Lauding the State government for constituting the Loka Kerala Sabha (LKS), Governor Arif Mohammad Khan has said that it held immense potential in facilitating greater participation of Non-Resident Keralites (NoRKs) in the development of the State.
Formally inaugurating the second LKS summit at the Nishagandhi auditorium in the presence of several NoRK delegates here on Wednesday, the Governor said that the assembly recognised the constructive role of the Malayali diaspora through democratic decisions.
He pointed out that the LKS had moved ahead with an action plan since its first meeting in January 2018.
Common platform
“The constitution of the LKS as a common platform for the cultural, socio-political and economic integration of NoRKs with the State deserves appreciation. The government had taken steps to channelise the Pravasi remittances for the general good of people, including non-resident citizens,” Mr. Khan said.
The Governor urged the Sabha to evolve a mechanism to help the State make relevant suggestions to the Central government in matters relating to legal, professional and human rights issues faced by NoRKs abroad, so that the Ministry of External Affairs could make more effective interventions.
Vital link
Delivering the presidential address, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the LKS could serve as a vital link to utilise the expertise of scientists, technocrats, academicians, economists and other highly skilled workers abroad for the State’s progress.
In this manner, the platform has been created with a broad vision of enabling the Malayali diaspora to become active partners in the State’s growth story and go beyond the role they have played so far through foreign remittances, he said.
Mr. Vijayan added that the second edition of the LKS would deliberate upon legislation that would create a legal and institutional framework for the summit.
Speaking on the occasion, Speaker P. Sreeramakrishnan said the objectives of the LKS went beyond being an investors’ meet. The platform enabled NoKRs from across the world to come together and share their unique experiences, he said.
He added that the summit was able to survive aspersions that were cast by certain quarters to create an image of positivity and unity.
