Brand Kerala May 2018 by BRAND KERALA MAGAZINE

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brand kerala May 2018 | Vol. 8 | Issue. 5 | Rs 60/-

b r a n di ng k e r a l a g l oba l ly

on REFORMIST track vital steps to enhance inclusive growth As LDF government completes two years

ISSN 2249244-5

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CAPITALâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HAPPENING HUB | 52

Exotic Fruit Drinks

SO FAR, SO GOOD

This Government could kick start a host of key projects mentioned in its election manifesto in past two years and some of them are progressing well.

s the LDF Government led by Pinarayi Vijayan celebrates the second year in office, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for an initial evaluation of the progress report which indicates whether the Government has lived up to the hopes and aspirations of the people of Kerala. This government, from the initial days itself, strongly pushed the development cart by adopting a Reformist path rather than opting for the conventional Leftist route. The Chief Ministerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unrelenting posture amidst widespread mass protests even from the party rank and file on issues like Gail pipe line project and the highway development at Keezhatoor, bear testimony to the uncompromising reformist agenda being initiated by this government. The restraint shown by the coalition leader CPM on certain issues has often helped prevent minor skirmishes with coalition partners, especially the CPI, from spilling over to disproportionate levels. This Government could kick start a host of key projects mentioned in its election manifesto in past two years and some of them are progressing well. The constitution of separate missions to compartmentalize a comprehensive development pattern spread across social justice, sanitation, education, health care and housing was a laudable effort and are expected to yield desired results. On the economic front, the introduction of an all new idea, Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), an alternative platform to source funds for infrastructure building, though initially seen as an eyewash by the detractors, has now started to deliver with a flurry of projects getting a

booster dose from this. In a state where ninety percent of the revenue is spent of pensions and salaries, KIIFB could play a catalytic role in realizing infrastructure projects in a time bound manner. If all is well in the development and reforms front, this governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s score card takes a beating when it comes to maintenance of law and order in the State. The inept handling of certain sensitive issues by the police force clubbed with instances of brutal custodial deaths has put the Home Department on a defensive mode on many occasions. Immediate intervention to reform the Police by curbing the prevailing unruly practices and a positive initiative to limit political interference in the functioning of the force will go a long way in creating a people friendly face for the State police. The primary objective of the huge entourage of advisors to the Chief Minister should be to evolve a populist face for his office by initiating a practical approach to matters of public interest. But many a times, the advisors themselves are seen indulging in unwarranted controversies and cut a sorry figure among the general public. As the Government enters the third year, the focus should now shift to the meticulous execution and timely completion of various projects in the pipeline, a practical solution to tide over the fiscal crisis and create a favourable political climate for the Front before the ensuing general elections. B Balachandran

Executive Editor

brand kerala May 2018 Vol 8 Issue 5

Editorial Managing Editor Editor in Chief Executive Editor associate Editor Director, Marketing chief operating officer

Ravisankar K V J S Indukumar Balachandran B Rajani A Mujeeb Shamsudeen Shyam Kumar P

Photographers

Murukesh Iyer Vivek R Nair

Design Editor

Gopakumar K

Editorial team Office in charge

Aparna Sreevalsan Priyanka Prakash Nishad H

Marketing Thiruvananthapuram

Bangaluru Kochi Kollam

Jerrymon J Kottaram +91 99474 29977 Bincy Mathew +91 99474 69977 Damodaran K Nayar +91 90356 16040 Rabish O +91 93872 97703 Suresh Kumar +91 97450 22177

K Sreekumaran +91 99474 81177

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ENSURING COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF STATE This Government has strived to perform according to hopes and aspirations of the general public and has gone a long way in creating a new political culture in the State.

circulation Thiruvananthapuram

cover story

editor@brandkerala.biz marketing@brandkerala.biz info@brandkerala.biz

Editorial & Corporate office Brand Kerala Media House Associates SRL A 32, Sankar Road, Sasthamangalam P.O., Thiruvananthapuram 695010 Kerala, India Tele : +91 471 231 1377/231 2377 Internet edition www.brandkerala.biz Digital edition www.issuu.com/brandkerala www.facebook.com/brandkerala RNI No. KERENG 2010/36920 ISSN 2249244-5 No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher of BRAND KERALA All rights reserved. Copyright @2018 Owned, Edited, Printed and Published by Ravisankar K.V., Brand Kerala Media House Pvt. Ltd., SRL A - 32, Sankar Road, Sasthamangalam P.O., Thiruvananthapuram 695010 Kerala, India at Orange Printers PVT LTD., Thiruvananthapuram for Arsha Offset Graphix, Janvilla Lane, Vellayamabalam, Thiruvananthapuram â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 695010 Editor: Ravisankar K V

STEPS TO ENHANCE GROWTH The support for loss making units, revival of traditional sectors and the reopening of textile mills could be seen as positive steps.

towards self reliance in farming Volume of paddy farming was 1,96,870 hectares and within the last two years this has increased to 2,20,448 hectares.

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May 2018 | VOL. 8 | ISSUE. 5 | Rs 60/-

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BRAND KERALA B R A N DI NG K E R A L A G L OBA L LY

ON REFORMIST TRACK VITAL STEPS TO ENHANCE INCLUSIVE GROWTH AS LDF GOVERNMENT COMPLETES TWO YEARS

h e a lt h

ISSN 2249244-5

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Life’s A Mosaic, Isn’t It?

CAPITAL’S HAPPENING HUB | 52

BUSINESS STRESS AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE food/leisure

60 Not your regular cup of coffee!

It is indeed great news for the coffee lovers in Kerala that Kopi Luwak is ready for a sip at Kafe Kopi Luwak, Panampilly Nagar, costing Rs1600 per cup.

The Sports Hub is providing a space for people to do a myriad of sports activities. The facilities provided in the Sports Hub are world class.

PRAVASI CHIT to boost development An opportunity for NRKs to partake in the overall infrastructural development of the State.

auto biz

BACK WITH A BANG New from the ground up and sharing the same platform as the Baleno and Ignis, the latest Swift makes familiar boasts: bigger inside, more powerful, more efficient, lighter and better equipped

trends Good Job SIr, Please bring more innovative, and bring Industrialization to Kerala, we have lot of talented people, if channeled in right direction, we can generate huge revenues.

Alex Mathews Karikottu wrote on Chief Minister’s Office, Kerala page

Jayamohan T.R @JayamohanTR1

A shelter for everyone (Kerala Govt’s scheme) is an extra ordinary sir.Great relief for deceased quite homeless. A perfect shelter. Good effort.

biz news launches

WOW Air to fly from India

celand’s low-fare transatlantic airline, WOW Air announced the launch of its flight services in India by the end of this year with the rates that will make everyone to fly. It will start five direct flight services in a week from New Delhi airport to Keflavik airport in Iceland from 7th December, 2018 onwards. This will connect to multiple destinations in Europe and North America. WOW Air will operate an Airbus 330 neo to India, having 365 seats.

Kerala Congress (M) Chairman KM Mani along with Ex. DGP Alexander Jacob, Mrs. MC Jacob, Joseph Mar Gregorious, Sabu M. Jacob (Managing Director, Kitex Garments Ltd.), Bobby M. Jacob (Managing Director, Anna-Kitex Group), KV Jacob (Kizhakkambalam Panchayat President) inaugurating the “Suvarna Kudumbam” program conducted.

events

Anna Aluminum honours 50 couples

A Charging stations coming

overnment proposed to set up charging centres for electric vehicles every three kilometers in metropolitan cities, as well as every 50 kilometres on national highways. Land for setting up the charging centres is likely to be identified in consultation with local authorities’ electricity distribution utilities and given on long-term lease to companies willing to set up the facilities. Public sector undertakings in the sector such as NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd.), Power Grid Corp and Indian Oil Corp are likely to initiate the process to set up charging stations in the identified cities.

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nna Aluminum celebrated its golden jubilee by honoring 50 couples who completed 50 years of married life. Kerala Congress (M) Chairman KM Mani inaugurated the “Suvarna Kudumbam” program conducted as a part of the Kitex-Anna Group anniversary and birthday of the founder MC Jacob. Joseph Mar Gregorious gave presidential address. 50 couples were selected for the campaign of “Suvarna Kudumbam” and the winners were

decided on the basis of facebook ‘likes’. Madhavan-Prema from Palakkad, KJ VargheseAmmal from Kottayam and Joy Thomas-Grace Joy bagged first, second and third prizes respectively. Ex. DGP Alexander Jacob, Mrs. MC Jacob, Sabu M. Jacob (Managing Director, Kitex Garments Ltd.), Bobby M. Jacob (Managing Director, Anna-Kitex Group), KV Jacob (Kizhakkambalam Panchayat President) were felicitated in the meeting.

auto

Nissan Terrano SPORT special edition launched

issan India announced the launch of its new Terrano SPORT special edition with a host of new features, attractive interior and exterior design elements. The Terrano SPORT edition gets dynamic body decals with an all-black roof wrap, black wrapped pillars and new wheel-arch claddings. Bold new stripes have been emblazoned on the SUV’s hood, fenders, rear bumper, and front and rear doors. The new crimson-stitched seat covers and floor mats with crimson highlights further add to Terrano’s reputation of being a stylish SUV. Nissan Terrano SPORT will be priced at INR 12, 22,260/-.

May 2018

appointment

New Director for Karnataka Tourism

amu B, IAS took charge as the director of the Karnataka state tourism department on 24th April 2018. The 2010-batch IAS officer Ramu B had earlier served as the District Collector in Chamarajanagar. He said his priority in the new role would be to improve the marketing of Karnataka tourism.

market

Trent to Expand Westside outlets

ata Group’s retail arm, Trent is planning to expand Westside departmental stores by rolling out 30 new outlets this fiscal- the highest ever in a single year. The company expects to continue this pace of growth for Westside for the next couple of years whereby expecting to double the number of stores by then from 125 at present.

brands

Malabar Gold ropes in Manushi

eading jeweler Malabar Gold & Diamonds today signed up Manushi Chhillar as its brand ambassador, making it the first commercial endorsement deal for the Miss World 2017. The new brand ambassador will be the face for the global campaigns and charity movements of Malabar Gold & Diamonds which is among the five big jewellery retailers in the world.

results

launch

Lulu Convention Centre & Grand Hyatt Kochi opened

record turnover for KSIE

he UAE-based Lulu International Group launched its ₹1,800-crore Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre and Grand Hyatt in Kochi. Both these projects are part of the group’s ₹13,000crore expansion plan in India in the retail, hospitality and food processing sectors, said M.A. Yusuf Ali, Chairman and Managing Director of Lulu Group. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the projects on April 28. Union Minister for Transport and Shipping Nitin Gadkari with other Central and State ministers and foreign dignitaries also attended the function. The hotel and convention centre at Bolghatty will be taken care of by Hyatt Hotels and Resorts. The convention centre has three helipads and parking capacity for more than 1500 cars. The Grand Hyatt, Kochi is the third Hyatt-branded hotel in India. The 264room luxury hotel is situated in Kochi. With its striking architecture, dramatic landscapes, opulent guestrooms, suites and villas, exquisite dining destinations, and one of the largest event spaces in South India, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty is expected to be the destination for impressive views, unforgettable dining experiences and grand events for both corporate and leisure travellers.

he Public sector undertaking KSIE (Kerala State Industrial Enterprises Limited), which was running on loss over the last year, turned profitable in this financial year 2017-18. KSIE has hit the records for achieving the turnover of 86 crores and net profit 1.53 crores. The Kerala Soaps brought out by the KSIE managed to scale the Great Wall and create a niche market in China. KSIE has netted a total sale of over Rs 10 crores in the last fiscal, registering a profit of Rs 17 lakhs; the second time after the soap was launched in 2011. KSIE chairman Scaria Thomas and Managing Director Feby Varghese said the expansion of international air cargo terminals at Trivandrum and Calicut airports will take at least three years, while the expansion of Cochin International Container Freight Station can be done in a year. Once the expansion of the cargo terminal and freight station is completed, KSIE can considerably raise its cargo handling capacity.

Kalyan Jewellers signs Katrina Kaif B ollywood actress Katrina Kaif will endorse the jewellery brand Kalyan Jewellers. Kalyan Jewellers has announced the appointment of film actor Katrina Kaif as its global brand ambassador, and she will be the face of Kalyan’s existing and soon to launch product portfolios. She will also be part of its customer engagement programmes across the showrooms in Indian and West Asia. Katrina has joined

other Kalyan brand ambassadors including Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Prabhu, Nagarjuna, Shivraj Kumar and Manju Warrier. Kalyan Jewellers has emerged one of India’s largest jewellery brands by revenues. The company has a distribution network of 121 large format showrooms as also a network of 650 My Kalyan customer service outlets and mini diamond stores.

May 2018

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biz news UNILEC BACK TO GOLDEN DAYS

nited Electrical Industries Ltd. (Unilec), popularly known as `Meter Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; among Kollam natives, is the first factory in India to produce Electricity House Service Meters which were BIS approved with ISI marking. It started manufacturing meters in 1950. The company started its manufacturing activity in technical collaboration with the world-renowned measuring instrument manufacturer M/s. Aron Meters Ltd., England. A major share of the company was taken over by the State Government in 1957 and was reconstituted as a public limited company under the ownership of Government of Kerala which hold 97.20% of the total share value. Unilec is one of the pioneers in energy meter manufacturing and Switch gear items. It has so far supplied over 40 lakh electromechanical meters and 50 lakh electronic meters for domestic and industrial

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21 crores for the production of AB switches and an order for Rs 5 crores for the production of smart meter, water meter and gas meter. Currently the production of AB switches is going on. Consumers, who use more than 400 units of electricity, will have to fix the new Smart meter. Unilec has signed a bond with the Central Government regarding this. The company has tied up with CDAC in production of Smart meters and the production of sample pieces has already begun in Vinayakumar S.R., Managing Director, Unilec

purposes. The company was running in loss for the past few years and faced more trouble when around 35,000 meters were rejected in 2011. Now the company is all set to flourish again, collaborating with the State government. It has received the order for Rs May 2018

Central Power Research Institute (CPRI), Bangalore. Unilec is the only company in the Public sector that owns the software for the Smart meter in the State. The Smart meters will be produced using information technology for efficient reading and monitoring of power consumption. Training has been given to the staff for adapting to the new technology. Tendering process for buying new machines will begin soon. Kerala State Electricity Board might initiate the tender for Smart meters in July. According to Vinayakumar S.R., managing director, Unilec, there would be a huge demand for smart meters as KSEB plans to introduce them to 1.36 lakh consumers. The preparations for the production of LED Street lights are also progressing and the project will be inaugurated during the second anniversary celebration of the State Government. 500 lights of 20 to 110 watts can be produced daily.

