UDF put development on Kerala's agenda:Vayalar Ravi

Kochi, Mar 5 (UNI) Claiming that the UDF Government had put development firmly on Kerala's agenda during the past five years of its rule, Union Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi today said that continued investments were necessary for the state's further growth.

Inaugrating a 'Kerala Development Seminar' as part of the KPCC 'sampoorna sansthana sammelan' here, Mr Ravi said the government was completing its term with the satisfaction of having initiating several welfare schemes for the people.

''There was not a single agitation against price rise during our rule. We managed to step up agricultural production. Neither was the treasury closed nor the people pushed to starvation,'' he added.

Underlining the importance of promoting investments in the state, Mr Ravi said these were essential for the further growth of the Kerala economy.

He also stressed the importance of higher education, especially in the professional fields, for development and said that the UDF government had taken several measures in this regard.

Expressing concern at the condition of the traditional industries including coir, Mr Ravi said governmental intervention was necessary to shore up these sectors.

State Fisheries and Sports Minister Dominic Presentation was also present on the occasion.

Papers were presented by Vice-Chairman of the State Planning Board C V Padmarajan and member, Planning Board, Peelippose Thomas and other leading economists on infrastructure development, information technology and agriculture.

UNI ARC VV RR RK2025