People should have better role in plans: Pinarayi Vijayan

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday called for ensuring people’s participation in formulating and evaluating projects under the Five Year Plan. He was speaking at the first full board meeting of the Planning Board after LDF government came to power in the state, here on Thursday. Pinarayi said several outdated projects kept coming back which should be avoided. The Board should be able to accept people’s criticism about old projects and their recommendations for the new ones. A system needs to be put in place for accommodate these suggestions.

The Chief Minister said more seriousness should be given for evaluating the projects, much more than formulation of schemes. The working groups of Planning Board should hold extensive discussions on the impact of previous schemes and the future tasks, he said. Pinarayi said there was criticism that the discussions taking place in working groups were not reflecting in the schemes prepared by various departments.

Even though the Centre had abolished Five Year Plan, there are many centrally sponsored schemes which were still continuing, he added. The government is firm on making use of these schemes for the benefit of the State.  Planning Board and departments concerned should initiate steps in this direction, he added. “We came to power on the slogan – secular Kerala, corruption free Kerala and developed Kerala,” he said.

Indirectly referring to the proposed ban on RSS shakhas in temple premises and vigilance action against K. Babu, the Chief Minister said efforts had begun to wipe out corruption and defend secular fabric. On the third slogan “developed Kerala” the people are looking forward to 13th Plan. He said per capita production and per capita income had to be increased significantly.   Pinarayi said the government was committed to ensure environment protection, safety of women and children. “We will carry forward social justice and development together,” he added.