The Government aims to promote a development pattern based on social justice. The formation of four missions [Haritha Kerala Mission, Education Mission, Ardram Mission, Life Mission] was to accomplish this objective.

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May 2018

UN certification for being the only State in India having the highest Human Development Index

Pinarayi Vijayan Chief Minister

he LDF government, which completes two years in office, could succeed in removing the general belief that nothing would happen in Kerala, and open up a positive ambience for developmental initiatives. This Government has strived to perform according to hopes and aspirations of the general public and has gone a long way in creating a new political culture in the State. It has also succeeded in a big way in wiping out the menace of corruption, especially in the higher circles of the system. As the Government completes two years in office, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a common practice for the public to evaluate the performance of the Government. The Government took the initiative to hold discussion s with the representatives of various organizations including media houses to assess the feedback on governance from the general public. The general response

gathered from these deliberations has been highly supportive. At the same time, certain concerns and valuable suggestions for further improvement were also raised in these meetings which would be considered seriously in the future journey of this Government. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fact that no Government has ever dared to create such a platform for an open discussion regarding its functioning. We had approached the public with a detailed progress report at the completion of the first year itself. The progress report for the second year is also ready which provides a factual presentation on the promises made in the election manifesto and the current level of the progress of execution of a particular proposal or project. No other State Government in the country has shown the audacity to come out with such a progress report. It is a known fact that the State Government is functioning in the May 2018

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midst of the crisis emulated by the draconian economic policies of the Union Government. Demonitisation and GST have actually crippled the normal life of the people. There were concerted efforts to sabotage the cooperative sector during this period but the Government could overcome this challenge through the wholehearted support from the general public. The recommendations of fifteenth Financial Commission are also detrimental to the interests of the State. The suggestion to carry out the distribution of Central taxes to Sates according the 2011 census will affect Kerala in a big way given the exemplary strides taken by the State in pollution control activities .Hence the State Government is adamant on the stand that the previous practice of following the 1971 census should be continued. Also, we have put forward the demand to raise the percentage of allocation of Central Taxes to States from forty-two to fifty. It is in this context that the government decided to source funds from KIIFB ( Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board) for the execution of infrastructure development projects . It is proposed to carry out development to the tune of Rs 50000 crores within a span of five years. Administrative sanction has already been accorded to projects worth Rs 20000 crores coming under this category. This Government could achieve considerable growth in the infrastructure front. The initiatives for the development of National Highway to 45 meters are fast progressing despite certain bottlenecks in land acquisition at few areas. The work on the Gail LNG pipeline project will also

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May 2018

be completed this year and the supply of gas to industrial belts in Ernakulam and Thrissur will commence from June itself. The national water way project from Kovalam to Kasargod, which will be completed by 2020, will be a major fillip for the growth of tourism industry in the State. The 1267-km Hill highway and the 656-km coastal highway, with an estimated cost of Rs 10,000 crores, will also be completed by 2020. The Government aims to promote a development pattern based on social justice. The formation of four missions was to accomplish this objective. The

The Education Mission aims at upgrading educational institutions to centres of excellence.

activities of Haritha Kerala Mission, which aims at improving sanitation and waste management, cleaning up of water sources etc, are progressing on a fast pace. The Education Mission aims at upgrading educational institutions to centres of excellence and bring in progressive changes in the education sector. The concept of a family doctor, a new initiative in the health sector, would be realised through the Ardram Mission. All public health centres would become family health centres and all Government hospitals would be equipped enough to handle any sort of modern treatment

The State which provides the highest minimum wages in the country

Photographs: I &PR (Photography) Department

methods. The Life Mission aims to provide houses to the deprived class. The construction of almost 28000 houses has already been completed. There has been a considerable improvement in the law and order situation of the State during this period. The Kerala Police could effectively prove many of the complicated and unsolved cases, including cyber crimes, during this period. The force is doing a commendable job with regard to women safety also. But unlawful acts of certain policemen have tarnished the image of the police force to an extent. The government took a serious note of this situation and acted in a swift and strict manner by bringing them before the law. The strong action taken in the case of Varapuzha custody death case, where murder charges were framed against those responsible, was an example in this regard. Though cases of custodial deaths were reported in the State before, no Government has shown the grit to act against the erring officials in such a manner. Steps have already been initiated to provide state of the art training to the police force and there by create a people- friendly face for the force. There have been concerted efforts from certain quarters to sabotage the secular fabric of the State. The nation-wide protests triggered by the death of a little girl in Jammu were used by certain fringe groups in the State to incite communal violence. The hartal call prorogated through the social media was part of this effort. But later it came to light that those who were trying to justify the criminals of the heinous crime were actually behind this move. The swift and immediate intervention of the State police actually May 2018

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averted a fierce situation which could have developed in to a major calamity. The Government suspects a larger conspiracy behind this incident. This Government is taking sincere efforts to convert Kerala into an investorfriendly destination. A new law has been enacted by amending the existing ones to make sure that new enterprises could pass through a hurdle- free process to secure the necessary licenses. Though Kerala has scored high in many areas, we are still lagging behind in the ease of doing business. This situation will improve with the enactment of the new law. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have major labour problems affecting the industry, a fact endorsed by even the industrialists. The Government has taken a stern decision to abolish the practice of seeking Nookkukooli , an unlawful activity which had tarnished the image of our State. The system of supplying labourers to employers by labour unions will also be curbed by the Government. Concrete steps to protect and support the public sector industrial units, a major promise made by the LDF in its election manifesto, will be initiated by the Government. No units will be privatized by this Government under any circumstance. Special packages to revive Coir, Cashew and Handloom sectors will also be implemented during this tenure. The public educational institutions have become centres of excellence and there has been a huge increase in the enrolment of students in these institutions. Last year alone, around 1.5 lakh students chose these instructions for their future studies and parents have also started showing trust in these institutions. This is a positive message for the Government and we are in the process of upgrading

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May 2018

The operation of the Chief Ministerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Relief Fund has been made transparent by making it online.

all the educational institutions in Government and aided sectors to achieve this level of excellence and thereby enhance the quality of education offered in the State to international standards. 141 institutions have already begun this process by utilizing the amount of Rs 5 crore sanctioned by the Government and other contributions collected from the general public. A comprehensive curriculum based on Information Technology has already been implemented in the State. 45,000 classrooms will be made hi-tech in the initial stage and by next year all primary schools in the State will be elevated to this status which will be make Kerala

the State with hundred percent high-tech schools. The Government cannot sideline the aided sector while initiating academic reforms. The proposal to rename this sector as `Government aidedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is under the consideration of the Government. Necessary instructions have been given to civic bodies to ensure the essential infrastructure facilities in public schools in view of the increasing rate of enrolment in these institutions. Plans are also afoot to widen the pre-primary stream in the Government sector. The Government would always stand by the feeling of the people in all issues. The decision to raise the salary of nurses to Rs 20,000 is an example for this. There are plans to initiate a thorough revamp in the Higher Education sector in the State. A proactive discussion on the effectiveness of the present system of administration being followed by the Universities in the State would also be initiated. The Government plans to extend the Hunger Free Kerala programme to all parts of the State. It is also proposed to start low cost cafeterias serving good food across the State. An insurance scheme for ensuring quality treatment for the poor is also on the cards. The operation of the Chief Ministers Relief Fund has been made transparent and fast by making using of the online system for processing the applications. An amount of Rs 393 crore has been disbursed under this category. As the Government completes two years in office, the wholehearted support and confidence showered of us by the general public has instilled a sense of confidence in our journey to ensure the comprehensive development of this State.

An innovative scheme for the rehabilitation of NRKs

PRAVASI CHIT to boost development One of the major attractions of this project is that it also gives pravasiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an opportunity to partake in the overall infrastructural development of the State.

SFE PRAVASI CHITS is a unique financial savings scheme introduced for the welfare of the Malayalee diaspora. Chitty Schemes for NRIs have been a longstanding demand of KSFE ever since the largescale migration of Malayalees, majorly to the Gulf region, and their remittances started playing a significant role in Keralaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Economy. A large number of these migrants live under unstable and insecure work conditions. It is in this particular context that KSFE has thought about a financial scheme to promote savings among this particular community to escalate their economic stability. One of the major attractions of this project is that it also gives pravasiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an opportunity to partake in the overall infrastructural development of the State. In addition to this, the Pravasi Chits also has many features that make it a unique financial saving structure amidst other financial instruments. The application provides

for ensuring every chit subscriber through a unique group life insurance scheme providing cover for death or disability. In the untoward event of death of a subscriber provision for transporting the dead body of the unfortunate subscriber to the homeland along with a companion shall be organised by KSFE jointly with NORKA. The KSFE availing the insurance support shall undertake the responsibility of the chit payment in the event of the insurance covered death and disability. The subscriber also has the option

Dr T M Thomas Isaac Minister for Finance May 2018

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of depositing the prize money in an optional group pension scheme open to chit members by which they would be entitled to an annual pension on return to the homeland. What makes KSFE Pravasi Chits stand out from other Chits? The major feature of Pravasi chit is that it is completely run on a web based platform which is made possible with the help of National Informatics Centre. The chit enrollment, KYC services, chit subscription, chit agreement, chit auctions and prize money disbursement shall be managed online through the core chit application. Apart from various State departments like the Taxes, Registration, and NORKA Roots several other stakeholders like KYC agents, Payment Gateways, Legal Advisors, Valuators, and the KSFE Virtual Branch will all be connected in a single string. The service levels of the chit processes of KSFE shall be made more stringent to substantively improve the customer experience. A unified communication system combining voice, audio, video and data along with a digital document file system which will capture the details of the Customer and the Chits. The application encompasses an effective communication tool which will promote Lead Management, Service request management, and customer management. Running online ads, generating leads, improvements in sales and after sales service and guaranteeing customer satisfaction are part of this program. The Customer Relationship module fetches information from the KSFE Core Application and the action responses from KSFE field offices. Call Centre

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May 2018

info how to subscribe An NRI who is registered in NORKA with a valid Passport and Visa shall register online and complete a mandatory KYC verification to subscribe chits. The customer shall use any of the following 3 methods to complete the same. Direct KYC

IRSP

Through agent

Without e-KYC by direct uploading of necessary documents. With e-KYC, using AADHAR.

KYC through an International Remittance Service Provider (IRSP), by submitting the documents and completing an In person verification (IPV)

KYC through a domestic KSFE agent, by submitting the documents and completing an IPV

Software has all the standard features of a modern contact Centre. Features within the contact centre application are ACD (Automatic Call Distribution), Call Queue, Agent Login, Priority Queue, IVR (Interactive Voice Response), Call recording, Transfer to the agent, CDR Report (Call Detail Report), Calls by agent report, Agent monitoring, and Call inbound monitoring. The CRM thus invokes all the information regarding the customers and the Chits stored in the Digital Documentation File System, and handles all outbound communications through Emails, SMS and Push messages as reminders whenever necessary. With digitization into effect, customers can interact with a virtual branch of KSFE anytime throughout the day without bothering about desk schedules. A Digital documentation repository holds all the details of the Customer and the Chits, any customer registered in the Pravasi Chit shall be represented in a Customer File. It will

help to overcome challenges faced during the conventional paper based filing and will help to enable faster decision making, quick processing of files, anytime access to files, efficient scrutiny, error-free file update and real time tracking and status view. The core concept of Pravasi Chit revolves around a “Customer File” which is used to identify every customer with a unique ID. The Customer File shall provide a 360-degree view to the data/ documents related to the client. Users should be able to search the client’s file using customer name, contact numbers, email addresses, customer Id, or any of the unique Ids provided for his KYC documents. After the completion of the registration process, a customer can start choosing from an array of chitties offered by KSFE. However, the type of chitties would differ according to locations and would be decided as per the marketing plan. The customer

Loka Kerala Sabha to tap the potential of NRKs

can select multiple chittal numbers of a chit, subject to an upper limit of 10 percent of total tickets for any chit. The customer needs to add nominees before the subscription of Chit. The share percentage for each nominee can be allotted. After the selection of the chit, the customer can pay the first installment, which should be the original installment amount. Debit card/Net Banking facility can be used for making the payments. After a particular period online auctions will be conducted at regular intervals by KSFE. An exclusive feature of the KSFE application is that it offers the customers to set the proxy amount, ranging from 5% to 30% of the sala amount, for an auction. The NRI customers who by themselves or

through their registered relatives in Kerala might not be able to log in during the auction can use this facility offered by KSFE to take part in the auction without going live during the same. The subscribers shall bid against each other for the prize money. The winner of the auctions shall select from any of the securities identified by KSFE and submit it in any branch of KSFE. The digital documentation file

After a particular period online auctions will be conducted at regular intervals by KSFE.

system will handle these documents to complete the securitization process. The process of the securitization will differ from one to another, depending on the type of security that is being submitted. The verification of the documents will be done by legal advisors and valuators who can access the files from anywhere through the repository. It is to be noted that the accounting of chit as a financial instrument is a weary process. However, to make Pravasi Chits more transparent an inbuilt accounting technology is integrated in the application to handle all the nitty-gritties of chits. At any stage the customer or KSFE can access the accounts to know more about any financial transaction made. The complete log of operational transactions, auction minutes payments made by the subscriber, credit of prize money due to the subscriber, particulars of transfer of prize money, calculation of dividend, accounting of fixed deposit, etc. shall be recorded by the application with appropriate Management Information System reports for the users. In Conclusion, KSFE Pravasi chits will give the Pravasi’s the highest Safety and Security on their deposits, unlike other Chit Funds, as it is fully owned by the Government of Kerala. The vision of KSFE is to, “continue to focus on extending resources to Govt of Kerala and sustaining commitment to the weaker sections of society as the neighbourhood institution for support, trust, and security.” Together with KSFE let us join hands together to transform your lives, improve your savings and build a new Kerala. May 2018

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NEW LEASE OF LIFE IN CULTURE CIRCUITS The Culture Department has embarked on a series of reformations to create a new face for the State in cultural platforms.

