The Hindu Business Line : Kerala Govt forms task forces to implement Kalam's plan

THE State Government has formed five task forces to implement the 10-point mission spelt out by the President, Mr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, to ensure sustainable development of the State.

The mission, outlined by the President in his address to the State Assembly some time ago, has its emphasis on removing poverty and generating more employment opportunities as spin-offs of development projects in various sectors.

The Chief Minister, Mr Oommen Chandy, told newspersons after the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday that the mission, titled "Kerala 2010'', would be launched on November 1 coinciding with the golden jubilee of the formation of the State.

The mission would cover an additional six schemes identified by the Government over and above the 10 points made by the President, the Chief Minister said.

He said the Education Minister, Mr E.T. Mohammed Basheer, would be the Chairman of the task force on "Knowledge development, education and research'', while the Industries Minister, Mr V.K. Ibrahim Kunju, would chair the task force on "Knowledge products, knowledge industry and knowledge services".

The other task forces are on "Agriculture, agro/food products and fishing"; "Tourism and smart waterways"; and "Poverty alleviation, traditional industries and disadvantaged group".

They will be chaired, respectively, by the Agriculture Minister, Mrs. K.R. Gouri, the Water Resources Minister, Mr Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, and the Minister for Local Self Government, Mr Kutty Ahamed Kutty.

Each task force will prepare detailed plans in the respective areas and suggest action plans for the implementation of the mission. They will submit their reports before October 10 to the Planning and Economic Affairs Department.

The High Level Advisory Committee will consider the draft report at its meeting scheduled to be held on October 19 and 20.

When asked whether he would step down in the wake of the sharp setback suffered by the ruling United Democratic Front, led by Congress, in the just concluded local bodies elections, the Chief Minister said these elections were fought on local issues and that the Front's showing was better than that in Lok Sabha elections held in the State some time ago.

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