Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, one of Asia’s prestigious technical universities, has awarded a doctorate degree in public policy to former Union Minister and Congress leader S Krishna Kumar. Krishna Kumar has been doing part-time research in the university for the last four years on Kerala’s development model and ideal strategies for the future.
He has proposed an upgraded model, aiming at total social justice, full employment and comprehensive, inclusive economic development along with protection of Kerala’s pristine environment within the next decade. The thesis also works out detailed strategies and programmes towards these ends.
‘Kerala Model of Development-Critical Analysis and a Design for the Future’, his thesis, has been accepted by an International Panel of Examiners as a signal contribution on the subject.
His thesis is based on expert views, a state- wide survey and statistical analysis of public opinion, an extensive literature survey apart from his own direct knowledge of the development dynamics of the state as a distinguished IAS officer of the Kerala cadre for 17 years followed by a public life including 12 years as an MP and nine years as a Union Minister.
He is following up his research with a book ‘Kerala the Way Forward’ which is due for publication. Eminent educationalist and former Vice-Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University A Sukumaran Nair has been Krishna Kumar’s academic guide during the research programme.