Thiruvananthapuram: The Loka Kerala Sabha to be hosted by the state government here on January 12 and 13 is meant to ensure the involvement of NRKs in Kerala's development and giving due priority to their issues in the state's policy-making processes.
The event to be participated by the elected representatives of the state and representatives of NRKs across the globe will also chalk out various development plans for the state and welfare initiatives for the pravasis. The programme will be held at the Legislative Assembly lounge.
Pooling NRKs’ funds for state infrastructure development through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board and introducing a dividend- based investment scheme for NRKs will be among the schemes that will come up for serious discussions at the meeting.
Kerala Pravasi Welfare Fund Board chairman P.T. Kunhi Mohammed said that the LKS was not an event to pool NRKs’ investments. "It is an attempt to ensure the active involvement of pravasis in Kerala's policy-making and development. As part of the deliberations, various proposals and ideas advantageous to the state as well as NRKs may emerge," said Mr. Mohammed who is also member of the LKS empowered committee.
There will be group discussions on various sectors like culture, education, industry, tourism and health. Adapting projects in foreign countries in the state and tapping expertise and knowledge of NRKs in various fields are also among the objectives of LKS. The shrinking job opportunities in Gulf countries owing to falling oil prices, localisation and stringent emigration policies would be discussed.
The 351-member LKS has been conceived as a permanent forum to ensure NRKs’ involvement in Kerala's development. MLAs and MPs, including ministers and nominated members, 42 members representing Keralites in other Indian states, 100 representatives of NRKs from various countries, six representatives of returnees and 30 experts from various fields would form part of LKS.
