Brief Summary
This video discusses the common perception of Kerala as a "picture-perfect" state and contrasts it with the economic, social, and political realities it faces. It addresses issues such as economic slowdown, unemployment, lack of industrial growth, religious extremism, and political corruption, while also acknowledging Kerala's strengths in education, poverty reduction, and social indicators.
- Kerala's economic growth rate has been among the lowest in India in recent years.
- The state faces high youth unemployment and a mismatch between job seekers' skills and job market requirements.
- Kerala's industrial sector has lagged behind other states due to communist influence, labor issues, and geographical limitations.
- Despite high literacy, there are issues such as religious extremism, exploitation in the film industry, and political corruption.
- Kerala excels in poverty reduction, education, gender ratio, and life expectancy.
Intro
The video starts by referencing a viral social media clip that sparked debates about Kerala's merits compared to other Indian states. It highlights that while Kerala is often portrayed as an ideal state, it grapples with significant issues like economic struggles, unemployment, and a lack of industrial development, which are often overlooked. The video aims to explore these problems in detail, encouraging a more balanced understanding of Kerala's situation.
Kerala's Economic Troubles
Kerala's economic growth rate was the fourth lowest in India between 2018 and 2023, with its contribution to India's GDP steadily declining. The state government has faced financial losses and has been reprimanded by the Supreme Court for fund mismanagement. High committed expenditure, such as salaries, pensions, and interest payments, limits the government's ability to invest in areas that could generate better returns. Additionally, Kerala's share of central government tax revenue has decreased due to changes in tax-sharing criteria that prioritize population, where Kerala's growth has been relatively low. The state also faces challenges due to off-budget borrowing, which now counts towards its borrowing limits, leading to a debt trap.
Brain Drain and Unemployment
Kerala is a major recipient of remittances from its citizens working abroad, particularly in the Middle East. While these remittances are beneficial, they contribute to a brain drain as skilled labor and talented students leave the country. Youth unemployment is a significant issue in Kerala, with 30% of the youth unemployed, which is three times the national average. This is due to a mismatch between the qualifications of job seekers and the requirements of the job sector, as well as a lack of sufficient job opportunities. Many young people prefer to migrate for better pay and quality of life, leading to a shortage of local talent.
Lack of Industrial Development
Kerala's industrial sector has not developed as much as other Indian states due to sociopolitical, economic, and geographical reasons. The historical influence of communism has shaped economic policies, often opposing private investment and favoring state-led development. This has created an unfavorable environment for private enterprises, with investors preferring states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Negative perceptions among the public regarding industries, environmental concerns, and powerful trade unions also deter industrial growth. Practices like "Nokku Kooli," an organized extortion by trade unions, further discourage businesses. The state's geography, with limited land available for industrial zones, also poses a challenge.
Religious Disharmony and Social Issues
Despite its reputation for religious harmony, Kerala has faced issues such as the recruitment of individuals into ISIS. The state has also seen instances of Hinduphobic sentiments. The Malayalam film industry, while known for its soft power, has been tarnished by reports of exploitation and unsafe working conditions for women, as revealed by the Justice Hema Committee report. Additionally, Kerala has been plagued by political scams, including the Kerala Solar Panel Scam, Life Mission Scam, bar bribery scam, and a gold smuggling case, which contradict its image of strong social welfare.
Literacy Rate
Kerala's claim of 100% literacy is misleading, as the definition of literacy used by the National Literacy Mission was simply the ability to sign one's name. While Kerala has a high literacy rate, it is around 94% according to the latest census report, not 100%.
Kerala's Strengths and Conclusion
Despite the issues, Kerala excels in poverty reduction, education, gender ratio, and life expectancy. The state has the lowest poverty rate in India and performs commendably in areas like Sustainable Development Goals, Human Development Index, and air quality. The video concludes by emphasizing the importance of acknowledging both the strengths and shortcomings of Kerala to foster improvement and progress.
