KOZHIKODE: It has been half a century since Prof A.K Premajam came to Kozhikode from Pallikkunnu, Kannur. She came here to join as a history lecturer with the Government Arts and Science College, Meenchanda, in 1964 and after retiring as the principal of the College in 1994, she plunged into active politics with the Janadipathya Mahila Association and CPI (M). In 1995, Premajam became the mayor of her adopted city for two and half years and later, successfully contested the elections from the Vadakara Lok Sabha constituency in 1998 and again in 1999.
In 2010, the Party once again entrusted Prof Premajam with the duty of leading the City. On the eve of her last day in the office, the 22nd and longest serving woman mayor of Kozhikode Municipal Corporation speaks with DC.
How do you feel about the last five years in the council?
I am happy that we could do a lot of things for the welfare of people in the City. We had a good team. We built 45 new anganwadis in the city and the construction of another 48 anganwadis are in progress. All anganwadis in the City are equipped with a gas connection. For effective waste management, our waste treatment plant at Njeliyanparamba has received the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) aid of Rs 64 lakh under Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) for better reduction in the green house gas emission and an award from a media group. We distributed a record number of welfare pensions for the needy. We also launched many projects to help the Kudumbashree setup in the city and also did well in the health sector.
About controversies?
Whatever happened during the council meetings are part of politics and I do not take those issues personally. Teaching professionals helped me a lot in ‘controlling the troublemakers’ in the council. The one time I was really shocked was when councilor Sathyabhama slit her wrist in front of me. I still believe that someone instigated her to do that, otherwise such a scene would never have happened.
Projects pending?
Effective handling of stray dog menace would have been easier with the ABC project at Chelavur. But lack of awareness among the public and foul play by some people delayed it.
About elections?
The LDF will again come to power despite the fact that Congress and BJP have agreed on vote exchange in around nine wards to beat LDF candidates.
Future plans?
I will be active in politics, where else would I go! Also, I want to spend some time with my interests in cooking, embroidery etc.
