What is the Kerala government's new citizen response programme for welfare and development feedback?
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Synopsis
Kerala's government is launching the Nava Keralam - Citizen Response Programme to enhance welfare and development initiatives. This initiative will engage citizens in a structured dialogue with the administration from January 1 to February 28, 2026, ensuring their voices shape future policies and improve local projects.
Key Takeaways
- Nava Keralam aims to enhance citizen engagement in government initiatives.
- The programme runs from January 1 to February 28, 2026.
- It focuses on gathering feedback to improve welfare schemes.
- Committees at various levels will oversee the programme's implementation.
- Citizen feedback is key to government transparency and accountability.
Thiruvananthapuram, October 8 (IANS) The Kerala Cabinet has announced the initiation of a significant public engagement and feedback project named Nava Keralam - Citizen Response Programme, aimed at evaluating and enhancing welfare and development initiatives throughout the State.
As per a statement from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's office, this programme is set to run from January 1 to February 28, 2026, and seeks to foster a structured conversation between citizens and the government.
The main objectives of this initiative will include gathering developmental insights, pinpointing local requirements, assessing welfare schemes, and collecting feedback to boost their effectiveness.
Additionally, input regarding the performance of various government projects and infrastructure development will also be solicited.
This programme will be executed with the help of the State's social volunteer network, ensuring extensive involvement from local communities.
Prior to the launch, essential preparatory activities, including training sessions and awareness campaigns, will be organized.
To oversee and guide the implementation, the government plans to form a four-member State Advisory Committee and a State Executive Committee.
Additional committees will be established at the levels of panchayat, municipality, corporation, assembly constituency, and district, comprising officials and subject matter experts.
The Director of the Information and Public Relations Department will be responsible for coordinating this initiative.
The State Advisory Committee will consist of Chief Secretary E. Jayathilak, Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister K.M. Abraham, IMG Director K. Jayakumar, and Professor Saji Gopinath from IIM Kozhikode.
Officials have noted that this undertaking aims to produce a detailed report highlighting regional developmental priorities, recognizing shortcomings in ongoing projects, and compiling actionable public recommendations.
This report will serve as a foundational document to inform future development strategies and optimize welfare delivery.
By merging citizen feedback with administrative planning, the government aspires to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in welfare governance, transforming development initiatives into more participatory and locally attuned endeavors.
Point of View
The Kerala government's initiative reflects a growing trend towards participatory governance. Engaging citizens in decision-making processes not only strengthens democratic values but also enhances the effectiveness of welfare schemes, ensuring they meet the actual needs of the communities they serve.
NationPress
09/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the Nava Keralam programme?
The Nava Keralam - Citizen Response Programme will run from January 1 to February 28, 2026.
Who is responsible for coordinating the initiative?
The Director of the Information and Public Relations Department will coordinate the Nava Keralam programme.
What are the main objectives of this programme?
The programme aims to gather citizen feedback, assess local development needs, evaluate welfare programmes, and improve the efficiency of existing schemes.
Who will be involved in the implementation?
The initiative will include a State Advisory Committee and various local committees, ensuring broad community participation.
How will citizen feedback be integrated into the government’s plans?
By incorporating feedback into administrative planning, the government aims to enhance welfare governance and make development initiatives more responsive to local needs.