A K Balan Minister for Culture &SC/ST Welfare

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May 2018

he Centenary celebration of ‘Casteless Proclamation’ of Sree Narayana Guru and ‘Mishra Bhojanam’ of Sahodaran Ayyappan were commemorated in every village. Cultural complexes in memory of the icons of Renaissance will be built in fourteen districts through KIIFB fund. The purchases of land and DPR formalities for the same are progressing. Vivekananda Sparsham’, a cultural fiesta in memory of Swami Vivekananda’s visit to Kerala, was celebrated in fourteen districts. The yearly grant of all academies under Culture Ministry was increased. `Rekthasakshyam’, a year-long programme to observe the 70th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, will be organized across the State. The diamond jubilee fellowship of rupees 10,000 will be given to thousand young artists. The selection and training of the artists have been completed. ‘Kerala Paithrukolsavam’ was organized in Telangana and Delhi in association with the Department of Archeology for introducing the varied art forms and culture of the State. The cash prize of Ezuthachan and J C Daniel Awards had been raised to rupees five lakhs. The Family Pension and Kerala

Cultural Activist Welfare Fund Board pensions have been raised to 1500 and 3000 respectively. A panel headed by Justice Hema was appointed to study the problems and working condition of women in the film industry. Initiatives for a permanent venue for film festivals and development of Chithranjali Studio as a film city have begun. An amount of Rs 100 crores and 150 crores has been sanctioned respectively through KIIFB fund. An Apex Council for Culture has been constituted for streamlining the functioning of various cultural bodies and for the formation of a new Culture policy. ‘Pleasure Home’, an old age home for elderly artists living in misery, will be established.

Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed University A 4-crore research institute for performing arts, construction activities for new campus with an estimate of Rs 10 crores, a unit for making, exhibiting and selling of musical and percussion instruments, costumes and ornaments for various art forms. The renovation of Nila Heritage Campus will also be implemented.

An amount of Rs89 crore sanctioned for 69,413 SC/ST families as debt relief

Kerala State Chalachithra Academy The Chalachithra Academy award ceremony will be held in Kollam this year. The work for the memorial for Kalabhavan Mani, Kodakkad Kannapperuvannan and Manakkadan Gurukkal at Kerala Folklore Academy will begin soon. The Kerala Sahithya Academy will build memorials for O.N.V Kurup, Punathil Kunjabdulla, Edassery Govindan Nair and N.N Kakkad. The

renovation of Azhikode memorial will be completed. The Chithranjali Theatre at Chittoor was inaugurated after completing the renovation and expansion works. Hundred theaters will be built by KSFDC (Kerala State Film Development Corporation) in villages. In addition to this more theaters are being planned with private participation also.

Malayalam Mission The summit and chapter formation of the malayali associations in UAE, Oman,

This government distributed 1,400 hectors of land to 1,037 people belonging to the scheduled tribe.

Kuwait, Bahrain and UK has been completed. The schemes for the integration and expansion of study activities in Australia have been initiated.

SC/ST Development and Welfare All the perquisites and allowances of SC/ST students have been raised. A scheme of giving financial assistance for bright students to pursue post graduate courses in top

institutions abroad will be put in place. Already an amount of Rs 66, 55,153 was given to eight students under this category. Insurance schemes called ‘Valsalya Nidhi’ and ‘Gothra Valsalya Nidhi’ were started for the security and welfare of SC/ST girl child born after April 10th, 2017. When this Government took over, around 16,360 houses were remaining in the spillover category. Out of these, we could complete 6,308 houses. 22,000 houses were freshly sanctioned. The construction work for 21,946 houses has begun and 6,604 houses were completed. This government distributed 1,400 hectors of land to 1,037 people belonging to the scheduled tribe. 25 cent land each were purchased and handed over to 119 families. A scheme for buying and distribution of land through TRDM for 3,000 has been devised.. The initiatives to provide land for 10,000 tribal communities are progressing with the assistance of Forest and Revenue Departments. A Millet Village scheme to encourage leased land cultivation was started in Attapadi.. Special agricultural packages were had sanctioned in Aaralam and Sugandhagiri. To ensure nutritious meal for tribal communities, 192 community kitchens were installed in 189 houses at Attappadi. Initiatives for the expansion of the same in Wayanad and Malappuram will begin soon. A cultural festival ‘Gaddika’ is being organized for finding market for traditional products and encouraging art forms of SC/ST communities. May 2018

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ON REJUVeNATION MODE The decision to form Kerala Tourism Regulatory Authority aimed at improving the efficiency of the tourism sector and restrict the exploitation in the field has been included in the new policy and the implementation proceedings for the same is fast progressing.

he tourism sector in the State got a new lease of life with the announcement of a comprehensive Tourism policy. The decision to form Kerala Tourism Regulatory Authority aimed at improving the efficiency of the tourism sector and restrict the exploitation in the field has been included in the new policy and the implementation proceedings for the same is fast progressing. The main objectives of this authority is to address the prevailing issues like online frauds, drug abuse, child abuse, violation of environment rules and thereby preserve the image of the tourism industry in the State. In order to implement innovative ideas and generate employment in the Tourism sector, the Kerala Tourism Investment Fund will be established. The primary aim of this is to attract young investors to this sector. Through this scheme, the Government plans to provide professional advice for tourism related ventures and help investors identify ideal funding sources. The Government would take the initiative to form a Venture Fund for the same.

Plans in a nutshell l Green

Kadakampally Surendran Minister for Tourism, Deevaswom & Cooperation

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May 2018

Protocol to be implemented in all tourism centres to counter plastic menace. l New Idea Meet and Investors Meet for young investors. l Responsible Tourism Mission to be

extended to all districts. Guidance Cell to help NRIs who wish to invest in tourism sector. l More tourism spots will be made friendly for differently-abled persons. l River Cruise associated with the seven rivers of Kannur & Kasargod districts. l Kalady-Malayattoor Pilgrim Tourism l Varkala Sivagiri Tourism Circuit l Muziris Heritage Conservation project second stage. l Thalassery Heritage Conservation project. l Alappuzha Heritage Conservation project. l Investment

Jatayu Earth Centre The Jatayupara Tourism Project, being implemented with public private participation, is a matter of pride for the State. The Government provided all infrastructure support like roads and electricity for the project. The centre boasts of worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest bird sculpture and opens up immense scope for the tourism potential of the region.

Devaswom initiatives A variety of projects were submitted to the Union Government for the development of Sree Padmanabhaswamy, Sabarimala and Guruvayur temples under the Swadesi Darsan and Prasad schemes and we could get the approvals for the same from the Centre. The State government has earmarked an amount of Rs 304 crores exclusively for the development

Social security pensions delivered at the doorsteps of beneficiaries through co-operative groups

of Sabarimala. Construction of transit restroom complexes with all modern facilities is being planned under this. Thirty seven temples have been selected for this project and the work has already begun in eleven temples. Another landmark decision from the Government was regarding the appointment of Dalits as priests in temples under Travancore Devaswom Board. This historical step was widely appreciated by the general public and has pioneered a revolutionary change in the social fabric of the State.

Cooperative sector The co-operative sector has moved on strongly overcoming the perils of demonetization and other concerted moves to jeopardize the sector. The initiatives for the Kerala Bank, a project to realise the dream of having a bank of our own, are fast progressing. A task force has been formed based on the recommendations of the committee headed by Prof. M.S. Sreeram of IIM, Bangalore. All other procedures are being initiated on a war footing to realize this as soon as we get the approval from Reserve Bank of India.

Social security pensions

plan for River Cruise associated with seven rivers of Kannur & Kasargod districts submitted to centre.

This government implemented a unique project for delivering social security pensions at the houses of the beneficiaries through cooperative groups. The Haritham Sahakaranam programme as part of the Haritha Keralam Mission was successfully implemented. Five lakh saplings were planted across the State under this project. The co-operative institutions played a May 2018

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key role in controlling price hike through their timely market interventions. Consumerfed, which was reeling under huge loss, was put into a revival path by this government. The Federation which recorded a loss of Rs 418.11 crores during 2016, has registered an operating profit of Rs 51 crores in 2017. The creative intervention of the cooperative sector in resolving the crisis of pension distribution in KSRTC was a matter of achievement. The consortium led by the State Cooperative Bank could effective involve in this to clear the long pending dues of pensioners. In order to make cooperative banks debt free, a one time settlement programme , Navakaeraleeyam, was organized from February 15 to March 31.. The latest banking technologies like Core-banking Solution, Net Banking, ATM, RTGS, and NEFT etc will be implemented in Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary agricultural Co-operative Societies (PACS). The Co-operative institutions have taken initiatives to make their preence in the cultivation and enhancing the production of paddy, cashew and coconut. The Co-operative Institutions have played a key role in the agricultural sector. The activities of the Karshaka Sevana Kendras, formed with the aim of increasing agriculture production, have been extended to more areas. In order to resolve the crisis in the cashew sector, cooperative institutions will take over the responsibility of the procurement of cashew. Another landmark achievement was the framing of a comprehensive cooperative policy which was presented in the eighth cooperative Congress.

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May 2018

vizhinjam ON TARGET

Ramachandran Kadannappally Minister for Ports.

e all know that the Vizhinjam Port is an internationally important project for the State. Now the government is proceeding on the right track to complete the project in the stimulated time. Like many other project, this was also marked by several favorable and no so favorable issues. The work for the phase one of the project is fast progressing. Though certain infrastructure inadequacies like unavailability of adequate graphite for construction have reduced the speed of the project, this would be completed in the stipulated time frame itself. Our government is carefully incorporating all the proceedings to ensure a smooth sail for the project. Kerala is blessed with numerous coastal belts, especially in the western parts and the development of ports in these regions is also being considered by the Government. We will definitely implement all the possible plans for the commercial, industrial and economical development of Kerala through the development of ports.

14 lakh sq.ft of space within two years in IT sector

PROGRESSIVE STEPS TO ENHANCE GROWTH The support for loss making units, revival packages for traditional sectors like handloom and the reopening of textile mills could be seen as positive steps.

A C MOIDEEN Minister for Industries

he industrial sector in the country is going through a series of challenges. The neo liberalistic policies of the Union Government have almost crippled the public sector with the major share of the public enterprises being surrendered to the corporate sector. The central government is moving ahead with the selling of the shares of profitable public enterprises and privatization of the non-profitable public enterprises. The Defence, Iron and Steel, Energy, Medicine, Air Force and Insurance sectors are facing major threats. The central government is operating hand in glove with the corporates by undervaluing the asset value of public enterprises and selling them to private players for a song.. Based on the population ratio, above three percent of the total investment made in the public sector should come to the State, but till this time this has not increased. In the financial year 2011-12, it was 2.06 percent and it came down to 1.98 percent in 2014-15. This figure will further go down with the closure of Central public sector units. The crisis in Central public sectors units is not due to labour unrest or lack of proper working hours but due to the draconian policy to privatise them. It is at this juncture that the State Government took the decision

to intervene in this issue and do the needful so as to retain these units in the public sector itself. This Government has made enviable strides in the industrial sector by putting back the sector on a growth path. The Government could provide a ray of hope to the employees who were reeling under extreme difficulties. The support for loss making units, revival packages for traditional sectors like handloom and the reopening of textile mills could be seen as positive steps in this regard. When the UDF Government demitted office, the total loss of public sector units was Rs 131.60 crores. This government could settle more than 70 crores in the first year itself. According to the current half yearly report, the total profit of PSUs stands at Rs 34.19 crores. This can be seen as a major achievement compared to the huge losses during the previous fiscal. The Plan share for the Public Sector was raised to Rs 270 crores from Rs 100 crores. A professional approach was adopted for the revival and maintenance of public sector companies. In order to implement the Ease of Doing Business by bringing in a single window clearance scheme for various licenses for industries, the Government has issued an ordinance titled. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Kerala Investment Promotion and May 2018

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Khadi villages, empowerment of village industries and schemes for bee farming are the major initiatives undertaken by the Government.

Handicrafts Industry Handicraft Development Corporation of Kerala (HDCK), Kerala Artisans Development Corporation (KADCO), Bamboo Corporation, Surabhi and KELPALM are functioning under Handicrafts Industry. Design work shops, exhibitions, crafts bazaars and CFC (Common Facility Center) have been initiated to revive this sector.

Directorate of Industries and Commerce

Facilitation Act 2017â&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Almost seven Acts and ten Rules will be amended by this ordinance which will pave the way for a revolutionary change in the State.

Textile Industry The Textile Industry of Kerala is spread across various units from spinning to garment manufacturing. There are 14 spinning mills functioning in the State. 297228 spindles, 680 rotor machines and 614 machine looms are established with the financial assistance of state government. These mills provide direct employment to 5000 people and indirect jobs to 15,000. This Government sanctioned an extra amount of Rs 15 crores other than the budget allocation for purchasing cotton which could give

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May 2018

a new lease of life to these mills. The Centralized Cotton Purchase Committee which has been reinstated during this period could ensure timely supply of cotton to these looms.

Handloom industry Among the 621 primary handloom cooperative societies, 424 are working properly which provide livelihood to around 20,000 employees.

Schemes for Young Entrepreneurs Under the ESS (Entrepreneur Support Scheme) ,up to 30 lakh rupees sanctioned by providing five percent extra subsidy to young entrepreneurs in the age group of 18 to 45. A grant of 12,000 rupees for E.D Clubs in colleges and Technical Education Sector to encourage entrepreneurship.

Business Incubation Centers Business Incubation Centers have been formed in all District Industries Centers to resolve technical issues and to provide details on e-way to entrepreneurs.

Khadi Industry

Interest subsidy for home based industries

The mordernisation and expansion of Sliver project, schemes for refurbishment of sales outlets, special plans for employment opportunities, production incentive for weavers and thread producers, establishment of

A subsidy of six percent for select nano business projects which had availed term loan from financial institutions and eight percent for the same to women and SC/ ST communities. This interest subsidy is valid for 3 years.

Incubators for electronics and biotechnology sectors in Kochi

info Plans being implemented by KSIDC l Life Sciences Park, spread across 200

acres, at Thonnackal, Thiruvananthapuram to facilitate establishment of research institutes in biotechnology and other life sciences. l 522.66 acres land of FACT has been

identified for setting up Petrochemical Park. l The phase-1 work for Global Ayurveda

manufacturing. l The Mega Food Park in association with

Ministry of Food Processing Industries in 70 acres at Kanjikkode, Palakkad.

l The Advanced Technology and Industrial

Park at KINFRA land at Puzhakkal, Thrissur. l The Industrial Water Supply Project at

Palakkad .

Village has begun. Procured 7.5 acres at Thonnackal in Trivandrum for the same.

l The Industrial Park at eighty two acres

l The Defence Park at 60 acres of land

l The KINFRA Industrial Park at the land

at Ottappalam for defence equipment

of land in Ottappalam.

handed over to KINFRA by Travancore

IT enabled schemes The innovative idea of collecting the data of enterprises by recording the sites was implemented in 2017-2018 financial year. The data collection of 1, 10,000 industries have been completed as part of this programme.

ESI/EPF Reimbursement Scheme This is a scheme indented to repay 75% of the ESI/EPF shares of employment opportunities created in small scale industries after 01.04.2016 to the entrepreneurs. This plan will ensure social security of employees and provide legal cover for the business.

