to reduce the power of the central government in order to devolve the power of local bodies. This shifting of power from central to local governing bodies in Kerala has given rise to Marxism. 

Classification of devolution of power

In order to discuss the local bodies of Kerala, the government tries to strengthen through some numerous ways which discuss some four missions. The missions such as financial empowerment, education protection mission, Aar dram mission and also green Kerala. Government also takes initiatives to generate employment and stretch all physical and social infrastructure. In addition, also extending some policies which can help to raise awareness against social exclusion. Thus, policies of governments can raise legacy which helps to defend all gains of history and construct a planning of “(13th five-year in 2017-2022) which is mainly enhanced to guide a development process.

Conclusion

This study mainly concludes an overall discussion of the Kerala model and also the devolution power of which has worked efficiently for proper development of Kerala. In addition, it also includes power and authority which is from local authorities and which have enforced human development. In order to discuss the development in future for state and this post mainly provides a significant step of devolution. It also concludes an important role of social and also the educational development of Kerala in which it states that how much educated and states their literacy rate. However, it mainly reflects devolution of power of Kerala and which is not work efficacy in their space for economic development and also for industrial development.