Boost Infrastructure to Tackle Post-Pandemic Growth Hurdles: K.N. Harilal

Quick Summary:

• Kerala needs to emphasize infrastructure advancement to address post-COVID economic challenges, according to K.N. Harilal, chairman of the 7th State Finance Commission.
• Speaking at a seminar organized by Gulati Institute of Finance and Taxation (GIFT), Dr. Harilal highlighted logistics as an area requiring urgent focus. he noted India’s lag in logistical development compared to countries like china.
• Sreekumar K. Nair, CEO of Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd., stated that Vizhinjam port could capture up to 15% of India’s container traffic due to its automation and cost efficiency; rail connectivity for the port is expected within three years.
• Unemployment among educated youth and specifically women poses a significant developmental challenge for Kerala, said K.P. Kannan, former Center for Development Studies director.
• D. Narayanan noted a concerning decline in Kerala’s capital expenditure from ₹17,000 crore in 2021-22 to ₹15,500 crore projected for 2024-25.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
Kerala’s post-pandemic recovery strategy appears focused on addressing structural concerns like infrastructure gaps and employment crises while grappling with declining public investment levels-a trend that raises questions about sustained growth prospects. The emphasis on logistical advancements aligned with projects such as the Vizhinjam International container port suggests practical steps toward integrating Kerala into competitive global trade frameworks; however, optimizing these benefits would require complementary investments in rail connectivity and distribution networks.The spotlight on unemployment among educated youth highlights deeper systemic issues affecting productivity gains despite high literacy rates-especially impacting women disproportionately-which calls for more targeted policy interventions across sectors like skill development and entrepreneurship programs tailored regionally.

These discussions underscore the broader challenge balancing long-term investments with immediate governance priorities amid fiscal constraints heightened during the pandemic era.

Image Caption:
K.N. Harilal addressing a seminar organized by GIFT in Thiruvananthapuram on post-COVID developmental challenges facing Kerala’s state budgets | Photo Credit: Special arrangement

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