Mining sector Environmental Clearance is now mandatory for all quarries according to notifications of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the order from the Supreme

Plywood Industries at Piravanthoor, Mattannoor and Kannur. l Land identified for Smart City, Info Park

and KEPIP (KINFRA Export Promotion Industrial Park) l The proposal for Spices Park at

Thodupuzha has been included in the cluster plan of development and submitted to the Centre. l New building with 2.4 lakh sq.ft at the

Special Economic Zone for Animation & IT , Thiruvananthapuram.

Court. Previously, this was not necessary for quarries functioning in less than five hectares of land. Majority of the quarries in Kerala have less than five hectares of land which led to closure of almost 2500 units in the State. To resolve this crisis, the present Government has initiated measures for obtaining environmental clearance certificates in a speedy manner. Also the distance limit for quarries, which was increased to 100 metres by the previous Government, was reinstated to 50 metres. In order to resolve the unavailability of sand for construction purposes, the Government took active steps to encourage the import of sand from foreign countries and other States in the country. For this, special amendments have been made in the concerned rules to avoid legal obstacles. Sanction has also been accorded for mining sand from dams without harming the environment. May 2018

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REVITALISING HEALTH care The objectives of Ardram Mission are making hospitals patient friendly, reducing the expenses of treatment and making hospitals hi-tech in all the sense.

K K Shailaja Minister for Health, Women & Child Welfare

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May 2018

he last two years were highly productive for the health sector with a series of ventures being initiated for the general upliftment of the sector. When compared to other States, the infant mortality rates and maternal death rates are less in Kerala, which can be considered as the biggest achievement. The primary goal of the Government is to resolve certain issues of concern still prevailing in this sector. We have enough number of Primary Health Centers (PHC) and sub-centers. A sub-center has a junior public health nurse and a Junior Health Inspector (JHI). Also we have community health centers, taluk hospitals, district hospitals, general hospitals and medical colleges. We already have five medical colleges and a few are in the pipeline. But the unfortunate part is that sixty seven percent of Keralites still depend on private hospitals for their day to day needs neglecting this large health care chain. This situation has to change and the Government is trying hard to bring about a positive change in this direction. The advent of ‘modern lifestyle diseases’ like diabetics, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Thyroid, Cancer etc. with the life style diseases and non-communicable diseases is another issue. We need a comprehensive trauma care facility in view of the increasing death rate due to road accidents and

other accidents. The factors like lack of standard ambulances, the mode of bringing the affected one to the hospital and the dearth of most modern equipments for treatment should be addressed on apriority basis. A good trauma care facility and emergency medicine departments can reduce this death rate if the first aid is given properly. It is a fact that our government has taken up various projects in health sector than during the last two years. The ‘Ardram Mission’ and its activities are focused mainly on the health sector. The objectives of Ardram Mission are making hospitals patient friendly, reducing the expenses of treatment and making hospitals hi-tech in all the sense. For this, health care centres have been divided into PHCs and sub-centers of panchayats, CHCs of community development blocks, taluk, district and general hospitals. We are planning to convert PHCs to Family Health Centers (FHC) which will have three doctors instead of single doctor and four nurses in the place of two. A state of the art laboratory, Shwas clinic, Aswas clinic and an observation room will be there. Mini gym or yoga center, pre-checkups, rest rooms will also be provided. Initially we have selected 170 centers and 830 posts have also been created. Out of 170 centers 75 have been

Quality health care to be provided in all Government hospitals

inaugurated and has started working. 103 centers have started working, but official inauguration is yet to be done. Rest of the centers will start working soon. Next year we plan to take up 500 centers for conversion to FHCs. CHCs and taluk hospitals are being modernized. We would make the palliative care in CHCs more efficient. Dialysis centers have started functioning in forty four taluk hospitals. District hospitals will be converted to Super Specialty hospitals with the inclusion of Cardiology, Nephrology and Urology departments. Cath labs are being installed in eight district hospitals. Minor heart surgeries can be done here. It is an all time record that 4300 posts have been created in health sector alone over the last two years. Medical Colleges will be made centers of excellence. Developmental activities are progressing in all Medical Colleges. Surgical Oncology departments in

medical colleges will be improved. 105 posts have been created in Oncology Department itself. Master plans have been submitted to the Government for availing fund from KIIFB. An amount of 350 crores has already been given to Kalamassery Medical College. A variety of developmental initiatives are happening in the AYUSH Department also. International Ayurveda Research Center with all modern facilities will come up in Kannur soon. Steps have been taken to enhance the efficiency of ayurveda colleges. An International Unani Center has also been planned. We have

A variety of developmental initiatives are happening in the AYUSH Department also.

also announced the implementation of SDG (Sustainable Development Goals). The main objectives under this are to decrease the maternal mortality rate from sixty seven to thirty percent by 2030, child mortality rate from twelve to eight percent by 2020 and the eradication of Leprosy, Tuberculosis, etc. The expert groups constituted for the same are working actively to realise these goals. The Department of Women and child Welfare has taken innovative steps to create awareness regarding prevention of harassment against women. It is unfortunate that women are still being subjected to various kinds of harassment at home. The Government has taken a serious note of this and has initiated various progammes for curbing this trend. The campaign ‘Sadhairyam Munnottu’ aims to spread the awareness in all districts regarding this issue. Discussions and seminars will also be conducted. The Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation Ltd (KSWDC) has proposed to provide Entrepreneurship Training Programmes to widows within the age group of 18 to 55. This is to ensure economic development of widows by extending financial and consultative assistance to start business ventures. KSWDC has plans to launch ‘Vanitha Mithra Kendra,’ a working women’s hostel cum short stay home, in all districts. This will go a long way in finding a solution to the shortage of women-friendly short stay homes in our State. Many women, who frequent the State for various purposes can make use of this facility for a safe stay. This can also be used for accommodating domestic violence victims, stranded women, destitute or the like just for a single night. May 2018

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QUALITATIVE REFORMs in LABOUR sector This government has done justice to its declared policy to stand by the rights of labourers and make the State labour-friendly and investor-friendly as well.

T P Ramakrishnan Minister for Labour & Excise

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variety of concrete steps were initiated in the labour and excise departments over the last two years. This government has done justice to its declared policy to stand by the rights of labourers and make the State labour-friendly and investor-friendly as well. The Minimum Wages Advisory Board was reconstituted and steps were taken to renew all minimum wages notifications which are five years old. The minimum wage for nurses working in private hospitals was raised to Rs 20,000. The Government could put an end to the

unhealthy trends in the head load sector like demanding nokkukooli and charging exorbitant rates for various works. The wages of headload workers were standardised in ten districts and this will be extended to other centres also. The Justice Krishnan Nair Commission Report on the issues in the plantation sector will be implemented. Decisions were taken considering the recommendations from the Plantations Labour Committee in high level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister. Plans are afoot to frame a new labour policy to create a labour-friendly

May 2018

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atmosphere in the State. The factories and other commercial industrial institutions will be accorded model institution status on the basis of maintaining women-friendly atmosphere, implementing rules & regulations, ensuring minimum wages for staff, cleanliness and customer service. Welfare pension had been raised from Rs 600 to Rs1100. After this government assumed office, an amount of Rs 986,68,75,311 was given to 4,56,595 beneficiaries as welfare pension. A comprehensive insurance scheme named â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Avasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was implemented for labourers from other States. Free treatment facility covering up to Rs 15,000 will be given to them in government and select private hospitals. An accidental death insurance of Rs 2 lakh is also included in this plan. Deputy labour commissioners have been assigned to resolve the cases related to pending of wages as per the minimum wages act to labourers. The fine for violation of labour laws has been increased from the meager amount Rs 500 to Rs 2 lakh. The Bill amending the Minimum Wages Act for implementing this was approved by the Honourable President Of India. A call centre /helpline is functioning to facilitate people to submit complaints and concerns regarding labour department. Nine new ITI at Padiyoor, Pinarayi (Kannur), Perambra, Chathamangalam (Kozhikode), Perumatti (Palakkad), Vamanapuram (Thiruvananthapuram), Chadayamangalam, Veliyam (Kollam) and Kodom Belur (Kasargod). ITIs at Dhanuvachapuram, Kollam, Chengannur, Ettumanoor, Kattappana, Chalakkudy, Malampuzha, Koyilandy,

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Kannur and, Kayyoor to be upgraded to international standards with the help of KIIFB. Thiruvananthapuram Chackai & Kozhikode ITI will be elevated as International ITIs. In order to give skill training for youngsters, the Kerala Academy for Skill Excellence will be elevated to State Skill Development Mission. Indian Institute of Infrastructure and Construction Academy to impart training in construction activities. The first phase of the building for the same has been completed in Chavara, Kollam.

The proceedings for starting eighteen new ESI dispensaries has begun.

E-Employment Exchange computerization project is being implemented to upgrade employment exchanges. Career development centres aimed at helping those seeking employment in rural areas have started functioning in Perambra, Chittoor and Neyyattinkara. Similar centres will also come up at Adoor, Kayamkulam, Vaikkom and Thripunithura. `Niyukthiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; job fairs provide platform for job seekers and employers to interact each other. Interest free loans for self employment

to widows and hapless women who have registered names in employment exchanges. This government has already given Rs 35.25 crores to 7002 women. The proceedings for starting eighteen new ESI dispensaries has begun. 162 posts have been created for the same. X-ray machines for nine ESI dispensaries coming under the department. The proposal to source medicines required for the department from Kerala Medical Supplies Corporation has been sanctioned by the government. Those who come to the ESI hospitals as out patients from the dispensaries will be given medicines for five days from pharmacy outlets. Decisions have been taken to start deaddiction centres in all districts. As part of this, existing de-addiction centres in nine districts will be converted to model health centres. De-addiction centre of international standards will be built at Kinalur in Kozhikode. Strict actions will be taken against use of & sale of Marijuana and other drugs. 9064 NDPS (Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances Act) cases have been registered during the last two years. The sale of illicit liquor could be curbed through the implementation of the new liquor policy. Over the past two years, 39913 abkari cases have been registered 29,658 were booked. Campaigning against liquor has been strengthened in schools. The minimum age for using liquor was raised to 23. To make the enforcement activities dynamic in the northern sector, mobile liquor testing laboratories have started functioning.

Swift plans for land acquisition with attractive packages

PWD sans corruption Administrative sanction has been given for reconstruction of thirty seven bridges. Works of six bridges, worth Rs 22.70 crore, has been completed.

nsuring a corruption-free environment in PWD was the major achievement of this government. 264 projects worth Rs. 3,218 crores will be inaugurated by PWD in June and July, 2018. Twelve bridges, eighty seven roads and twenty two buildings were completed out of the total 264 projects. The work of thirteen bridges, 107 roads and twenty one buildings will commence soon. We renovated 3,367 km of roads in two years. Latest technology was used for construction and renovation. Around 65 km of roads were constructed using plastic waste and natural rubber mixed bitumen was used for the construction of 694 km roads. Assigning officers in the rank of chief engineers for maintenance of bridges was a major change. PWD conducted stability inspection for 2,529 bridges for the first time. Of these, around 162 needed reconstruction and 208 required renovation. Administrative sanction has

been given for reconstruction of thirty seven bridges. Works of six bridges, worth Rs 22.70 crore, has been completed. PWD recruited 2,743 employees through PSC and gave promotion to 1,305 employees. The department is still facing a shortage of engineers and overseers. Sixty three employees, including a chief engineer and two superintending engineers were suspended. Disciplinary action has been taken against 248 employees. This has sent a strong message regarding this Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adamant stand against corruption and inefficiency. On the progress of highway land acquisition, the Union ministry was apprehensive about the high cost of land in Kerala. We had informed Union Minister Nitin Gadkari that the price of land was reasonable and higher prices were reported in places like Karnataka. The Centre and NHAI (National Highway Authority of India) will take a call on Keezhatoor alignment also.

G.Sudhakaran Minister for Public Works May 2018

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NEW LESSONS, FRESH HOPES The high school and higher secondary classes of selected schools will become high-tech.

Prof C. Raveendranath Education Minister

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May 2018

his year is considered as the year of excellence. We are focusing on many things. The main change that happened in the last two years was the development of the public education sector which included both the government and aided sectors. The primary level and higher level of both government and aided sectors comes under the public education sector. The second preference is to bring about a change in the education system coming under these sectors. Till this time we have given importance to Teacher-Centered Education. But now onwards we will focus on ChildCentered Education. The problem with the teachercentered education is that a whole classroom of students is considered as one unit. But the ability of each student in handling each subject is different. Some will be good in Mathematics, some will be good in music or dance or painting. So while focusing on ChildCentered Education, we consider each student in a class as a single unit. To find their abilities, we are planning to give necessary advices to parents and bring changes in teaching methodology too. We will introduce

new methods of teaching. For that we will give orientation classes for teachers. The Government has taken certain steps in this regard. First one is the development of infrastructure since public educational institutions should be attractive in all the sense with state-of-the-art facilities. The project in this regard was inaugurated at Kazhakootam in Thiruvananthapuram recently. Around 141 schools will be renovated in the capital district alone and a total number of 520 have been selected for this across the State. The second step is the digitalization of classrooms which will be completed by the end of this year. The high school and higher secondary classes of selected schools will become high-tech. Other than textbooks, information regarding each topic will be uploaded in the systems by teachers which will help students gather a visual backup for what they learn in the classroom. The third step in this regard is the preparation of comprehensive master plan by each school for enhancing the academic excellence. Kerala will be the

Rs 5 cr for 140 government schools and Rs 3 cr for 229 schools to improve basic facilities

first State in the country to introduce such a plan. Academic master plan is not just about learning the lessons in text books. The final step will be to prepare an individual master plan which focuses on the varied talents of students. Even if a student opts to become an engineer, he will also be given training to develop other talents. Another major initiative in the Education sector is the setting up

Even if a student opts to become an engineer, he will also be given training to develop other talents.

biodiversity parks in all schools across the State. Thirty three percent of the premises of each school will be earmarked for setting up gardens. These parks will actually take the role of textbooks in giving students basic lessons on biodiversity. Another area of focus will be to effect a major change in the question paper setting for public exams aimed at reducing the fear of exams among certain students. Newer patterns which provide liberal options for students will be tried. The Government plans to successfully implement all these reforms within a span of five years are there by bring about a visible and positive change in the Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education sector. May 2018

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transforming lives of fishermen The establishment of adequate facilities for fishermen is a major area demanding immediate intervention of the Government.

