Kerala model of development critical analysis and a design for the future

Abstract

This thesis is intended to fashion and construct a new and upgraded model for Kerala s newlinesocio economic development on the foundations of the hitherto model which has been newlineinternationally lauded for high degrees of human development with comparatively low newlineinvestment. The origin and history of Kerala s development process since ancient times, newlinethrough the pre-independence period of colonial rule and post-independent rule of newlinedemocratic governments have been traced. The contribution of the socio religious reform newlinemovements in the beginning of the 20th century, the role of missionaries and the newlineprogressive policies of democratic governments have built the foundations of the state s newlineeducation, health and social services infrastructure. The social development with equity newlineand justice in turn has resulted in the positive outcome of a demographic transition and newlinepopulation stabilisation. The growth history of Kerala with initial stagnation and present newlinehigh rate of growth powered by the tertiary sector in spite of poor central government and newlineprivate investment has been traced. newlineThe progress and the effect of economic reforms from early 1990s on the Kerala newlineeconomy in the different sectors have been analysed. The views of experts on the very newlinesustainability of the Kerala model in the face of fiscal crisis, chronic unemployment and newlinethe lopsided economic development led by the tertiary sector, with the industry and newlineagriculture stagnating, have been highlighted. newlineA swot analysis of Kerala has been done listing out perceived strengths, weaknesses newlineopportunities and threats faced by the state. The necessity and rationale to utilise the newlineunique strengths, mitigate the weaknesses, meet the threats and seize the great potential newlineand opportunities for the state s socio economic development have been enunciated. The newlineopinion of the people of Kerala on the existing situation and the need for a new model as newlinewell as the desired initiatives have been collected under six major variables and 115 sub newlinevariables. The variables are grouped under.