Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 9 (IANS) The Kerala government is putting in place a new mechanism to speed up the implementation of development projects announced in the Budget while simultaneously building a statewide database on the needs of senior citizens, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said on Wednesday
Addressing reporters soon after the weekly cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister said the Cabinet has decided to establish a coordination mechanism to ensure that Budget projects are implemented accurately and within stipulated timeframes.
“As part of the initiative, a three-day Round Table Conference will be held in Thiruvananthapuram from September 16 to 18. Discussions will be held in different clusters to firm up project plans, implementation mechanisms and timelines,” he said.
Satheesan said this was the first time in the state that such a comprehensive action plan was being put in place to translate Budget proposals into projects on the ground.
“Of the 73 projects announced across more than 40 departments, 63 require joint implementation by two or more departments. Only 10 projects come under a single department. The mechanism is aimed at preventing delays arising from poor coordination between departments. Detailed Project Reports will be prepared for 34 selected projects grouped under six clusters,” he added.
The conference will finalise the scope and objectives of the projects, their implementation, economic models, and specific completion schedules.
Think tanks, policy experts, academic and research institutions, technology institutions, international development partners, financial institutions, investors, industry associations, and startups will take part in the discussions.
The Terms of Reference for implementation have already been finalised.
The projects were assigned to the respective departments soon after the Budget announcements.
A knowledge partner has also been selected to provide strategic support.
In another major decision, the government has announced a statewide baseline survey of senior citizens to create a comprehensive database on their living conditions and welfare needs.
An MoU has been signed between the Department of Welfare of Senior Citizens and the Centre for Management Development for conducting the survey as part of the government’s 100-day programme.
Around 3,000 people aged 60 and above will be interviewed across all 14 districts.
The survey will assess their health, social and economic conditions, and day-to-day living circumstances.
It will also identify gaps in existing social security schemes and welfare services.
The survey will cover three age groups: 60-69, 70-79 and 80-plus and will include urban, semi-urban and rural areas as well as coastal, forest, tribal, and environmentally vulnerable regions.
The government plans to use the findings to formulate evidence-based policies and improve delivery of welfare services.
A state-level workshop involving senior citizens, caregivers, local representatives and government departments will also be held.
The final report is expected within three months of completion of data collection.
–IANS
sg/vd