J Mercy Kutty Amma Minister for Fisheries

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May 2018

he top most priority of this Government is to ensure a fairly good standard of living for the fishermen community who still struggle hard to sustain their livelihood and lead a decent life. This, we know, is a challenging task since innovative schemes aimed at catching of fish, providing adequate nets and ensuring fair price for the catch have to be devised and implemented for achieving this objective. This Government has taken major initiatives for the conservation of marine diversity, especially the fish population. The Union Government has appreciated Keralaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s initiatives in this

regard. Necessary amendments will be made in the Kerala Marine Fishing Regulation Act to strictly enforce the rules in this regard. The establishment of adequate facilities for fishermen is another major area demanding immediate intervention of the Government. There are around twenty four fishing harbors in Kerala itself. Ten among them are working properly and the remaining and under construction. This Ministry completed the construction of three harbours in Thalassery, Koyilandi and Chettuva. An amount of Rs 584 crores has been earmarked in the current Budget

Harbour Management Society by including the participation of employees also will be formed.

for completing the construction of the remaining. Assistance from KIIFB and NABARD has also been sought for the same. In order to manage the functioning of harbours in a professional manner, a Harbour Management Society by including the participation of employees also will be formed. We could also provide 1,800 houses to the families of fishermen and we plan to provide 750 more houses with a budget of Rs 175 crores in the current financial year.

The Cashew Industry The crucial challenge being faced by the cashew industry is the unavailability of raw cashew. Many of the private cashew exporters are on the verge of bankruptcy since they had to procure raw cashew for exorbitant prices. The Government has intervened in this issue in a serious way. The formation of the Kerala Cashew Board was a step in this direction by which we could import raw cashew from foreign countries for a fair price. But certain legal and technical hurdles cropped up in this

process also. A conclave of the ambassadors of African countries was organized to discuss and resolve the existing problems. It has been decided to directly participate in the tender proceedings of these countries and purchase quality raw cashew from them. A proper price discovery mechanism will also be ensured which would help the industry tide over the current crisis. The initiatives for modernization, partial mechanization and self leasing facility for twenty factories have also begun. May 2018

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Huge strides in Plan expenditure Local Self Government Department could spend 90 percent of the Plan expenditure for developmental activities which is an all time record.

K T Jaleel Minister for Local Self Government

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May 2018

or the first time in the history of the State, the Local Self Government Department could spend 90 percent of the Plan expenditure for developmental activities which is an all time record. We could also achieve the enviable figure of over 70 percent in revenue tax collection last year. We plan to sustain this growth and aim to achieve 100 percent realization in plan expenditure and tax collection. Another major change we could bring about is the utilization of whole twelve months completely for the formulation of schemes contrary to the previous practice of setting apart nine months for formation and rest three months for execution. The schemes for the current financial year have already been approved and are ready

for implementation now. This will go a long way in improving the quality of the projects planned by the departments. We could initiate major changes in waste management also. Out of the two hundred plastic shredding units installed at various parts of the State, eighty have already started working and the remaining 120 will start functioning within two months. Our plan is to use shredded plastic for the construction of roads. Since we are running short on the supply of required shredded plastic for this purpose, the Department plans to start plastic shredding units in all blocks and municipalities. We are planning to implement major projects for producing power through waste. This will be done with private

Harithakarma Sena for collecting plastic and other waste from houses

2,50,000 houses will be handed over to the homeless this year under Life Mission programme. partnership. We have identified Kannur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram corporations as the seven centres where this project will be implemented in the initial stages. Major companies who can invest and operate a state of the art power generation plant will be given adequate land by the Government. Twenty acres of land was given to the 300-crore Brahmapuram plant in Kochi, which has started functioning. We have announced our villages as ODF villages (Open DefecationFree). The announcement regarding urban areas as ODF will be done soon. Out of the ninety three corporations which had almost completed the work regarding this, forty four were given certification by the Central Government team. The activities of Kudumbasree and MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme) are progressing on a good pace. Already

The Government has taken strong measures to implement water conservation programmes.

we have achieved ten percent of the asset creation and in this year we are targeting thirty to forty percent in this front. Kundumbasree currently has a member base of forty six lakh women. We have taken a new initiative to add one more woman belonging to the new generation from each family to this which would take the total to above one crore. Facilities would be provided for the educated members to start enterprises according to the skills they have acquired. Super markets to sell products of Kudumbasree units will be opened across the State. Several countries, especially African nations, have

adopted the success of Kudumbasree as a model and have sought the help of the State for establishing similar units in their countries. Kudumbasree units are also actively involved in countering the stray dog menace by introducing mobile sterilization clinics in different corporations and panchayats. The Government has taken strong measures to implement water conservation programmes. Rainwater harvesting will be one among them. The major target this year will be to achieve self-sufficiency in water. The recharging of wells is also fast progressing across the State. Last year, we completed the construction of 67,000 houses. The construction of 70% of houses has been completed and the rest will be done within three months. This year we will give 2,50,000 houses to the homeless under the Life Mission. Cabinet has taken the decision to take loan of Rs 4000 crores from HUDCO for this. May 2018

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red card to encroachers Steps were taken to resolve the cases in land tribunals. Forest lands approved by the Union Government and Supreme Court will be distributed to deserving people.

E Chandrasekharan Minister for Revenue & Housing

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May 2018

total number of 55,296 patta lands were distributed all over State under different categories. 72,334 files pending in land tribunals were cleared and 42,321 patta (kraya) documents were distributed. Steps were taken to resolve the cases in land tribunals. Forest lands approved by the Union Government and Supreme Court will be distributed to deserving people. Ownership of trees except sandal wood planted in the patta land (land given in accordance with the Acts in 1964) will be given to the farmers itself. Strong actions were initiated against large scale land encroachments. In order to preserve the ecological balance of our most sought after tourist destination Munnar, stringent steps were initiated against unauthorized construction activities. Taluk Land Boards have been reconstituted and steps were taken to clear the pending cases. Steps initiated to take back land with expired leased agreements and violated norms. A committee headed by Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) and Finance Secretary, Land Revenue Commissioner and Joint Commissioner as members have been formed. Government has taken over and declared 4200 acres of land in Koyilandi, Kozhikode, 0.17.14 hectares in Thiruvambadi, 0.10.15 hectares in Aruvikkara, Thiruvananthapuram, 0.01.65 hectora in Mundakkayam,

Kollam as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Escheatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; land. 492.13 acres of land held by Priya Rubber Estate and Plantation was also reclaimed. A total of 196.6477 hectares of land pertaining to 605 cases were acquired all over the State. Strict actions were initiated against corrupt officials in the revenue department. Officers prima facie found guilty of dereliction of duty were placed under suspension. 60 Revenue officers were suspended and disciplinary actions have taken against 200 officers.

This Government has creatively intervened to preserve paddy fields and wetlands.

This Government has creatively intervened to preserve paddy fields and wetlands. The Kerala Conservation of Paddy land and Wet land Act have been suitably amended to achieve this objective. A time frame of six months has been given for submission of complaints regarding the data. 2,01,364 applications have been received and all this will be resolved within the stipulated time.

Comprehensive schemes to provide housing and livelihood to all homeless in the state

SMOOTH SAIL

Mathew T Thomas Minister for Water Resources Special provisions were introduced to regularize and change the nature of lands which were filled before 2008, non cultivable and are not included in the data bank subject to the stipulated conditions. Ten percent of the lands which are thus regularized and are above 50 cents, should be used for water conservation activities. 38.58 acres of filled land were restored to the previous form. The resurvey activities which were frozen by the UDF government were restarted. The modernization of the Revenue Department was done using the latest Information Technology tools which will be completed in six months. Facilities for paying taxes from anywhere, any time will be in place with the introduction of the special Revenue portal. In the year 2017-18, government

has given sanction for converting 50 village offices to smart village offices, to build an extra room in 100 village offices and construction of compound walls for 80 village offices. District Collectors were given more powers to take to sanction installment options in cases of revenue recovery. The slabs for the same have been raised to Rs 2 lakh for District Collector and Rs 2500 for Tahsildar. The whole procedure has been made online for ensuring transparency. Land Grabbing prohibition Bill, Kerala Metals & Minerals Vesting Bill, Kerala Agricultural Land Leasing Bill, Building Tax Amendment Bill, Kerala Land Reform (Amendment) Bill and Kerala Rent Control Bill are the bills that are under the active consideration of the Government.

ur bottled drinking water project â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Hilly Aquaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is going good. We have also decided to inaugurate 52 drinking water schemes as part of the second anniversary of our ministry. The government has plans to do dam decantation, construct 30 regulators along 20 rivers to prevent saline intrusion and ensure water supply during the parched summer months at an estimated cost of Rs 600 crores. The ventures by the ministry of water resources are going smooth and we could increase the expense of schemes. Last year, we could spend almost 69% of the estimated plan expenditure for development activities.

May 2018

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striving for self reliance in farming Volume of paddy farming was 1,96,870 hectares and within the last two years this has increased to 2,20,448 hectares.

V.S.Sunilkumar Minister for Agriculture

brand kerala

May 2018

DF government could bring major noticeable changes in the Agricultural sector during the last 2 years. In the year 2015-2016, the agricultural growth was -5.02% and this rose to 2.90% in the year 2016-2017. The volume of paddy farming was 1,96,870 hectares and within the last two years this has increased to 2,20,448 hectares. Vegetable cultivation was done in 46,500 hectares of land during the year of 2015-â&#x20AC;&#x2122;16. Last year this has increased to 55,000 hectares. Vegetable production has increased from 6 lakh metric tonnes to 10 lakh metric tonnes. As part of this project, vegetable seeds were distributed to 63 lakh families for free. A Crop Calendar has been developed to streamline the marketing and distribution of vegetables. In this financial year, 14 new Agro Service Centers and 50 Plant Health Clinics have started functioning. We could acquire geographic index for Marayoor Jaggery and procedures

are active for getting the same for various other local produces. The rules to monitor the sale and usage of pesticides have been strengthened with district wise squads maintaining strict vigil against usage of banned pesticides. Steps have been taken to make agricultural sector corruption free. Community Radio service will be introduced to make farmers aware of the new initiatives and trends in the agriculture sector in the State. The

vegetable production has increased from 6 tons to 10,0000 metric tons

first Community Radio will become operational in Alappuzha shortly. A special phone-in programme in association with SFAC, will be aired on all first Wednesdays of every month. Farmers can directly interact with the Agriculture Minister through this programme. Farmers can also clarify their doubts and other concerns regarding agriculture through the call centers that work from 8am to 8pm. Special projects based on the previous LDF governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Farm policy have been devised to encourage organic farming on a large scale. The VFPCK (Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam) and Agricultural department are implementing the certification process for good agricultural practices and participatory guarantee system. Vegetables cultivated through organic

GOOD ROADS AHEAD

A K Saseendran Minister for Transport

T methods in the State are being procured for a higher price than the market rate and are being sold under the brand name Kerala Organic. This government has disbursed agriculture pensions worth 700 crores till September 2017. The pension amount was increased from 500 rupees to 1000 rupees initially and then to 1100 rupees. Only six monthsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; arrears are pending which will be cleared with the

his Government has taken a practical approach to bail out the ailing KSRTC from the present financial crisis and make it profitable and more useful for the common people. We are in the process of implementing the recommendations of the report submitted by Sushil Khanna, who was appointed to conduct a study on the crisis of the corporation, in a step by step manner. As per his suggestion, we stopped managing day today affairs by swapping of high-interest short term loans and

cancelled the consortium with banks. We commenced a new contract after the cancellation of previous one. Since then, KSRTC could reduce the expenditure of 60 crores per month just in the sum of interest. We attained this achievement not by termination any of our staff, but only through the paper works. There is a discrepancy in the ratio of employees to the number of buses in KSRTC. Hence the second recommendation from his part was to upgrade the duty pattern of the employees. We have initiated all the necessary actions for this and with the accurate utilization of man power we are anticipating a substantial change in the operations of KSRTC. Discussions regarding the same held with the workers unions were also positive. Re-scheduling bus routes, reduction in non-profitable routes, increasing the services in profitable routes are the other proposals in the report. As the minister for transportation, the regularization of salaries and pensions and settlement of debts are the foremost issues to be resolved. May 2018

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release of the funds. India’s first Agro Hyper Market named ‘Keralasree’ started functioning in Thrissur. Branches of the same will be opened soon in other cities like Thiruvananthapuram and Calicut. State’s first Agro Park will be opened in Thrissur this year. Other agro parks will be opened with the help of funds from KIIFB. Seventy four `Keragramams’ were also implemented for enhancing coconut cultivation in the State. Decision was taken to implement social audit in Agriculture department which was announced during the 30th anniversary of Krishi Bhavans. The proceedings for the formation of Farmers Welfare Fund are progressing and the Bill relating to this will be presented in the next Assembly session. The activities of Honey Mission are being implemented through the Horticulture Mission. 126 training programmes were organized by Horticorp and 3500 Indian Bee colonies were distributed to farmers. An amount of Rs 599 crores had been given to rubber farmers as Rubber Production Incentive. The farmer-friendly programmes implemented by this government have helped prevent farmer suicides in the State. According to Crime Records bureau, not even a single case of farmer suicide was reported in the State in 2017. Concrete steps to enhance the productivity of State-owned PSUs have been initiated by this Government. Oil Palm India Ltd., under the Agriculture Department, which was running in loses could garner a net profit of 1.6 crore in the year 2016-17. Kerafed was revived from the clutches of corrupt practices by initiating Vigilance probe into the charges

brand kerala

May 2018

of misappropriation in procurement of coconut. There was also a heavy jump in the sale of Kera coconut oil with the figure reaching a record 13,507 metric tons during 2016-17. The Kera value added products could also perform well with Kera Milk Powder, Kera Desiccated Coconut, Kerajam Keshamruth Herbal Hair Oil achieving good sales volumes. Production and distribution of Kera

the number of Horticorp stalls will be increased to 100 and franchisee stalls to 500.

Chammmanthipodi, Kera Virgin Oil, coconut chips and Kera Coconut Milk Powder will commence soon. To evaluate the quality of the vegetables distributed through Horticorp, Hand link units which cost around six crores will be installed in Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam. In the next financial year, the activities of Horticorp will be widened by increasing the number of own stalls to 100 and franchisee stalls to 500. The VFPCK has taken the initiative to

encourage the organic vegetable farming in more areas through the Participatory Guarantee System. 213 groups of 500 organic farmers have been formed and farming has already begun in 752 hectares of land. The Hightech Vegetable Seedling Production Centre has started functioning in Muvattupuzha, Ernakulam. Good quality seedlings will be distributed to the farmers in the state through this unit which costs around Rs 11.35 crores. Thalir, a branded retail outlet which collects and sells organic vegetables produced by farmers started functioning in Kottarakkara. Territorial groups have been formed to initiate e Safe to Eat/ organic farming across the state. To encourage farming in the urban areas, Harithanagari project has been implemented through VFPCK. The LDF government took steps to make Horticulture Mission corruptionfree. Three small scale nurseries were formed and production of seeds in 59 hectares of land was made possible. An amount of Rs 43.5 lakhs was utilized for the same. Cultivation of different crops including fruits, vegetables, spices, flowering plants etc. was expanded to 9905 hectares of land. High density farming project was implemented in 51.35 hectares of land. Construction of the buildings for Teaching Veterinary Clinic Complex, Varghese Kurian Institute of Diary Science and Technology was completed in the Veterinary College Campus at Mannuthy. Laboratories of Mannuthy and Pookkode campuses were accredited by the National Accreditation Testing and Calibration. Research projects are progressing in these campuses

Concrete steps to contain escalation of prices

TOWARdS A HIGHTECH PDS We are initiating a novel plan to issue new ration cards to those who already figure in the ration card but residing outside the State.

