Development projects: 'Mass participation a must'

Chennithala said that he had warned against the launch of the much-touted seaplane project without discussing it with people

In an indirect criticism of the government for bringing development projects without consulting people, KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala has revealed that he had warned against the launch of the much-touted seaplane project without discussing it with the local people.

He was speaking at the release function of a book written by A P Abdullakutty MLA here on Sunday. In the absence of the initiative to ensure people’s participation, the project faced stiff opposition from people and the seaplane project could not take wings.

“People’s participation should be ensured before launching any development project. Otherwise, the projects are bound to face opposition and would ultimately fail,” Ramesh Chennithala said. “There is a necessity of public participation, public accountability and also a social audit in all development projects to ensure transparency,” he added.

The KPCC president also stressed that all political parties should undergo complete reformation to keep up with the changing times and the aspirations of the people. “I personally support bringing political parties under the purview of the Right to Information Act,” Ramesh said.

“But, that is strictly my personal view and ultimately I would toe by whatever stand the party takes in this matter,” he added quickly. Later, speaking to the mediapersons on the sidelines of the programme, the KPCC president said that the Madhav Gadgil Committee report on Western Ghats protection could not be accepted, as it would affect small-scale farmers in the state. He hoped that a consensus on the report would be reached at the all-party meet slated for Monday.

Ramesh Chennithala released the latest book, ‘Sakhakkale Pinnottu’, a collection of articles written by A P Abdullakutty, by handing over a copy to Vanidas Elayavoor.

M V Shreyamskumar MLA, Municipal chairperson Roshni Khalid, DCC president K Surendran, Suma Balakrishnan and Dr P K Rajashekharan also spoke.

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