KERALAArea : 38,863 sq kms, Population : 3,18,41,374
Capital : Thiruvananthapuram, Principal Language : Malayalam
HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHYKerala is in the extreme south-west of the Indian subcontinent. When independent India amalgamated smalls states together Travancore and Cochin states were integrated to form Travancore-Cochin State on 1 July 1949. However, Malabar remained under the Madras province. Under the State’s Re-organisation Act 1956, Travancore- Cochin state and Malabar were united to form Kerala state on 1 November 1956. In between the high Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian sea on the west, the width of the state varies from 35 km to 120 km. According to the geographical features, the state can be divided into hills, valleys, midland plains and costal belt. 44 rivers (41 west flowing and 3 east flowing) cut across Kerala with their innumerable tributaries and branches. The backwaters form an attractive and economically valuable feature of Kerala.
AGRICULTURE
A unique feature of the state is the predominance of cash crops. About 50 per cent of the population depends on agriculture. Kerala is a major producer of coconut, rubber, pepper, cardamom, ginger, cocoa, cashew, arecanut, coffee and tea. Spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, etc., are also cultivated. Rice and tapioca are the important food crops. The average annual decline in area under rice during the Eight Five-Year plan was around 22,000 ha, whereas it had come down to an average of 13,000 ha during the Ninth Plan period. The unprecedented drought in recent years has contributed to the decline of paddy production during 2003-04 which was reversed in 2004-05. During 2004-05 maximum increase in rice production was recorded in Allappuzha (+75 per cent) and Palakkad (+37 per cent) compared to previous year.
Coconut is the most important cash crop of Kerala with a coverage of 9 lakhs ha. Coconut occupies 41 per cent of net cropped area and provides lively hood to over 3.5 million families. Pepper is one of the major export oriented commodities in which the state continuous to enjoy a near monopoly in area and production. Kerala has a substantial share in the four plantation crops of rubber, coffee, tea and cardamom. The four crops together occupy 6.53 lakh ha of the net cropped area in the state and 43 per cent of the area in the country. Kerala accounts for 83 per cent of area under rubber in the country.
A unique feature of the state is the predominance of cash crops. About 50 per cent of the population depends on agriculture. Kerala is a major producer of coconut, rubber, pepper, cardamom, ginger, cocoa, cashew, arecanut, coffee and tea. Spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, etc., are also cultivated. Rice and tapioca are the important food crops. The average annual decline in area under rice during the Eight Five-Year plan was around 22,000 ha, whereas it had come down to an average of 13,000 ha during the Ninth Plan period. The unprecedented drought in recent years has contributed to the decline of paddy production during 2003-04 which was reversed in 2004-05. During 2004-05 maximum increase in rice production was recorded in Allappuzha (+75 per cent) and Palakkad (+37 per cent) compared to previous year.
Coconut is the most important cash crop of Kerala with a coverage of 9 lakhs ha. Coconut occupies 41 per cent of net cropped area and provides lively hood to over 3.5 million families. Pepper is one of the major export oriented commodities in which the state continuous to enjoy a near monopoly in area and production. Kerala has a substantial share in the four plantation crops of rubber, coffee, tea and cardamom. The four crops together occupy 6.53 lakh ha of the net cropped area in the state and 43 per cent of the area in the country. Kerala accounts for 83 per cent of area under rubber in the country.