P Thilothaman Minister for Civil Supplies

he National Food Security Act will be implemented in the State as part of the second anniversary of the Government. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Vaathilppadi Vitharanamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, a scheme launched by the Government through Supplyco to keep fleecing mediators at bay, was successfully implemented. The computerization and the supply of food grains by identifying actual beneficiaries through biometric tools was also accomplished during this period which given a new face of transparency to the public distribution system in Kerala. Though it is mandatory to renew ration cards every five years, it was not done in our State. This process was resumed and 80 lakh ration cards were distributed. We are also initiating a novel plan to issue new ration cards to those who already figure in the ration card but residing outside the State. All the issues regarding ration cards will be resolved at the earliest. We will soon introduce a scheme for the modernization of ration shops. We are planning to sell supplyco products via ration shops. Steps will be taken to make ration shops more customer friendly This year, we could make major strides in the procurement of paddy. The existing procedure is to collect paddy and process it in the private mills and distribute it through the Public Distribution System. But certain malpractices were noticed in this process and the department took strong actions to ensure supply of quality rice to the people. We initiated a contract with the consortium of banks to provide

the price for the paddy procured to rice farmers without causing delay. We resumed the sale of wheat flour through ration shops. The computerization has ensured a foolproof mechanism for the monitoring of ration distribution from anywhere. The proceedings for a social audit have begun. The distribution of Supplyco goods through ration shops at low prices is progressing in panchayats. We will ensure that the prices of Supplyco products are not raised during the rest of our tenure. Effective steps were also taken to prevent the hike in prices of essential goods. The Government plans to constitute a separate directorate for the consumer Affairs Department. Effective guidelines to prevent the fraudulent activities in online shopping will also be introduced. The effective changes made in the Legal Metrology Act over the last two years are also praiseworthy. May 2018

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ALL SET FOR NEELAKURiNJI SEASON A committee headed by the Sub-Collector with officers of Forest Department and RTO has formed for the organization and planning.

K. Raju Minister for Forests, Animal Husbandy & Zoos

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May 2018

s Munnar welcomes yet another Neelakurinji season, the Forest Department has chalked out a series of plans to ensure better facilities for tourists who flock this region. The number of buses transporting tourists to the Neelakurinji sanctuary has been increased to ten. Earlier there were only seven buses. Also, we have a pre approved order if we have to increase the number of buses in future. We have allotted more space for parking the vehicles of tourists coming to the Sanctuary. This will help in reducing the congestion of vehicles in the town area. A committee headed by the SubCollector with officers of Forest Department and RTO has formed for the organization and planning. Sanctuary will be opened to public one hour earlier in the morning in coming days and we

have extended the closing time too. This will help tourists spend more time inside the sanctuary. The concerned officials have been instructed to take necessary steps for arranging the stay for tourists in both private and public lodges. Forest Department officers and guides will be available all the time to help the visitors.

Dairy and Poultry sector The State will achieve self-sufficiency in milk production by the end of this year. The milk production increased up to seventeen percent over the past two years. Now the state is producing eighty three percent of its requirement. We are on the way to achieve the remaining. The Dairy Development Department is planning to implement a comprehensive insurance scheme that covers dairy farmers and their cattle. A Heber Park to

The Koodamkulam – Kochi Power grid Project will start functioning by the end of this year

take care of 100 calves will be sanctioned in selected panchayats. To attain self sufficiency in poultry sector, the Animal Husbandry Department has decided to implement a scheme along with the Kudumbasree Mission. The scheme proposes to start 5,000 units in the state. The target of this year is 1000 units. The

aiming for A POWER FULL STATE

A Heber Park to take care of 100 calves will be sanctioned in selected panchayats. M M Mani Minister for Electricity chicks for this scheme will be supplied by the Kerala Poultry Development Corporation (KEPCO). 4000 chicks can be produced in one year from one unit. Through this we are expecting a mass development in the production of poultry meat.

he main promise put forward by the LDF in our election manifesto was to implement total electrification in the State. This has been achieved in all the 140 constituencies.. This scheme, which was formally announced during the tenure of V.S. Achuthanandan government could achieve this objective in 85 constituencies only at that time. Our government could provide electricity in every village and even in places like Idamalakkudy. Presently, we generating only 30 percent of the total power required for the State. Our aim is to generate

more power through effective use of all possible means. Now we are purchasing 70 percent of power from other sources. The objective of our Ministry is the productive management of available water resources and implementation of small scale schemes which could generate 350 MW. Steps have been initiated to increase the power generation form solar platforms to 1000 MW, which is currently only 100 MW. The solar project is a combined venture of KSEB and ANERT (Agency for Non-conventional Energy and Rural Technology). The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has agreed to give 19 MW at a rate of below Rs 3 and has signed a memorandum to this effect with KSEB. Our plan is to go ahead with the Athirappally Power Project after resolving the existing controversies. It’s a big project which can generate 163 MW of power. The wind mills installed at Idukki and Palakkad will be spruced up to generate more electriccity. Finding a solution for the energy crisis by tapping all the possible sources and steps for controlling electrical hazards are the prime areas of focus for this government.

1000MW

power to be generated form solar platforms May 2018

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TWO YEARS OF DESTRUCTION The gift of this government to the people on its second anniversary was the brutal custodial death of Sreejith in Varappuzha. This was not an isolated incident and was the sixth one after this government came to power.

he two years of the LDF government led by Pinarayi Vijayan have been disappointing and unproductive. The promises in the poll manifesto were thrown to the wind and the Home Department, handled by the Chief Minister himself, has proved to be the worst among the lot with reports of police atrocities and inaction becoming a routine affair.

Law and Order The rampant politicalization of the police force has actually defeated the very purpose of this Department which led to it becoming a B team of the ruling party. The law enforcing officers are appointed according to the reports from the local leaders of the CPM. The gift of this government to the people on its second anniversary was the brutal custodial death of Sreejith in Varappuzha. This was not an isolated incident and was the sixth one after this government came to power. The sharp shoot in the number of political killings, especially in the northern belt, has exposed the Government weak handling of the law and order.

Karunya Ramesh Chennithala Leader of Opposition

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May 2018

Sukrutham commenced by the UDF government to extend the benefits and services of health sector to ordinary people were stopped. Due to the non payment of arrears to the tune of Rs 7.54 crores, seventy six private hospitals have stopped providing treatment under the Karunya scheme.. Also the number of medicines made available free was reduced to 200 from 500.

The schemes like Karunya, Ammayum Kunjum, Arogya Kiranam, Amrutham, Thalolam, Sruthi Tharangam, and

Metro Mega projects like Vizhinjam International Seaport, Kochi Metro, Light Metro for Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode, Kannur International Airport, Smart City and National Highway Development Project were taken up during the UDF governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tenure. But all these projects have lost its pace due to the laxity on the part of the present government. Metroman E Sreedharan was sure on the completion of Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram Light Metro

Projects in 2018 itself. But the LDF government played an intelligent game to remove E Sreedharan from the project. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) had submitted the new report as per the guidelines of the Centre to the government on November 23rd of 2017. But government refrained from going further on the light metro projects. As a result of the continuous apathy on the Government part, DMRC decided to exit from the Light Metro Project itself.

Vizhinjam International Seaport According to the agreement signed by Adani group and the previous UDF Government, only 48 months were required for the completion of this mega project and the work for the same was fast progressing till this government took over. But now it has come down to a snail’s pace and the Adnai group itself has officially sought an extension for the completion of work. Only 600m of Pulimutt could be completed instead of the required length of 3.14 km. Out of the 800 m berth to be constructed by filling 400 metres of sea, less than 200 m of sea

filling could be done till date. Only 25 percent of the breakwater construction could be completed. The traditional industries like cashew and coir have been spoiled completely. The social security schemes implemented by the UDF government have been ruined. The substitute schemes like Life Mission, Haritha Keralam, Ardhram and General Education Protection Mission are yet to function properly. The KIIFB, a novel idea of fund raising promoted extensively by this Government, has proved to be a fictional dream. The decision to dilute the liquor policy in collision with the Abkari mafia, has led to widespread flow of liquor which threatens the social fabric of the State. Three ministers of this Government were forced to resign on shameful charges in this two year period.. The intolerant attitude towards protests like VayalkIli Samaram of Keezhattoor is an ideal example for the dictatorial line adopted by this government. “LDF varum, ellam sheriyaakum,’ the much publicized slogan of the LDF during elections, has now become an unfortunate irony.

POOR GROWTH

P.K. Kunhalikutty Member of Parliament

he Government has to give more focus for environment friendly industries so that future generation can live sustainably. The initiatives in this regard are not positive. More thrust have to be given for data processing, information technology, food processing, small & medium enterprises, Biotechnology and health care industries as these will create more investment and employment. Acquisition of large areas of land for manufacturing industries is not feasible for our State in view of the high cost, resistance from local residents and delay in process. The growth rate in respect of small and medium industries is poor considering the last three years. Government also failed to obtain more Central investments in the units transferred to them which hold sufficient land and other infrastructure for expansion.

May 2018

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feature

CAPITALâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HAPPENIN

The Sports Hub, built over 37 acres, is completely integrated sports and leisure complex, the first of its kind in India.

Aparna Sreevalsan

brand kerala

May 2018

t is a welcoming note for Trivandrumites, who have always longed for better fitness and sporting opportunities within the city limits. The Trivandrum Sports Hub with state- of- the- art sporting infrastructure is growing up to the international level with its operations extending from personal health care to community relations and to hosting global sporting events. The Sports Hub, built over 37 acres, is completely integrated sports and leisure complex, the first of its kind in India. The facility constitutes a 50,000-capacity international cricket cum football stadium, retail outlets, clubhouse, convention centre guest rooms etc.

The project was a brainchild of Government of Kerala and got promoted extensively through the National Games Secretariat, a body formed by Government of Kerala to boost the growth of sports infrastructure and to encourage the youngsters in the State to take up sports. The stadium is located in Kariavattom in the city of Trivandrum in Kerala. The stadium is currently operated by the Kariavattom Sports Facilities which is a subsidiary of IL&FS Transportation Network Ltd. and is recognised by the Kerala Cricket Association. Ajay Padmanabhan, Chief Operating Officer (IL&FS) talks to Brand Kerala on the most happening place of the city.

NG HUB

“The Sports Hub is providing a space for people to do a myriad of sports activities. The facilities provided in the Sports Hub are world class. It is like a complete package, complied with every standard what FIFA and ICC professionals are looking for. Our idea is to make this stadium as a Center of Excellence for various sports activities. We have restaurants and a convention centre other than the playgrounds” says Ajay. The Sports Hub has become India’s first public-private partnership in the development of a cricket cum football stadium, meeting the highest

Winner of the prestigious David Vickers Award for New Venue of the Year, in the Stadium Business Awards 2016 held at madrid, Spain.

international standards. Ajay adds, “This is the right place for the talented. Only thing is they need proper training and platforms to take them to the next level. Here, they are trained to compete for Olympic medals. In countries like Australia, USA, Europe and China, the talents of children are identified at the age of five or six. Talent scouts are happening, and they have an ultimate programme for the same. They are trained like champions, treated like champions, and mentally they are prepared well to take up challenges. But here what happens is when the talent of a student is identified; he/she might have turned 15 or 16. Then they are given rigorous training, and it’s already late, and ultimately the performance graph goes down.” Ajay adds, “we aim to take some initiatives to identify talents in children from his or her younger age. People like Dave Whatmore, Anil Kumble, Vimal Kumar are here to train our students. In Anil Kumble’s Cricket Academy, they are trained in multiple levels. Our students are winning various meets as we are giving them the proper training and diet. Various federations and

info at a glance Seating capacity 55,000 India’s first outdoor stadium built on DBOT (Design-Built-Operate and Transfer) mode. The first fully eco-friendly stadium in India, surrounded with greenery and rainwater harvesting The first stadium in the country to be developed on Annuity mode. Employs a local workforce for sports training and hospitality needs. Ajay Padmanabhan

May 2018

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associations are actively supporting us as we are providing facilities at par with international standards. We have plans to become a part of Sports tours, to take our students to other countries and make them perform in various weather conditions.” The land in which the stadium is situated is owned by the University of Kerala and has been taken for lease. The 55,000 capacity stadium which boasts of DBOT infrastructure was built at the cost of around 240 crores, making it one of the costliest stadiums built in the country. “The major advantage of having this Sports hub in Trivandrum is that, when a match is planned more than 2000 rooms are needed for officials and others. Many people will make a visit and that helps the city to get noticed. Every city requires some kind of social infrastructure. It’s a fact that across the world, stadiums make money by hosting big events. The sports facilities include two swimming pools, the indoor one has temperature controlling system and the other one is of Olympic standards. Then there are cricket practice nets, football practice grounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, squash courts, table tennis courts, areas for chess, caroms, billiards etc. We have a gymnasium which is probably the best in South India. The most advanced technology

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May 2018

We aim to take some initiatives to identify talents in children from his or her younger age. People like Dave Whatmore, Anil Kumble, Vimal Kumar are here to train our students. Ajay Padmanabhan,

Chief Operating Officer (IL&FS)

has been installed here. In addition to this, we have convention centers too. Our focus is to host not only marriages but also MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events). Our convention centers can manage around 15,000 people. There is a Carnival theatre complex with four screens. There is another theatre with luxurious seats where you can lie down and watch movies. Rooms with minimum four star deluxe facilities and luxurious dining spaces are coming up.” he explains. The Travancore Gymkhana Club inside the hub anchors all the other activities

outside the stadium. The stadium is just one entity, and all other activities are coming under the Travancore Gymkhana club. As many clubs provide individual memberships, this one gives family membership. Women wellness is another initiative taken by the hub to promote women to use gym, pools and related facilities. “As per the norms of ICC, first we will have to host a certain number of Ranji matches and domestic matches. They have given the permission to host T20 matches. After the successful hosting of T20, they would give permission

for one day match. Then, test matches would follow. But, I think the BCCI and KCA were very generous to us; because, without conducting Ranji matches they gave us permission for T20. By November, we will host one day match and from next year onwards we would be hosting test matches too. Ours is the 52nd international venue in India. We are planning to get the drop-in pitch technology. That means the pitch can be taken and moved out and then we could make it ideal for football matches. Very soon we are going to get help from a Dutch player who would come here and train our students. We are planning another initiative, Obstacle Sports. This is for the corporates to conduct event like team building. The Kerala Tourism Department is on a mission to promote Kerala as an adventure sports location and we also would like to travel in the same direction. At the same time, some are making issues regarding the hosting of big corporate events here. They actually don’t know that the ground is made to conduct any kind of events and moreover the grass will get immunized only if we host events here. Otherwise the whole ground is likely to get destroyed,’’ says Ajay. The stadium already has hosted mega events like ‘Vanitha Film Awards Event” accommodating 7000 people, ‘Amma Mazhavillu’ programme, accommodating 30,000 people and another show “International Dance Biennale” would be conducted soon. 35,000 people are expected for this event. Last year the Children’s Summer Camp was conducted with 300 children, but this year the number rose to 1000. This was done in association with SMRA (Sports & Management Research Institute). The hub is going to collaborate with them and conduct grass root activities for children. Corporate Day Out is a special programme offered to those who wish to spend a day in the hub and get involved in the activities of the place.

expect the unexpected. brand kerala B u s i n e s s

M a g a z i n e

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May 2018

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column good word Sabin Iqbal sabin.iqbal@gmail.com

We are made of different stuff, like the many chips in a piece of mosaic. What’s the good way to have a measure of oneself in that mosaic?

