The state of Kerala came into existence a decade after the country became independent. Before that, the state remained three separate political entities.Freedom and democracy had not taken roots in society then.
All the regions were fertile breeding grounds for religious and casteist thinking and engendered barbaric rituals and customs. From the evils of feudalism, Kerala has come a long way and is celebrating its diamond jubilee.
Unified Kerala was the result of several agitations in various sectors. Protests spearheaded by Renaissance leaders, progressive movements and Communist parties have been etched in history. Unified Kerala whipped up a socio-cultural cultural among Malayalees. When Communist parties assumed power in 1957, forming the first elected government, it opened new possibilities for the state’s progress.
The party’s grassroots connect with the people during the two decades helped it to come to power. The foremost priority of the EMS Government, which assumed office on April 5, 1957, was addressing social issues. The government took a slew of administrative and legal steps in this regard.
On the sixth day, the new government brought an ordinance banning eviction of tenants by feudal lords. Kerala Education Act was also enacted. Several legislations for the betterment of people’s lives were enacted during the tenure of E M S Namboodiripad.Many laws enacted by the government put Kerala on the growth trajectory.
Land reforms and quality education ensured inclusive growth. The successive Congress governments diluted the spirit of the Land Reforms Act and the Education Act. For example, the abolishing of Section 11 of the Education Act resulted in bribery in appointments to educational institutions.
It is amusing to think of the changes Kerala would have undergone if the EMS Government was allowed to complete its term.
Administrative Reforms Commission chairperson