The 100th birth anniversary of M N Govindan Nair falls on December 10. When we recollect memories of M N, ever so many thoughts rush through the mind. Of course, M N was a great revolutionary. But, in this note, I would like to briefly narrate certain pertinent points, which were projected by M N not only as a political leader but also as an administrator.
M N always tried to address the basic social issues. The first notable project was the slogan ‘Onathinu Oru Para Nellu’, which he had launched while he was the Agriculture Minister in the C Achutha Menon Government during the 1970s. The slogan rippled across the State especially among the student community.
At that time, there exists some sort of negative approach towards agriculture.
Besides, there emerged a general trend among the people to go in for commercial crops rather continuing with the cultivation of food crops.
M N firmly believed that all these necessitated the introduction of the indiscriminate public distribution system in the State.
Foreseeing a threat security in the future, M N gave due emphasis to agriculture. He also took necessary steps to ensure production, productivity and marketing of farm produce.
The project really helped to rejuvenate the farming sector of the State.
Another significant initiative was the scheme for providing one-lakh homes for poor, popularly known as the ‘Laksham Veedu’ project, which was launched by M N in 1972 while he was the Housing Minister of the State.
Being a communist, M N always believed that apart from ensuring ownership of the land, the weaker sections of the society should be given hygienic houses to live.
M N also gave much importance to the infrastructure development in the State. The hydro-electric project at Idukki, one of the biggest infrastructure initiatives in the State, was launched and completed while he was the Electricity Minister. In fact, M N was very determined to complete the project, which made Kerala an energy surplus state.
The State Government distributed power to other States and had even announced discounts for those consumers who uses more power.
Besides, this triggered a material change in the infrastructural development in the State.
(The writer is a veteran CPI leader and trade union activist and the chairman of KERAFED)