Kerala 2005 - of Planning Commission

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Message
I have immense pleasure that the first Human Development Report for Kerala is being released.
Kerala’s record in the field of human development continues to be remarkable not only by national
standards but also by standards of most developing countries. “Kerala model” has been referred to
as a paradox of social development and economic backwardness. It is often also argued that the
“Kerala model” would become unsustainable, given the mounting fiscal problems of the State. What
the present Report finds, however, is that the progress in social development continues unabated and
marches ahead with Kerala retaining its lead in several spheres. Contrary to the experience prior to the
late 1980s, economic growth has also been an impressive one in Kerala, thus rejecting the description
of high social development with low economic growth.
While Kerala’s record in reducing and even eliminating gender disparity in many socio-economic
indicators is commendable, the problem of gender justice continues to remain intimately related to
several aspects of development. As discussed in this Report, the problem is observed not only in the
nature and extent of unemployment and the labour market but also in property rights, participation in
public affairs and domestic life.
For sustaining economic growth, the Report has given a road map and chalked out a strategy for a
broad-based, growth, based on its past achievements of high level human development. The Report
has emphasised that Kerala needs to follow the ‘high road’ to development, which calls for a long
time-horizon in investment, involves high levels of skills and knowledge, high technological base,
modern forms of organisation and professional management and governance.
In order to meet the challenges and capitalise on the opportunities, all sectors of the society need to
reflect on and discuss the issues and recommendations proposed in the Report. I am sure that policy
makers, researchers, NGOs and members from civil society organisations would respond to the issues
highlighted and the recommendations put forward in the Report.
C.V. PADMARAJAN