The recently concluded investors’
meet by name “Emerging Kerala” has shown in very clear terms the destiny of
Kerala. The fact that it was inaugurated by no less than the Prime Minister of
India and the determined presence of Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission
during its deliberations clearly indicates the way a comparatively less developed
state like Kerala is going to emerge. Almost all the projects presented during
the meet have an NRI content and most of them are based in the Gulf. This is
only natural given the fact that a vast majority of NRIs from Kerala are based
in the Middle East . But what is worrisome is
the hidden agenda involved in all the projects under proposal, namely the
allotment of land on free basis or on lease for long periods. And once allotted
to an entrepreneur for a particular project, the chances of recovering it (even
if unutilized) are very remote. Vast tracts of precious real estate are already
in private hands by clever use of this tactic.
Ruling dispensations in Kerala in
contemporary times are really under the combined might of minority sections and
the role of politicians and interests representing the unorganized majority is
getting marginalized every day. This is reflected even in the number of
ministers from the majority community in the cabinet. The free allocation of
highly priced land in Kerala assumes great importance in this context. Most of
the entrepreneurs from the Gulf represent certain ‘clear’ interests and vast
tracts of prime properties are getting allotted by the powers who do not
reflect the majority interests. For those have been following the events, the
signs and symbols which signal the interests of organized sections in Kerala
are very obvious. It is indeed a God’s Own Country, but the question of “Which
God” is assuming great significance. Allegiance to foreign Gods are on the
ascent through India
Another ominous sign that has
great significance is the overwhelming importance for industry over agriculture
in a predominantly agricultural society. One of the powerful people even went
to the extent of suggesting that Kerala need not try to be self-sufficient in
food, because the nation is already self-sufficient. This lopsided development
philosophy has already ruined many states in the country and it is bound to
have serious repercussions in pre-dominantly agrarian society like in Kerala.
Everyone knows why Kerala is called the God’s Own Country? It is because of its
lush green landscape which is only possible because of Nature’s bountiful
blessings. Already overloaded with the highest density of population in the
country, Kerala does not have any real estate other than for minimum domicile,
agriculture and forests. Perhaps those who are conspiring against this
arrangement do not want to control their population, but convert Kerala into an
industrial society for their future generations to control.
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