100 days in office: CM Satheesan highlights reforms, development push; says govt won’t tolerate ‘vested interests’
Expressing satisfaction with the performance of his Cabinet and the administrative machinery, Satheesan said the government was open to constructive criticism but would not tolerate politically motivated campaigns aimed at obstructing its work.
Expressing satisfaction with the performance of his Cabinet and the administrative machinery, Satheesan said the government was open to constructive criticism but would not tolerate politically motivated campaigns aimed at obstructing its work.
Expressing satisfaction with the performance of his Cabinet and the administrative machinery, Satheesan said the government was open to constructive criticism but would not tolerate politically motivated campaigns aimed at obstructing its work.
As his government marks its first 100 days in office, Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan reflected on its administrative progress, structural reforms and the road ahead. Expressing satisfaction with the performance of his Cabinet and the administrative machinery, Satheesan said the government was open to constructive criticism but would not tolerate politically motivated campaigns aimed at obstructing its work.
“We are committed to collective growth and taking everyone along while implementing mega development projects,” Satheesan said. “If there are genuine errors, we have no hesitation in correcting them. However, any deliberate attempt to tarnish the government’s image with vested interests will not be accepted.”
Governance, Governor and PSC probe
Addressing the ongoing controversy over anomalies in the Public Service Commission (PSC), the Chief Minister said the Governor had no jurisdiction to initiate a parallel investigation into the commission.
“A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the police is already probing the allegations. The Governor cannot, and will not be permitted to, interfere in the police investigation. I do not expect him to do so either,” Satheesan said.
PM SHRI scheme
On the state’s position on the Centre’s PM SHRI scheme, Satheesan said a Cabinet subcommittee was studying the matter and would submit a detailed report.
Responding to criticism over an apparent policy U-turn, he said the memorandum of understanding (MoU) had been signed by the previous government and that the state could not simply walk away from it.
“The opposition leaders claim that a withdrawal is possible. But one must ask why the previous administration did not pull out if such a provision existed. They could have done so after securing the central funds,” he said. Satheesan said the government’s focus was now on implementing the scheme while safeguarding Kerala’s interests and its academic curriculum.
Delays in board, corporation appointments
On the delay in appointments to various state boards and corporations, the Chief Minister said the initial round of discussions had been disrupted by the floods.
“We have nearly completed bilateral talks with the Muslim League. The remaining discussions will be completed immediately after the Onam holidays, and all key appointments will be finalised in early September,” he said.
Key milestones in 100 days
Highlighting the immediate achievements of his administration, Satheesan listed several initiatives:
- Implementation of the government’s priority 100-day action plan.
- Launch of Mission Samudra to transform Kerala into an international maritime and port hub.
- Setting up dedicated industrial corridors and manufacturing zones near major airports and ports.
- Strengthening public safety and law enforcement through Operation Toofan, which has resulted in more than 10,000 arrests.
- Containing price rises during the Onam season through the distribution of heavily subsidised essential commodities.
- Ensuring uninterrupted disbursal of social welfare pensions and other safety-net benefits despite fiscal constraints.