INDUSTRYKerala is rich in industrial potentialities and infrastructure facilities such as hydro- electric power, rich forests, rare minerals and the efficient system of transport and communications. Traditional industries are handloom, cashew, coir and handicrafts, other important industries are rubber, tea, ceramics, electric and electronic appliances, telephone cables, transformers, bricks and tiles, drugs and chemicals, general engineering, plywood splints and veneers, beedi and cigar, soaps, oils, fertilizers and khadi and village industry products. There are a number of manufacturing units for production of precision instruments, machine tools, petroleum products, paints, pulp paper, newsprint, glass and non-ferrous metals. Principal export products are cashew nut, tea, coffee, spices, lemon grass oil, sea foods, rose wood and coir. The state has an abundance of important minerals like ilmenite, rutile, monozite, zircon, sillimanite, clay and quartz sand. The performance in the industrial export of almost all major products recorded positive growth. The Government of Kerala assists, industrial units by providing financial assistance, infrastructure and training / consultancy services. The important agencies / departments engaged in industrial promotion are KFC, KSIDC, SIDBI, KINFRA, Directorate of Industries and Commerce, SIDC, SISI, KITCO & CMD. The Directorate of Industries and Commerce provides infrastructure facilities for small-scale sector by acquiring land and developing it into developmental area/ plots with facilities like developed land, road, water supply, electricity, necessary buildings, etc. The Small Industries Development Corporation also undertakes works on provision of infrastructure facilities for the small-scale sector through its major and mini industrial estates. One of the major thrust areas for export promotion has been the Special Economic Zone. The scheme intends to set up Special Economic Zone in the country with a view to provide an internationally competitive and hassle free-environment for exports. Kochi is the only city in India having three Special Economic Zones – Electronic Parks at KINFRA in Kalamassery, Cochin SEZs, Port Based SEZs. Other SEZs are Malappuram Food Park, Technopark, proposed SEZ, Thiruvananthapuram Apparel Park, Film and Video Park and Animation SEZ (First Animation SEZ in India). The small-scale industrial sector is one of the most dynamic and vibrant sectors in the Indian economy in terms of employment generation. The Government of Kerala has drawn up an investment promotion programme named as Kerala Local Industry Promotion Programme (KLIPP) under the banner name of PRATHYASA through District Industries Centre.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Information technology and the ability to use it is increasingly being considered as the critical factor in generating and accessing wealth, power and knowledge and therefore societal welfare. The Government of Kerala has taken several steps for the development of IT in the State. Prominent among them are: (1) Technopark – Thiruvananthapuram – India’s first world class, world - scale IT campus. (2.) IT Park at KINFRA at Kochi. (3) Akshaya Programme of Kerala IT Mission. (4) E-Governance initiatives of State Government like FRIENDS. Technopark was conceived as an integrated IT environment with all necessary basic and enhanced infrastructural facilities that the industry needs. It acts as a single-point contact for most of the Government of India clearances and approvals. Kerala has been selected as the second best state in India in implementation of e-governance. FRIENDS (Fast Reliable Instant Efficient Network for disbursement Service) is a “Single Window Mechanism” where citizens have the opportunity to pay all taxes and other financial dues to the Government. E-pay is an online bill payment facility introduced by Government of Kerala through Akshaya e-kendras as an extension of FRIENDS project in Malappuram District during August 2004. The citizen call centre the first of its kind in the country-setup in the state capital provides information on transactions pertaining to various government departments which are required by common citizens, over telephone.
Information technology and the ability to use it is increasingly being considered as the critical factor in generating and accessing wealth, power and knowledge and therefore societal welfare. The Government of Kerala has taken several steps for the development of IT in the State. Prominent among them are: (1) Technopark – Thiruvananthapuram – India’s first world class, world - scale IT campus. (2.) IT Park at KINFRA at Kochi. (3) Akshaya Programme of Kerala IT Mission. (4) E-Governance initiatives of State Government like FRIENDS. Technopark was conceived as an integrated IT environment with all necessary basic and enhanced infrastructural facilities that the industry needs. It acts as a single-point contact for most of the Government of India clearances and approvals. Kerala has been selected as the second best state in India in implementation of e-governance. FRIENDS (Fast Reliable Instant Efficient Network for disbursement Service) is a “Single Window Mechanism” where citizens have the opportunity to pay all taxes and other financial dues to the Government. E-pay is an online bill payment facility introduced by Government of Kerala through Akshaya e-kendras as an extension of FRIENDS project in Malappuram District during August 2004. The citizen call centre the first of its kind in the country-setup in the state capital provides information on transactions pertaining to various government departments which are required by common citizens, over telephone.
IRRIGATIONKeeping in line with National Approach, Kerala also relied upon surface water irrigation system operating the gravitational force for distribution. A major chunk of the outlay on water resources sector was earmarked for major and medium irrigation. Out of a cumulative investment of Rs. 3572.40 crore made in March 2005, Rs. 2462.51 crore (69 per cent) was for major and medium irrigation. The irrigation system in Kerala is serviced through major, medium and minor irrigation as well as ground water and command area development programmes. The completed major irrigation projects are Malampuzha, Chalakkudy, Peechi, Pampa, Periyar, Chittorpuzha, Kuttiyadi, Neyyar, Chimmini, Pazhassi, Kanjirapuzha and Kallada and the medium projects are Pothundy, Gayathri, Walayar, Vazhani, Mangalam and Cheerakuzhi. Construction works of four major projects Muvattupuzha, Idamalayar, Karapuzha, Kuriarkuty – Karappara and the medium projects Banasurasagar, Bridge-cum-regulator at Thrithala and Chammaravattom are in progress. In Kerala an outlay of Rs. 930 crore is set apart for irrigation sector during 10 t h plan period which includes Rs. 600 crore for major and medium irrigation, Rs. 205 crore for minor irrigation for Rs. 50 crore for Flood Control and Anti-Sea Erosion work. During the first three years of plan period an amount of Rs. 435.95 crore was budgeted and expenditure for the period was Rs. 494.63 crore. The major portion of the outlay on water resources sector was earmarked for major and medium irrigation projects.
