Thiruvananthapuram, 26 July (H.S.): The United Democratic Front (UDF) will convene its first coalition meeting since assuming office in Kerala on Thursday, July 30, amid growing demands from constituent parties for greater coordination within the ruling alliance.

The meeting will be held at the official residence of Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and is expected to deliberate on several key policy and administrative issues facing the government during its initial months in office.

The government's proposed liquor policy is likely to dominate the discussions, with coalition leaders expected to finalise the alliance's approach before the policy is rolled out. The meeting will also review the implementation and progress of the government's 100-day action plan, assessing achievements and identifying areas requiring further attention.

Apart from governance-related issues, the UDF leadership is expected to discuss a number of matters that have generated political debate in recent weeks. Senior leaders are likely to exchange views on the government's handling of these issues and work towards evolving a common political position.

Another major agenda item is the distribution of posts in government boards and public sector corporations. Several constituent parties have reportedly expressed concerns over delays in appointments and the allocation of key positions. The coalition leadership is expected to address these grievances and attempt to arrive at a consensus on pending nominations.

The meeting is also likely to take up the delay in granting approval for the appointment of personal staff to ministers belonging to constituent parties. Some alliance partners have raised the issue, arguing that the delay has affected the functioning of ministerial offices.

The UDF's stand on the Centre's PM SHRI school scheme is expected to be another significant topic of discussion. The coalition's decision on the scheme will be closely watched, as it could shape the state's education policy and its engagement with centrally sponsored programmes.

The July 30 meeting is expected to provide the ruling alliance with an opportunity to strengthen internal coordination, address concerns raised by coalition partners, and set the course for the government's next phase of governance.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman