Replicable Roadmap

Kerala's success in decentralised governance, showcased at the Kannur International Congress, stems from its campaign-driven approach aimed at mobilising people for transformational change

- G PALANITHURAI

Regarding certain aspects of transformational change, Kerala is a model for other states to follow. On issues such as untouchability and unseeability, practicing science in everyday life, land reforms, and literacy, Kerala has been a pioneer. Similarly, it serves as an example in implementing the 73rd Amendment to the Constitution of India.

How is Kerala able to carry out such reforms with relative ease, while other states struggle despite their good intentions? The simple reason for its success is that Kerala has achieved these transformations by mobilising people through a campaign-driven approach. This is known as the "big pank" approach, where change is driven massively by people's collective force.

Why this prelude? Recently, Kerala organised a three-day International Congress on "Decentralisation So Far and the Way Forward" in Kannur, inviting 1,200 participants. I was among the few experts invited to participate in the dialogue on the third day.