Keralam Minister calls for planned urban development, long-term vision in 15th Five-Year-Plan

Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Registration O.J. Janeesh has called for scientifically planned urban development and long-term strategies that address basic needs, including access to drinking water, while ensuring that welfare benefits reach the most deserving sections of society.

Development planning should go beyond large-scale infrastructure projects and visible changes, with social priorities and the needs of vulnerable sections forming an integral part of the process, he said.

The Minister was inaugurating a district-level consultation meeting on the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2027-2032), organised under the leadership of the State Planning Board at the Swaraj Auditorium of the Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) at Mulamkunnathukavu in Thrissur on Friday.

He stressed the need for coordinated and scientific planning to address the district’s overall development requirements. Instead of focussing on temporary or short-term needs, authorities should formulate projects with a long-term perspective, he said.

The district-level consultations are being held as part of the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan, with public participation forming a key component of the process. The meetings aim to discuss development priorities and perspectives outlined in the approach paper that will guide the preparation of the plan for 2027-2032.

Xavier Chittilappilly, MLA, presided over the meeting. State Planning Board member Sreedhar Radhakrishnan delivered the introductory address.

MLA Rajan J. Pallan, district panchayat president Mary Thomas, State Planning Board member Varun Santhosh, State Grama Panchayat Presidents’ Association president Anil Akkara and Chamber of Municipal Chairpersons chairman M.P. Jackson were among those who spoke.

During the consultation, elected representatives and officials shared their views on various development issues that require the attention of the State Planning Board. The discussion sought to bring local-level priorities and administrative perspectives into the planning process.

State Planning Board member P.P. Balan consolidated the discussions. District Collector Shikha Surendran welcomed the gathering, while District Planning Officer A.D. Joseph proposed the vote of thanks.