The Command Area Development programme was launched with the main objective of bridging the gap between the irrigation potential created and utilised and improving agriculture production and productivity in the irrigation commands. The programme was restructured in 2003-04 and re-named as Command Area Development and Water Management Programme.
The main activities of Command Area Development Authority (CADA) include construction of field channels, field drains, enforcement of wara bandhi and reclamation of Water logged areas. The CAD activities were carried out in 16 completed irrigation projects, namely, Malampuzha, Mangalam, Pothundy, Walayar, Cheerakuzhy, Vazhani, Peechi, Chalakkudy, Neyyar, Gayatri, Pampa, Periyar Valley, Chitturpuzha, Kuttiyadi, Pazhachi and Kanjirapuzha with a total layout of 2.03 lakh ha. CADA programmes are implemented with financial assistance of Govt. of India. The achievement recorded during 2004-05 include construction of field channels in 1,998 ha, drains to benefit 6,156 ha, adaptive trials in 10ha, 83 training programmes, bench mark and evaluation studies in 2,302 ha. The work on reclamation of water locked areas was done in 1033 ha and 3 evaluation reports were also published.
The Command Area Development programme was launched with the main objective of bridging the gap between the irrigation potential created and utilised and improving agriculture production and productivity in the irrigation commands. The programme was restructured in 2003-04 and re-named as Command Area Development and Water Management Programme.
The main activities of Command Area Development Authority (CADA) include construction of field channels, field drains, enforcement of wara bandhi and reclamation of Water logged areas. The CAD activities were carried out in 16 completed irrigation projects, namely, Malampuzha, Mangalam, Pothundy, Walayar, Cheerakuzhy, Vazhani, Peechi, Chalakkudy, Neyyar, Gayatri, Pampa, Periyar Valley, Chitturpuzha, Kuttiyadi, Pazhachi and Kanjirapuzha with a total layout of 2.03 lakh ha. CADA programmes are implemented with financial assistance of Govt. of India. The achievement recorded during 2004-05 include construction of field channels in 1,998 ha, drains to benefit 6,156 ha, adaptive trials in 10ha, 83 training programmes, bench mark and evaluation studies in 2,302 ha. The work on reclamation of water locked areas was done in 1033 ha and 3 evaluation reports were also published.
POWERThe growth of power sector in Kerala during the last two decades has been remarkable. During the early stages of development, focus was on tapping hydro power potential in the state. Kerala Power System consists of 30 power generating stations which include 24 hydel, 5 thermal and one wind of which KSEB owns 24 hydel and one wind and two thermal stations. The total installed capacity in Kerala as on 31 March 2005 is estimated as 2617.22 MW of which KSEB’s hydel plants contribute 1810.60 MW, Wind farm at Kanchikode 2.0 MW and Thermal Power Plants 234.60 MW. Malankara Hydro Electric Project was commissioned on 23 October 2005. As a result the installed capacity has been increased by 10.5 MW. Under the micro-hydel programme, implementation of Micro Hydel Projects on behalf of two district Panchayats, Kammadi in Kasargode district and Chakkarakundu in Kozhikode district have been undertaken by ANERT. UNIDO has set up a Regional Centre on small hydro power at Energy Management Centre. The centre has prepared detailed project reports for 30 small hydro projects in Kerala. Of which 13 small hydro project were allotted to bidders under Captive Power Projects and Independent Power Projects on BOOT basis. The first off grid 100 KW micro hydel power projects was commissioned in Mankulam, Iduki District. Pasavaikumbe in Kasargode district and Kalyanathandu in Idukki district are two sites identified for study under the National Wind Energy Resource Assessment. In the light of launching the project, Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidhyuteekaran Yojana (RGGVY) by the Government of India, proposals were submitted to the
Government of India with an outlay Rs. 348.79 crore for the electrification of 3578 habitations in 930 villages covering 14 districts of Kerala. The Government of India have sanctioned Rs. 221.75 crore to implement the scheme as first phase covering seven districts in Kerala viz. Kasargod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Idukki, and Palakkad.
