Kerala Urban Policy suggests major reforms
Thiruvananthapur: Kerala Urban Commission constituted by the government to formulate State Urban Policy for the next 25 years has recommended various pathbreaking measures to deal with the challenges of rapid urbanisation.
The major recommendations include setting up of Metropolitan Planning Committees (MPC) in three major cities Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode by 2025, 25 per cent reservation for youth in corporation councils and appointment of city managers. The Urban Commission, composed of national and international experts, had submitted the interim report to the Chief Minister the other day.
Given the rapid urbanization, it was felt that an urban policy was needed. According to studies, the rate of urbanisation in Kerala is double the national average and higher than many cities internationally. One of the studies pointed out that 90 per cent of Kerala's population will be urban by 2035.
It is in this context that the government chose to formulate a 25-year action plan. Kerala is the first state to constitute a commission and formulate urban policy.
Kerala local bodies minister M B Rajesh spoke about the recommendations at a press conference here on Thursday.
“A comprehensive urban policy is essential for Kerala, which is rapidly urbanising. These recommendations are expected to address and overcome major challenges posed by urbanisation,” he said.
The minister said the recommendations would be discussed with stakeholders from various sectors and the final report would be ready by March 31, 2025.
He said the basis for formulating the urban policy is to shape the growth of Kerala's cities over the next 25 years and to develop perspectives on balanced development. The primary consideration of the commission was to shape various strategies and policies for the future of Kerala in the new global context.
Rajesh stated that strengthening urban local government institutions financially and implementing social inclusion are among the main objectives. The commission envisions an urban development strategy that also incorporates climate change.
“The rural-urban divide has narrowed down considerably over the last two and half decades. The rapid urbanization being witnessed in the state poses major problems and challenges. But it also throws up an opportunity to tap the potential in various sectors,” he said.
The Urban Commission was headed by M. Satheesh Kumar, Belfast University, UK.
Commission members E. Narayanan, M. Anil Kumar, Sharmila Mary Joseph, Vyn Krishnamurthy, V. Suresh, K.S. James, Hitesh Vaidya, and Tikender Singh Panwar.