Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, announced that the Kerala government has decided to dissolve the decade-old Loka Kerala Sabha and replace it with a new mechanism to engage the global Keralite diaspora in the state's development and investment agenda. The decision was taken at the weekly Cabinet meeting in Thiruvananthapuram.

Why the Loka Kerala Sabha is being wound up

Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Satheesan said the Left governments had organised the Loka Kerala Sabha for nearly a decade but 'nothing happened' through the events held during that period. He made clear the new government would not continue with the platform in its existing form. The Sabha, conceived as a global assembly of non-resident Keralites, had faced recurring criticism for being more ceremonial than substantive.

What replaces it

An alternative mechanism is being designed to go beyond discussion and leverage the Keralite diaspora network to shift the state from a remittance-dependent economy to an investment-driven one. A Cabinet sub-committee, headed by the Chief Minister himself, has already been constituted to work out the new platform's structure. Details of the framework are expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.

Festival Kerala: culture, tourism and investment drive

The government also announced plans to mark Kerala's entry into its 70th anniversary year with a nationwide campaign called Festival Kerala, showcasing the state's cultural heritage and tourism potential. Alongside cultural events, investors' meets will be held across the country to attract capital. Satheesan said the government would subsequently examine whether the initiative could be extended internationally as well.

Other key Cabinet decisions

The Cabinet approved several additional measures. The Elderly Welfare Department will be renamed the Department of Senior Citizens, signalling a shift in the government's approach to its ageing population. A major road-safety campaign — led by the Transport Department — will be launched in response to a rise in accidents, with focus on public awareness and stricter enforcement of traffic violations. Additionally, the government decided to provide ₹8 lakh each to the families of nine people who died in landslip incidents last week across several districts, as part of relief measures.

Ecologically Sensitive Area consultations continue

On the proposed revision of the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) notification, Satheesan said one round of consultations had already been completed and another would be held before the state submits its final report to the Centre. He said all concerns raised by people in affected areas would be addressed before the government finalises its position, with the aim of protecting the interests of those living in ecologically sensitive zones. The ESA issue remains politically sensitive in Kerala, with communities in several districts fearing restrictions on land use and livelihoods.

The formation of the sub-committee and the timeline for rolling out the new diaspora platform will be closely watched by both the Keralite community abroad and domestic investors.