Thiruvananthapuram, 21 September (H.S.): The UDF government has no plans to continue the Loka Kerala Sabha in its existing form, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has said, reaffirming that there has been no change in the administration's earlier decision.

The Chief Minister's Office clarified that the government was not considering organising further editions of the expatriate forum in the manner followed by the previous LDF administration. The statement came amid reports and discussions over whether the new government would retain the initiative.

According to the Chief Minister's Office, not even a single rupee has been allocated for conducting the sixth edition of the Loka Kerala Sabha. The government has made it clear that the financial provisions currently available are not intended for organising another large-scale gathering.

Funds have been sanctioned only to meet the administrative expenses of the existing Loka Kerala Sabha Secretariat and to organise essential programmes through the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs Department, popularly known as NORKA. These programmes include the Business Leadership Meet, which is aimed at strengthening cooperation with entrepreneurs and professionals from the Malayali diaspora.

The government said its primary focus would be on implementing practical welfare measures that directly benefit non-resident Keralites and their families. Financial assistance has therefore been earmarked for the preliminary work needed to introduce and execute various welfare proposals for expatriates.

The Chief Minister's Office indicated that the administration preferred to channel available resources towards meaningful schemes addressing the concerns of expatriates rather than spending public money on organising another edition of the Sabha.

The Loka Kerala Sabha was launched by the previous LDF government as a common platform for representatives of the global Malayali community to discuss issues concerning expatriates and contribute to Kerala's development. However, it had also faced criticism from the UDF over its expenditure and effectiveness. The latest clarification effectively ends speculation regarding its continuation under the present government.

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

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman