Page 238 - economic review

SOCIAL SERVICE210

4.275 In the state, an inclusive approach is necessary to address nutrition challenges. The state
should develop a specific nutrition policy with multi-sectoral linkages. Implementation of ICDS in
Mission Mode would facilitate standards of quality, grass roots coverage as well as flexibility in
operations, decision making and transfer of funds on a fast track way. There is a need for revamping
the existing Management Information System (MIS) in ICDS for efficient monitoring by developing
the Performance Monitoring Indicators (PMIs). The use of ICT should be promoted under ICDS to
strengthen the information base and dissemination of information.
4.276 Water, which was till recently considered a free good, has become scarce and unless carefully
managed, can become a highly priced economic good in future. All efforts should be made to ensure
that the basic human entitlement of safe and adequate drinking water is available to all. Top priority
should be given to sound water management through active participation of all users and effective
regulation by government.
4.277 Gender development with emphasis on women should be a key area in Kerala’s strategy for
sustainable development. Empowerment of women has been one of the important building blocks
of the Kerala Model of development, and the state has to invigorate its efforts in the direction, if it
is to maintain the momentum of its development. While greater clarity is required in the case of
declining Child sex ratio, protective legislation is a vital step for equality in Labour Markets. The
paradox of good health and education on one hand; and low WPR on the other, needs to be solved.
The state has to work more in terms of Political and Economic empowerment. Kerala can start off by
implementing Gender Budgeting in true spirit.
4.278 The Socio - economic conditions of the most marginalised population, especially the SC/STs are
comparatively better in Kerala than in many other states. State Government has been implementing
various development schemes with a view to uplift the marginalised classes and to improve the overall
living conditions. These efforts showed better results in the fields of education, health, infrastructure
facilities etc. in recent times. However, the challenges like employment generation, housing facilities
and income generation are to be addressed consciously to narrow down the development gap
between these marginalised sections with other sections of the population.

Kerala State Planning Board