Call to draft development plans to reach out to common people

Former Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac discusses Kozhikode Corporation's development plans for 2025-26, emphasizing grassroots involvement and community needs.

Former Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac inaugurated the development seminar organised by the Kozhikode Corporation on Wednesday (January 22) to discuss its draft project Plan for the year 2025-26 and to make necessary changes.

In his address, Mr. Isaac called upon the civic body to design development plans based on grassroots-level experience and incorporate ideas to reach out to common people. He called for better facilities for the elderly. Mr. Isaac also stressed the need for proper scrutiny before announcing the city as free of extreme poverty. “Children should feel that they could do well even if they study in Kerala. We need to incorporate skills training in education for this to happen,” he added.

The seminar touched upon topics such as revival of the manufacturing sector, literary events, vocational programmes, and support to bed-ridden patients, which are part of the draft Plan. The suggestions that came out of ward sabhas and working groups were also discussed.

The major suggestions include K-smart kiosks at circle offices, modernisation of the Kovoor fish market, a shelter for stray dogs, the formation of an entrepreneurship and employment development council, a job fair under We-lift, providing house rent support for the extremely poor, and a finishing school for girls and women. More de-addiction centres, medical kits for dialysis patients, testing the quality of water in the wells, setting up biodiversity parks, and a literary circuit also came up in discussion. The final annual project Plan will be presented after considering all the suggestions.

Mayor Beena Philip presided over the seminar. Deputy Mayor C.P. Musafar Ahamed, various chairpersons of standing committees and other councillors were present. Corporation Secretary K.U. Bini presented the draft project Plan.