Kerala govt orders probe into media reports on Kera project, cites ‘image tarnishing’ concerns

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has initiated moves to curb the media by ordering an investigation into reports it perceives as damaging to its image. It is learned that this action against media freedom follows the direct intervention of the Chief Minister.

The probe targets newspaper articles, including those published in Malayala Manorama in April, on the Agriculture Department’s handling of the World Bank-funded Kera project. The stated aim is to trace the source of the reports.

B Ashok, Principal Secretary in the Agriculture Department, has been appointed as the investigation officer with powers to summon documents, collect statements from officials or private individuals, and seek explanations from journalists and media houses. He can also record statements and document any actions taken. The inquiry must be completed and a report submitted within a month.

The government has alleged that journalists obtained information through “illegitimate means”.

Kera project: Where did the funds go?
The World Bank approved the Kera project on October 31 last year, aiming to directly benefit 4 lakh farmers and indirectly support another 10 lakh. For the first phase, ₹139.65 crore was released to the state, with instructions to transfer it—along with the state’s share—into Kera’s account within seven days.

However, the funds were diverted to meet end-of-year government expenses. The government’s contention is that journalists illegally accessed a World Bank query asking whether the money had been transferred, along with related email correspondence.