Independent surveys indicate that more and more people are slipping into the terrain of poverty. The gulf between the haves and the have-nots is widening at an alarming pace.
This is the summary and result of a rotten and outdated government policy that was unleashed like a whirlwind upon the masses of our dear state. But for the commendable policies of the Central Govt, the poor and needy of our state would literally have struggled. Take for example the provision to provide rice for Rs.2. The UDF had a clear-cut idea in implementing plans regarding supply of 25kg rice and wheat for Rs.3. During those days it was possible for a family to meet their expenditure with just Rs.75.
According to the LDF’s rice supply plans, Rs.34 is required to buy 17kg rice. For buying the remaining 8kg rice, even if we assign 20rs for 1kg rice the total would become Rs.160. An ordinary family has to spend an additional Rs.85 more during the unruly LDF govt to make both ends meet.
Within 2years of assuming power the UDF Govt could protect about 6lakhs destitute families through the “Ashraya” plan implemented in more than 596 locales, whereas LDF could do that only in 114 local institutions. By inducing petty red stained politics into Kudumbashree and creating party’s fraction committees in kudambashree, the LDF has destroyed the orientation and the very foundation of that great organization.
Look at what happened in Chengara. The LDF Govt prolonged of Chengara revolt for 795 days and they could not even supply those lands which were attached by UDF specifically for adivasis. Pathetic conditions of adivasis still prevail here. The 3% job reservation for the handicapped is not implemented yet in the state. One is left to wonder as to what the LDF was doing over the past five years?
Kerala stands 24th among 28 states in India, in utilising Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee for the poor. Instead of a guaranteed 100 days employment, a mere 22 days in 2008 and 34 days in 2009 was provided for the poor of this land. Now we know why the poor become poorer.
