Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 23 (FN Agency) Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Monday said, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on State Finances (2023), Kerala is one of the relatively better off among the States regarding Innovation Index, addressing environmental concerns and providing wide social security net. Delivering the ‘Policy Address’ at the 8th session of the 15th Kerala Legislative Assembly, the Governor said Kerala has achieved remarkable economic growth, 12 percent, at constant prices and 17 percent at current prices. Stating that Kerala has also been ranked at the forefront among the States in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals consistently by the Niti Aayog, he said In the overall Public Affairs Index also Kerala ranks forefront. Khan said Kerala won the Vayoshreshtha Samman 2021 of the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment as India’s best State in caring for elderly people. The Government has put in place a comprehensive Medical Insurance (MEDISEP) for the serving and retired employees.
This is a unique with a substantial coverage of 30 lakh members, he added. Saying that Incursions into the legislative domain of the States do not augur well for a cooperative federal setup, the Governor said Checks and balances in the system have to be scrupulously observed for the healthy functioning of our democratic polity. Claiming that the Government is committed to protect Constitutional values, he said the Government is always committed to protect the freedom of the press. Pointing out that Legislative Assemblies represent the will of the people, Khan said the Centre’s support is necessary for the development of social sectors of the States. Stating that States have heavy responsibilities in the social sectors and their fiscal position has to be strong, he said Recent measures to curtail the borrowing limits of the States constrain the scope of their interventions in the health, education and infrastructural sectors.
Assuring that the Government will carry out special quality assurance drive for detection of aflatoxin and antibiotic residues in milk, milk products and cattle feed, the Governor said further quality assurance drive for “Certified Milk? will also be completed. Stating that the the Government proposes to bring in a comprehensive amendment in the cooperative law with a view to improving the activities in the cooperative sector and to check corrupt practices in the sector, Khan said the draft bill for amending the Act was presented before the Assembly.