Kerala should emulate new economic reforms: PM

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 1 (UNI) Kerala, which has progressed much in the 50 years of its formation, needs new avenues of economic growth and employment generation and must invest more in skill- based education to increase employment opportunities, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said today.

''The time has come for Kerala to look ahead and think anew. I call upon the youth of this state to show how we can combine the struggle for social justice and equality with becoming more creative and productive,'' he said, inaugurating the golden jubilee celebrations of Kerala's formation here.

Promising all possible assistance from the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for the state's development, Dr Singh said the proposals made by the Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan would be considered.

He said the establishment of educational institutions like IIT and Institute of Science would be examined and taken up with the Ministry concerned.

Noting that the state had excelled in the social sectors, Dr Singh said there was a need to upgrade the quality of public services and make them more efficient.

He said the state needed new investment in horticulture, dairy farming, agri-business, information technology and the service sector.

On the problems faced by the plantation sector, Dr Singh said ''many feel that this has been caused by the winds of globalisation and the threat of imports. But the real problem is of poor productivity. We must apply modern science and technology to improve yields and productivity.'' He said the Centre would design supportive policies for traditional industries like coir and cashew.

Also greeting the Non-Resident Keralities living abroad, he said that their remittance had helped India's economy and had contributed to the national resources.

In his address, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said a Debt Relief Commission would be constituted in the state.

He said a housing programme would be launched with an aim to provide house for every family in the state.

Governor R L Bhatia, Defence Minister A K Antony, Union Minister Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi, Opposition leader Oommen Chandy were also present on the occasion.

UNI PN AJ RR RK2052