Government of India with an outlay Rs. 348.79 crore for the electrification of 3578 habitations in 930 villages covering 14 districts of Kerala. The Government of India have sanctioned Rs. 221.75 crore to implement the scheme as first phase covering seven districts in Kerala viz. Kasargod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Idukki, and Palakkad.
TRANSPORT
Transport system of the state consists of 1.61 lakh km of Road, 1148 km of Railways 1687 km of Inland Water Ways and 111 statute miles of Airways and 18 ports.
Transport system of the state consists of 1.61 lakh km of Road, 1148 km of Railways 1687 km of Inland Water Ways and 111 statute miles of Airways and 18 ports.
National Highways in Kerala
Sl. No. Name Length (kms) .
Sl. No. Name Length (kms) .
- NH 17 – Thalappady – Edappally 420.777
- NH 47 – Walayar – Kaliyikkavila 416.800
- NH 47 A – Wellington Island to Kochi – Bypass 5.920
- NH 49 – Bodimettu – Muvatupuzha – Kochi 167.593
- NH 208 – Kollam – Aryankavu – Muvattupuzha 81.280
- NH 212 – Kozhikode – Kallegel 117.600
- NH 213 – Kozhikode – Palakkad 125.300
- NH 220 – Kollam – Kottayam – Kumily – Theni 190.300
Railway :
The State has a total railway route of 1148 kms of which 111.14 kms are metre gauge and covers 13 railway routes. The work of guage conversion between Kollam and Punalur is in progress.
The State has a total railway route of 1148 kms of which 111.14 kms are metre gauge and covers 13 railway routes. The work of guage conversion between Kollam and Punalur is in progress.
Aviation :
Kerala has three air ports; viz, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi (Nadumbassery) and Kozhikode. Of which the first two are international airports.
Kerala has three air ports; viz, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi (Nadumbassery) and Kozhikode. Of which the first two are international airports.
Port Sector :
Along its coastline of 585 kms' Kerala has one major port at Kochi and 17 minor intermediate ports. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the Vallarpadam International Container Transshipment Terminal on 16 December 2005. Completion of the prestigious project would make the Kochi Port as a major hubport in the Indian Ocean.
FESTIVALSKerala is the home of many colourful festivals. Most of them have a religious fervour inspired by Hindu Mythology.
- Onam is the most typical of Kerala festivals which coincides with the harvest season. It is now celebrated on astronomical New Year Day.
- Navarathri is celebrated as Saraswathi Pooja in Kerala.
- Maha Shivarathri is celebrated on the banks of Periyar river as a spectacular festival which is compared to Kumbhamela. The 41-day festival, which coincides with Makaravilakku in Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple, attracts lakhs of people from India and abroad.
- The Vallamkali or boat race is typical of Kerala.
- All the boat festivals have a religious origin except Nehru Trophy Boat race conducted in the Punnamada Lake.
- Thrissur celebrates Pooram festival in April - May every year with an impressive procession of caparisoned elephants and display of unparalleled pyrotechnics.
- Main Christian festivals are Christmas and Easter.
- Maramon Convention held every year on the Pumba riverbed is the biggest gathering of Christians in Asia.
- The Muslims celebrate Milade Shareef, Ramzan fasting, Id-ul-Fitr and Bakrid.
TOURISM
Tourism to Kerala is what apple growing is to Himachal Pradesh. Both these regions offer all the pre-conditions for sustained and successful growth of the respective activities. The factors stimulating a flourishing tourism sector include, scenic splendour, moderate climate, clean environment, friendly and peace loving people with high tolerance for cultural diversity and the potential for creating unique tourism products.
Kerala has emerged as the most acclaimed tourist destination in the country. Beaches, warm weather, back waters, hill stations, water falls, wild life, Ayurveda, treatment year–round festivals and diverse flora and fauna make Kerala a unique destination for tourists. The Department of Tourism, Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, District Tourism Promotion Council, Bakal Tourism Development Corporation, Local Government and Private Sector are the major players in the field. The thrust areas presently being looked into are the development of village tourism, MICE tourism (meeting, incentives, conventions and events/exhibitions/trade shows), heritage tourism, eco-tourism and medical tourism.
