Rahul Gandhi called for ensuring social diversity in the Kerala Planning Board

Prominent representatives of various communities, including Bbackward Classes, Dalits and OBCs, submitted a petition to the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, MP, expressing concern that the recently reconstituted Kerala State Planning Board has not adequately taken into account social diversity and proper social representation.

The memorandum calls for remedial steps to be taken to ensure that the constitutional values ​​of social diversity, professional excellence, inclusion and equal opportunity are reflected in the composition of the planning board.

Kerala has a large pool of leading professionals from various walks of life including academicians, administrators, scientists and social thinkers. It is pointed out that these include many experts of national and international standing from backward classes, Muslims, Dalits etc. who have historically not been adequately represented and who have also not found a place in the present composition of the Planning Board.

It stated that none of the prominent women scholars and economists of Kerala have representation on the board.

The petition states that since the State Planning Board is an institution that deals with long-term development planning and policy making, appointments to these institutions should take due account of professional competence, proven expertise and relevant experience and broad social representation.

Pointing out that social justice and representation are integral parts of India’s democratic and constitutional values, the signatories urged that their concerns regarding the constitution of the State Planning Board be objectively assessed and necessary steps taken for better social representation.

Published – 29 Sep 2026 22:44 IST