Local government institutions must function outside of party politics and emerge as vibrant and accountable local governments, Local Government Minister MB Rajesh said on Thursday.
Inaugurating a state-wide workshop for panchayat presidents organized by the Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA), the minister said elected representatives should work together for their own interests and gain public trust through broad vision and strong leadership. “They have to have the ability to bring everyone along and inspire collaboration,” he said.
Highlighting Kerala’s unique decentralization model, Mr. Rajesh said local bodies in the state functioned as true local governments, a transformation rooted in people’s movements since the Renaissance and enhanced through participatory planning. “Kerala is the only state that has devolved not only power but also the highest level of financial support to local governments,” he noted.
On financial security
Despite the severe financial crisis that has hit the states due to lack of central funds, the minister said Kerala has transferred more than 38% of its total revenue to the local governments during the last five years. “Political intent alone is not enough. Local governments need adequate financial support to assume their responsibilities,” he said.
Mr. Rajesh credited the strong support of the state government and the impartial functioning of the local bodies for several recent achievements, including Kerala’s globally recognized success in eradicating extreme poverty. “This was the result of a coordinated effort between the state government and all local government institutions,” he said.
He also pointed out that Kerala has achieved full digital literacy due to the proactive involvement of local bodies, with KILA playing a key role in grassroots implementation. The minister said he was proud that Kerala’s tableau was selected for this year’s Republic Day parade after 10 years, with the theme focusing on complete digital literacy.
Apart from service delivery and infrastructure development, Mr. Rajesh said local governments must become the engine of local economic growth. He said recent changes to licensing and building regulations were aimed at promoting business, creating jobs and increasing local income.
Announcing the upcoming initiatives, the minister said the second phase of the program to eradicate extreme poverty will be launched in January to prevent beneficiaries from slipping back into deprivation. Digi Kerala 2.0 will also be introduced along with Digi Locker system for digital storage and management of official documents, reducing the need for re-submission.
LIFE mission
He added that the government aims to complete the milestone of five million houses under the LIFE mission by February.
At the event, the minister also inaugurated the improved online portal KILA – Training, Planning and Management System – designed to enhance capacity building for local authority representatives and officials.
Published – 03 Jan 2026 20:09 IST