Thenmala Eco-Tourism project features a tourist facilitation centre, shop court garden, plazas, picnic areas, natural trail, rock climbing, river crossing, amphitheatre, restaurant, suspension bridge, lotus pond, musical dancing fountain, sculpture garden, deer rehabilitation centre, boating, battery powered vehicles, etc. During 2004-05, 104622 tourists visited Thenmala and the revenue generated was Rs. 3563820. The foreign exchange earning from tourism during 2004 is Rs. 1266.77 crore. The earning from domestic tourists during 2004 is Rs. 3881.92 crore. Total revenue generated from tourism directly and indirectly in the state is worked out to about Rs. 6829 crore. Tourism employs about 8 lakh persons in the state. The investment in tourism is about Rs. 500 crore per year.
EDUCATIONAccording to 2001 census, the literacy rate in Kerala is well above the National average and it is the highest among the Indian States. The literacy rate in Kerala was 90.86 per cent in 2001 as against the all India rate of 65.38 per cent The male and female literacy rate are 94.2 per cent and 87.6 per cent respectively. In Kerala there were 12644 schools in 2006 comprising 6817 lower primary schools, 3037 upper primary schools and 2790 high schools. Besides there are 587
CBSE School, 78 ICSE Schools, 26 Kendriya Vidyalayas and 13 Jawahar Navodaya Vidhyalayas.
The dropout rate is comparatively low in Kerala. During 2004-05 the dropout rate was 0.88 at LP level, 0.45 at UP level and 1.50 at HS level. In order to reorganise secondary level of education in accordance with the National Educational Policy, Higher Secondary course was introduced in the state. As a first step during 1990-91, 31 government schools were upgraded to the status of Higher Secondary Schools. Grading system of evaluation has been introduced in Higher secondary levels from 2005-06 academic year onwards.
CBSE School, 78 ICSE Schools, 26 Kendriya Vidyalayas and 13 Jawahar Navodaya Vidhyalayas.
The dropout rate is comparatively low in Kerala. During 2004-05 the dropout rate was 0.88 at LP level, 0.45 at UP level and 1.50 at HS level. In order to reorganise secondary level of education in accordance with the National Educational Policy, Higher Secondary course was introduced in the state. As a first step during 1990-91, 31 government schools were upgraded to the status of Higher Secondary Schools. Grading system of evaluation has been introduced in Higher secondary levels from 2005-06 academic year onwards.
HEALTH
Kerala has achieved very good health standards in areas like birth rate, death rate, infant motality rate, maternal mortality rate, average life at birth and immunisation. In Kerala birth rate is 16.90, death rate - 6.40, IMR – 10 and MMR – 0.87 per thousand population. Though Kerala has attained better health care indicators, the people are now facing the problem of high morbidity both from communicable and non- communicable diseases.
Kerala’s health care system consists of Allopathy, Ayurveda and Homoeopathy. Three systems of medicines together have 2711 institutions in government sector. Kerala spends fairly substantial amount on medical and public health which is evident from the per capita government health expenditure.
Kerala has achieved very good health standards in areas like birth rate, death rate, infant motality rate, maternal mortality rate, average life at birth and immunisation. In Kerala birth rate is 16.90, death rate - 6.40, IMR – 10 and MMR – 0.87 per thousand population. Though Kerala has attained better health care indicators, the people are now facing the problem of high morbidity both from communicable and non- communicable diseases.
Kerala’s health care system consists of Allopathy, Ayurveda and Homoeopathy. Three systems of medicines together have 2711 institutions in government sector. Kerala spends fairly substantial amount on medical and public health which is evident from the per capita government health expenditure.
DRINKING WATER SUPPLY
In Kerala 83.07 per cent urban and 62.74 per cent rural population was being supplied with piped water supply by 2004-05. The overall water supply coverage is 68.02 per cent as against 67.52 per cent.
In Kerala 83.07 per cent urban and 62.74 per cent rural population was being supplied with piped water supply by 2004-05. The overall water supply coverage is 68.02 per cent as against 67.52 per cent.
POVERTY ERADICATIONKerala is seeking to achieve a breakthrough in participatory poverty reduction through local government and Kudumbasree Programmes implemented by State Poverty Eradication Mission. As per the NSSO 55 th round, (1999-2000). Kerala’s poverty is 9.35 per cent in rural areas and 20.27 per cent in urban areas.
GOVERNMENTGovernor : R.L. Bhatia, Chief Secretary : Lizzie Jacob
Chief Minister : V.S. Achuthanandan
Jurisdiction of High Court : Kerala and Lakshadweep Centre.
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