Life’s A Mosaic, Isn’t It?

ife would have been drab and grey without the exciting and eclectic mix of people that we are. We are like chalk and cheese—we may look similar but that’s it. We are made of different stuff, like the many chips in a piece of mosaic. What’s the good way to have a measure of oneself in that mosaic?

Mirrors? The mirror says I am fat like a cow (sorry, no offence to anyone’s religiosity) and growing quite ungainly. I don’t believe it. Looks on a mirror can be as deceptive as real looks. Then what? People? People say I am unorganised. Or, is it disorganised that they mean? Check out the difference for

shades of meaning. As in unused and disused. I have some people in my life who are as organised and planned as the sketch and plan of a civil engineer—every corner and ventilator spot on. Some are even precise as an astronomer. For them every millisecond or the thinnest flake of time is important. They can’t even breathe without planning and spreading it out on an Excel sheet. They plan their vacations a year ahead, write down the itinerary with, if possible, even hotel room numbers, and with activities of every evening documented. And, the surprising thing is that the plan works perfect. There are others, who look more like myself, who travel out of an impulse. My wife and I once sat down to plan our habitual annual visit to Kerala (from the Middle East), and ended up going on a month-long holiday in Europe. And, till we landed in Paris we didn’t inform the friend with whom we were to stay in Brussels that we were on our way. We do that. We can only do that. There are some who are prim and proper as a steaming, spotless shirt straight from the ironing board. They can’t stand a wrong crease or a false fold. They walk stiff without disturbing the peace of being ironed out. Seeing

them and seeing myself, I often want to bury my head deep in sand. How can I make them understand the funny physics between a tummy and sliding trousers? I don’t want to use suspenders for fear of being branded ‘elitist’. But I increasingly feel the need of one, but I can’t imagine myself walking the streets of Kerala wearing suspenders. Some spend money like diarrhoea. Their pocket is a bag with holes. They never know how and when money goes out of it. They will only know when it is finished as their groping hand comes up like an empty sieve. Finito! Now they wait for the next windfall to spend it like the owner of a red-coloured airline of good times-turned-bad! Old habits die hard. They don’t leave you; they only make you broke. Some spend money like constipation. Only pretensions, nothing comes out. Frugality runs in their blood, and Mr Ebenezer Scrooge is their great uncle. They smell of stinginess and they somehow distance themselves from their own swelling bank balance. They live and die poor, making only their bank manager happy. Some are as insecure as a toddler. Their insecurity whispers to them at night and make them behave arrogant, for attack is the best way of defence. The logic is simple: “Before I am exposed and wounded, let me finish him.” They create a kingdom around their pettiness. A halo of self-assurance around their insecure self. Oh yeah, there are those who are on the other side of the fence. They are so sure of themselves that they become lazy and sluggish, and wait till the deadline stares eyeball to eyeball. They declare their shortcomings in public but that too is a defensive tactic—an escape from reality. They lift up their feet of clay and limp around boasting their fallibility.

The ones who have a sharp tongue are perfect examples of ‘attack before attacked’ types. Most of the time, they don’t mean what they say. Unfortunately, they don’t have the ability to realise the degree of damage their words inflict upon the ‘victim’, and how badly they crack others’ heart. There are some others who don’t

affection, in its selfish form, suffocates and chokes the other to the extent that he or she wants to get away from the ‘slavery of affection’.

speak or retort at all. They put on such a smiling mask that you have no idea how vengeful and jealous their heart is. They secretly and lovingly water and nurture a poison tree till it flowers and bears fruit. There are people who are kind and loving but have no clue how to express it. They are capable of expressing only anger and frown, which are not the emotions that run in their heart. They shout and scream at their wife and kids while in the heart of heart, they love them and can’t live without them. But, sadly, their wife and kids seldom realise the depth and warmth of their love. I have learnt in life that fighting spouses will miss each other so badly that they can’t survive without the intimacy of quarrelling with each other. On the other hand, affection, in its selfish form, suffocates and chokes the other to the extent that he or she wants to get away from the ‘slavery of affection’. That’s why we hear phrases like ‘private space’ and ‘time alone’. There is nothing more negative than selfish love, the love that doesn’t let go. Having said all this, imagine how boring it would be if we all think and act alike. Imagine we all are clones of ourselves! And, that’s my biggest concern against Artificial Intelligence. I put my neck on the block to say that AI is all about being ‘artificial’ or ‘programmed’. To know the difference between an AI robot and a human being, we should understand that parents don’t ‘make or create’ a child. They are just ‘instruments’ at the hands of, you know who! You can’t pinch a robot, can I? Thank God for the diversity that ‘our hearts are fashioned individually’. We make a pretty picture, don’t we? Oh, those who kill for their faith, please excuse me. Sabin Iqbal is a Thiruvananthapurambased senior journalist. He writes on culture, sports and business.

health

BUSINESS STRESS AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE Stress may affect behaviours and factors that increase heart disease risk, high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, smoking, physical inactivity and over eating.

Dr K R Santhosh MD, DNB, DM, FSCAI (USA), FACC (USA), FESC (Eur)

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May 2018

hen you have got an unexpected bill, a sudden drop in share market or a contract which has fallen off, are you like a cartoon character with steam shooting out of your ears? Or a cool cat who manages your stress? Everyone feels stress in different ways and reacts to it in different ways. How much stress you experience and how you react to it can lead to a wide variety of health problems and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why it is critical to know what you can do about it. The physiological reaction to

psychological stress, involving the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical and sympatho adreno medullary axes, is well characterized, but its link to cardiovascular disease risk is not well established. Epidemiological data shows that chronic stress predicts the occurrence of coronary heart disease (CHD). In addition, short term emotional stress can act as a trigger of cardiac events among individuals with advanced atherosclerosis. A stress specific coronary syndrome, known as transient left ventricular apical ballooning cardiomyopathy or stress (Takotsubo) cardiomyopathy also exists. Some correlation between long term stress and visceral

fat accumulation, insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidemia (Metabolic syndrome) exists. When stress is excessive, it can contribute to everything from high blood pressure, also called hypertension to asthma to ulcers to irritable bowel syndrome..

Stress and your heart More research is needed to determine how stress contributes to heart disease - the leading killer. Stress may affect behaviours and factors that increase heart disease risk, high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, smoking, physical inactivity and over eating. Some people may choose to drink too much alcohol or smoke cigarettes to “manage” their chronic stress; however these habits can increase blood pressure and may damage artery walls. And the body’s response to stress maybe a headache, back strain or stomach pains. Stress can also zap your energy, wreak havoc on your sleep and make you feel cranky, forgetful and out of control. A stressful situation sets off a chain of events. Your body releases adrenaline, a hormone that temporarily causes your breathing and heart rate to speed up and your blood pressure to rise. These reactions prepare you to deal with the situation – the “fight or flight” response. Can managing stress reduce or prevent heart disease? Managing stress is a good idea for your overall health, and researchers are currently studying whether managing stress is effective for heart disease. A few studies have examined how well treatment or therapies work in reducing the effect of stress on cardiovascular disease. Studies using psychosocial therapies- involving both psychological and social aspects- are promising in the prevention of second heart attacks. After a heart attack or stroke, people who feel depressed, anxious or overwhelmed by stress should talk to their doctor or other

info WHEN YOU ARE UNDER STRESS DO YOU? Engaging in even one of these following behaviours may mean that you are not dealing with stress as well as you could. Eat to calm down?

Procrastinate?

Speak and eat very fast?

Sleep too little, too much or both?

Drink alcohol or smoke?

Slow down?

Rush around but do not get much done

Try to do too many things at once?

Work too much

it is far better in the long term to manage your stress through relaxation or stress management techniques.

healthcare professionals.

What can you do about stress? Exercising, maintaining a positive attitude, not smoking, not drinking too much coffee, enjoying a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight are good ways to deal with stress. Medicines are

helpful for many things, but usually not for stress. Some people take tranquilizers to calm them down immediately but it is far better in the long term to manage your stress through relaxation or stress management techniques. Be careful not to confuse stress with anxiety. If you suffer from anxiety, speak with your doctor regarding a management plan including medicines if required. Figuring out how stress pushes your buttons in an important step in dealing with it. If your stress is non-stop, stress management classes can also help. Look for them at hospitals, rehab programmes or by consulting with a therapist. Author is the Director & Head, Dept of Interventional Cardiology, PRS Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram May 2018

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food&leisure

Not your regular cup of coffee! It is indeed great news for the coffee lovers in Kerala that Kopi Luwak is ready for a sip at Kafe Kopi Luwak, Panampilly Nagar, costing Rs1600 per cup.

Priyanka Prakash

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May 2018

he unusual preparation of Kopi Luwak makes it the world’s most expensive coffee. It has been produced from the coffee beans which have been digested by Palm Civet, an Indonesian cat-like animal. It is why Kopi Luwak is also called Civet Cat Coffee or Cat Poop Coffee. Some unique fermentation occurs during the digestion process, which gives the civet coffee its special flavour. After about 24 hours coffee beans are defecated by the civet. In Southeast Asia, these faeces are said to be golden in colour. They are collected from farmers and processed to coffee. It is indeed great news for the coffee lovers in Kerala that Kopi Luwak is ready for a sip at Kafe Kopi Luwak, Panampilly Nagar, costing

Rs1600 per cup. “We usually find it difficult to spend more than Rs 20 for a cup of coffee. But shelling out Rs 1600 for just one cup of delicious civet coffee is worth. We also serve Italian/Mexican Continental dishes.” says Nirmal Jaic and Sheeba Manishankar, co-owners of Kafe Kopi Luwak. “We’ve had a boutique here since 2015, and we planned on starting something different too in the same building. We thought Kerala should get a taste of the famous Kopi Luwak. Also to hold discussions regarding films, while having food and drinks, we couldn’t find any apt space too. So we decided to open a cafe which is different from other normal cafés.” Sheeba adds. Nirmal is an upcoming actor, and Sheeba is a costume designer in the film industry. Kafe Kopi Luwak would be probably one of the fanciest cafés in the city. “We import the coffee beans from Indonesia. We are the only ones who do this under the original Kopi Luwak brand from Indonesia. We are receiving a very good response from our customers. Even if it costs 1600Rs for one cup, people want to try it. Otherwise, to try this original civet coffee, people have to travel to Dubai or Indonesia. So people here in Kerala come here and taste this coffee. But it’s a fact that we are giving it at a very reasonable price comparing

info world’s most expensive coffee

Compared to the normal coffee, Kopi Luwak is twice or thrice rich in aroma, flavour and taste.

the original price of the coffee”, says Nirmal. Comparing the normal coffee, Kopi Luwak is twice or thrice rich in aroma, flavour and taste. “The taste remains with you for three to four hours. We are using Wild Kopi Luwak here which is a mixture of all breeds of coffee beans. It is not about any particular breed of coffee bean, but the civets will eat the beans they find good. Maybe it will eat only four or five beans at a time. It is another way of finding the best of coffee beans since the civets choose only the best ones”, Nirmal adds. The staff has received special training in brewing Kopi Luwak. It is brewed in a French Press. Normal brewing method is not used because it might destroy the aroma and flavour of the coffee.

Kopi Luwak

Black ivory

$600/kg

$1100/kg

from Civet cat/ Indonesia

from Elephant/ Thailand

Kopi luwak or civet coffee, is coffee that includes part-digested coffee cherries eaten and defecated by the Asian palm civet. Fermentation occurs as the cherries pass through a civet’s intestines, and after being defecated with other fecal matter, they are collected.

Black Ivory Coffee is a brand of coffee produced by the Black Ivory Coffee Company Ltd in northern Thailand from Arabica coffee beans consumed by elephants and collected from their waste. The taste of Black Ivory coffee is influenced by elephants’ digestive enzymes, which breaks down the coffee’s protein.

Luwak is local name for Asian palm civet. The Asian palm civet) is a small viverrid native to South and Southeast Asia. Kopi is Indonesian word for coffee

Kopi Luwak coffee has as smooth texture and clean flavor that depending on the roast of the beans.

After being collected, the farmer performs thorough washing and removes the endocarp. The final roasting of the beans would, additionally, eliminate any remaining bacteria.

May 2018

Enzymes in the palm civet’s digestive system break down coffee proteins and this alters both roasted coffee’s texure and flavour, removing certain compounds that result in coffee bitterness and acidity.

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horoscope 20 May - 20 June, 2018 Suresh kumar + 91 9496795629, vishnushangu@gmail.com

Aries

chances to get into love relationship after the 16th. Health will be excellent due to the strength in the 1st House.

Gemini Your professional goals and personal desires are as important as family affairs and emotional aspects of life. Your monetary situation will be excellent throughout the month. Your money planet is entering your Money House on the 17th. Hence earning will be overwhelming and you are able to minimize your expenses. You are in full control of your financial actions in May 2108. The art of money making has become highly delightful and you are enjoying both the money as well as the process of earning. Relationship with your spouse or partner will be enjoyable and your partner will go out of the way to please you. Health will be exceptional throughout the month.

Taurus

Your family welfare and emotional health will be more important than career targets and outer success as the month progresses. Regarding the career, if you are looking for a job, you will be successful after the 16th of the month. You should be careful before you are moving over to another job. Regarding your financial situation, there will be plenty of avenues to earn money and you are spending money on your personal items. Money also goes toward the expenses of the family. You have the encouragement from the family for your monetary success. Regarding the Relationship, there is an improvement in family environment and the atmosphere will be peaceful. Singles will be presented with many

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May 2018

goals you had visualized earlier. Friends will help your finances and money can be earned through businesses based on internet. Money can be made from investments in real estate and sophisticated companies till the 21st. Your Health will be wonderful with high levels of energy and fitness.

Leo Career and personal desires will be a priority till 21st and family affairs and emotional strength will take over after the 21st. Job seekers have a favorable time during this month. Regarding the Finance, you are pursuing your financial goals with a state of disinterestedness. Your money planet will help you in improving your earnings during the first week of the month. Finances are enhanced around the 14th through income from your career. Your finances are supported by your partner as well as your parents this month. Regarding your Relationships, existing relationship does not show any progress and are moving at snailâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s speed. Domestic affairs look pleasant but require proper scrutiny. You have a sound health with high levels of energy this month.

Cancer

Independence and free will is becoming stronger this month. With the influence of Venus, Your career planet, professional development is fantastic after the 17th. You can get things done effortlessly and your career will reach great heights this month. Your professional progress should be based on spiritual values. Your monetary health will be fabulous throughout the month. Planetary aspects are favourable for financial growth till the 16th. After that career success is contributing to your earnings with increase in salary and other benefits. Management is highly appreciative of your diligence and rewarding you very well. Relationship with your spouse or partner will still be tentative. Your partner is looking for personal liberty and may indulge in actions not palatable to you.

Virgo Career issues and worldly success will be important this month. Your career life will be profitable with improvement in status and financial remunerations. Your relationship with seniors and the general public is harmonious. As the month progresses, the tempo at the office slows down and will give you an opportunity to plan your professional future. Your monetary prosperity is superb this month and you will be able to accomplish the financial

Your professional sphere becomes dynamic after the 21st. All job offers, change of job profile and transfers should be examined scrupulously before you accept them. Spiritual planet is moving into the House of Career

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KSPIFC

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on the 21st. Professional development is supported by spiritual persons and your career will be full of humanitarian activities. Regarding the Finance, this month is a prosperous month for finances. You can improve your earnings by cost reduction and by disposing of all scrap. Your spouse or partner is helping your finances and money can be made through ingenuity. Money from family sources can contribute to your wealth unexpectedly this month. Foreign travel and foreign sources may give you good monetary prospects. Your Health will be fragile after the 21st. Take enough breaks and conserve energy to remain fit.

in very good earnings this month. Speculative investments will give good returns. After the 21st, House of Otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Money is getting stimulated. Finances of others are becoming important. You are earning money for investors with their money. After the 24th you should be extremely cautious while dealing with others and your communication with them has to be clear and correct. Social activities are very vigorous and enjoyable. You are using them to enhance your professional growth. Your Health will be fragile this month.

Sagittarius

Libra

You have to give equal importance to both career as well as family affairs this month. Your career prospects are very good this month and you have the support of family members for your professional growth. Regarding the Finance, your earnings will show a decline on the personal front. However this is compensated by the monetary support by your spouse of partner and by external financiers. Money planet, Pluto is moving backwards this month. There is no dearth for money this month and you can use your financial intelligence to improve the finances of your spouse. Love with your beloved will be highly romantic till the 17th and will be more physical after that. You are taking extra care to fulfill the demands of your partner and naturally happiness levels are soaring. Your fitness will be excellent throughout the month.

Home and family along with psychological health is more vital than career this month. Your professional intelligence is low and planetary aspects are making you less assured. Any changes in career will be unsuccessful and probably you will reverse your decision. Your Financial prosperity will be wonderful till the 21st. After that making money will become more strenuous and requires more effort. More than 40 per cent planets are moving backwards resulting in financial inactivity. This gives an opportunity to study your present strategies and work out a better method of financial success. It will be prudent to cut down your expenditure after the 21st. Your Health is wonderful till the 21st. It can be maintained with more breaks and enough rest.

Capricorn

Scorpio

This month your emphasis is on professional matters and outer success, and slowly family and home with emotional welfare are taking a back seat. Your career will be active this month and progress will be excellent. Regarding the Finance, favorable aspects of Jupiter will result

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May 2018

Family duties and emotional health is more important than professional targets and personal ambitions. Regarding the career, though career is not in focus this month, your family is encouraging your career initiatives. This will result in improvement of status at the workplace along with monetary rewards. Your Financial scenario is wonderful till the 21st of the month. You should not get into speculative investments and should review your financial

strategies before making major changes to the present plans. You will be busy with friends and social engagements. Singles are keen on having love and fun type of relationship this month. There is a significant improvement in your Health compare to that of last month.

Aquarius

Home and family will be more important than career and worldly ambitions. Career will not be in focus in this month. This will help you to review the progress you have made so far and take corrective steps to further your profession in future. Your Finances are good till the 21st and you have to put in more effort after that. Expenses tend to overshoot after the 21st and you have to struggle to keep them low. Finances of your partner also will be strenuous in this month after the 21st. Relationship with your spouse or partner will be pleasant and can be enhanced by spending time together. Singles will find love in places fun and entertainment. Behavior of children requires constant attention. Health will be good after the 21st.

Pisces

Professional growth along with personal desires will be as important as home and family. Emotional strength also will be vital. Your career prospects are very good this month and you will have harmonious relationship with colleagues and the management. Your diligence will be rewarded financially. Your monetary prosperity will be superb throughout the month. Prospects for earnings are provided by social connections. Financial goals also can be achieved by sales and marketing. Mars, Venus and Jupiter are helping your monetary prosperity. Speculative investments yield good returns. Telecommunication will be another area of profit. You can expect financial bonanza from unknown sources. Your Health will be wonderful till the 21st of the month.

auto biz

BACK WITH A

BANG New from the ground up and sharing the same platform as the Baleno and Ignis, the latest Swift makes familiar boasts: bigger inside, more powerful, more efficient, lighter and better equipped

he Swift as we know it departed on a separate tangent long before, solidifying as a recognizable concept in 2005. That generation and its follow-up established the model as supermini in international markets but in India as cheap, cheerful and just pretty enough to stand out from the crowd. But I think cheap does not count from the price of the new ones. Its replacement of the original one, then, ideally needs to fill the same shoes. New from the ground up and sharing the same platform as the Baleno and Ignis, the latest Swift makes familiar boasts: bigger inside, more powerful, more efficient, lighter and better equipped

What’s new?

Jiji Varghese

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May 2018

Without being particularly showy, the previous Swift was generally pleasing to look at. Much like everything else about it, the bodywork was a straightforward affair – but some shrewd, sharp lines and a sense of neatness kept it from seeming too upright and anonymous. Suzuki claims the latest Swift is more than 100kg lighter in its starter guise. Some 30kg of that has been lost in the switch to the cleverer, stiffer Heartect platform – despite the car being 40mm wider and 20mm longer in the wheelbase than its predecessor. The suspension is by way of MacPherson

struts at the front and a rear twist beam, and the variable-ratio steering is electrically powered. Various chassis components have been hollowed out or otherwise lightened in the pursuit of an admirably svelte kerb weight, but otherwise the new Swift remains a considered, creditworthy update of the old. Like the old car, the new Swift gets sweptback headlamps, but they are more angular than before. The headlamp cluster houses U-shaped LED DRLs and LED headlights housed in projectors. Sadly, these are available only on the top end Z+ trim and the lower variants have to make do with regular halogen bulbs housed in boring reflectors (no LED DRLs either). There is a new clamshell bonnet and round foglamps with black housings. The front is more maturelooking than before and except for the badge, there is no application of chrome at the front - just the way we like it. Viewed from the side, the car looks

very proportionate. The design is clean without any cuts and creases. There is no use of chrome either. Maruti has also equipped the car with smart-looking precision cut 15-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, there is a pair of LED tail-lamp clusters with a couple of chrome badges on the boot lid.

While the familiar clatter of the diesel is still audible inside, it is quieter than the outgoing car.

Peppy and frugal The Swift diesel is powered by the same 1,248cc, 4-cylinder diesel engine found in many cars from the Fiat, Maruti and Tata stables. Maruti calls this unit the DDiS 190. It features a fixed geometry turbocharger and develops 74 BHP @ 4,000 rpm with peak torque of 190 Nm @ 2,000 rpm (identical to its siblings). Once again, it’s the new Swift’s lower kerb weight of 955-985 kilos that gives it better power-to-weight (77 BHP / ton) and torque-to-weight (199 Nm / ton) ratios than its predecessor (70 BHP & 179 Nm). Still, the Swift diesel has an average

power-to-weight ratio in the B2 segment. Cars like the Ford Figo, Honda Jazz and VW Polo manage to easily better its figures since they have more powerful 1.5L engines. Where the Swift petrol was impressive, the Swift diesel is just ‘adequate’. That’s a good way to summarise its on-road performance too. Like the petrol Swift, you have to press the clutch and hit the engine start button to fire up the engine. On startup, there is a slight shake and mild vibrations are felt on the steering wheel. While the familiar clatter of the diesel is

still audible inside, it is quieter than the outgoing car. Off the line, the car moves off without any effort. There is a little turbo lag, but even at low rpms, it’s not dead. In fact, you can get moving from a standstill in second gear without stalling. Maruti has done a good job of tuning the engine for the city. In most conditions, there is enough torque available and you don’t need to downshift too often. Things change when you need to close gaps quickly though. Put your foot down and the lag is felt. In such situations, you definitely require a downshift. Here, it simply doesn’t have the low speed torque of the Figo or Jazz. The Swift’s engine starts coming into its stride from 1,500 rpm and you feel the turbo kicking in once you cross 2,000 rpm.

Light or nimble? The naturally athletic, effortlessly agile and involving feel of the previous car is notable by its absence. May 2018

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Price Rs. 5.9 lakh – Rs. 7.9 lakh Engine In-line 4 turbocharged Common rail/ In-line 4 VVT

torque 113 at 4200 (P)/ 190 at 2000 (D) length 3.840 m

Rated output (hp) @ rpm 82 at 6000 (P)/ 74 at 4000 (D)

Weight 885 kg (P)/985 (D)

Displacement 1.2 L (P)/1.3 (D)

Wheels/Tires 185/65 R15

Transmission 5 – Speed AMT/Manual

Fuel Petrol/Diesel

Fuel Consumption 22 km/l (P)/28.4 km/l (D) (ARAI Certified)

Slightly overly light, elastic-feeling steering is your first indication that all might not be well with the Swift’s driving experience – which, after the limp gearshift we’ve already mentioned, brings the underwhelming but more closely related Baleno to mind much more readily than the previous Swift. Around city, the obliging lightness of the Swift’s wheel makes junctions and car parks easy to negotiate, but at B-road and motorway pace, the rack is notably short of on-centre feel and relative high-speed stability, and it has a tendency to wander slightly if you’re not always concentrating on your lane position. At a basic level, the Swift can certainly cope with being driven keenly. Its grip level is fairly strong, its directional response smart, its handling balance respectable and its body control decent.At times, the car strays towards a feeling of stodginess in its cornering manners and begins to heel over just a little bit too hard on its outside wheels to convince you that it’s truly game for a giggle. Its ride, meanwhile, is more busy, hollow and resonant than that of its

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May 2018

more mature-feeling European-built rivals, and it doesn’t handle sharper ridges and bumps as well. The car’s grip level is high enough to put questions about basic stability and security well out of the picture, but it’s ultimately undermined by gathering body roll that gradually levers enough front tyre

The AMT is available on the VDi and ZDi variants of the Swift diesel.

contact patch off the tarmac to create understeer.

To be amt or not to be The AMT is available on the VDi and ZDi variants of the Swift diesel. The working and behaviour of the AMT are absolutely identical to the one in the Swift petrol, as explained in the previous

post. Starting the car requires you to put it in N, pressing the brake and hitting the starter button. Moving off from a standstill is not a problem for the diesel AMT. However, it is not quite as instant as the petrol. The throttle response is duller as well. As we have seen earlier, the AMT functions just like a regular automatic gearbox, and the driver doesn’t need to press a clutch pedal or shift gears manually. Again, engaging D / M mode and releasing the brake pedal will see the car creep forward without accelerator input - very useful in stop & go traffic. Without any throttle input, the Swift diesel AMT will keep crawling.. It is best to drive the car in a sedate manner because aggressive driving only makes matters worse. Still, there isn’t a doubt that the petrol AMT experience was smoother; the diesel is noticeably more jerky. On the highway as well, the AMT is more comfortable with a driver building up speed in a moderate manner. This will enable the car to cruise comfortably with the occupants getting a smoother experience. On the highway as well, the AMT is more comfortable with a driver building

up speed in a moderate manner. This will enable the car to cruise comfortably with the occupants getting a smoother experience. M (‘Manual mode’) can be engaged by moving the gear shifter to D, and then to the left. Pull the shifter down to upshift and push it up to downshift. On hard acceleration, the engine revvs to the redline and the transmission doesn’t shift up. M mode comes in handy when one wants to execute quick overtaking maneuvers on undivided highways. It can also be used during downhill driving, when you can make use of the engine braking.

Swift it is!

gbrain

Less impressive, as the Swift seems

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to take after the Baleno School of Dashboard Finishing, rather than graduating from the same academy as the Suzuki Ignis. There’s a token effort at funkiness, in the form of contrast fillets of trim on the dashboard and running around the door handles, while the pattern of the cloth seats seems to be some sort of subliminal marketing ploy to encourage you to trade up to a Mercedes one day. Other than that, it’s lots of sturdy, charcoalgrey plastics and fairly simple dials and surfaces. So it’s not exactly breathtaking inside, but it is all well laid-out and intuitive, and there’s plenty of space on board for four adults, although five might be

pushing it; the back seats aren’t quite as commodious as those in the Baleno, but they’re still better than some other rivals’ efforts in this sector. The Swift gets two airbags, ABS + EBD with brake assist, ISOFIX child seat mounts and seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters as standard. We are pleased with this decision as the non-ABS variants of the last-gen Swift suffered from poor braking ability. While the India-spec car has not been crash tested by NCAP or other independent bodies, Maruti claims that it is compliant for upcoming Indian pedestrian safety, side-impact and offset crash regulations ahead of the set timeline.

BRAND KERALA

VOL 8 No. 5

May 2018

Rs 60/-

RNI No. KERENG 2010/36920