Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, in a significant interaction with city councillors, shifted the focus from financial constraints to governance quality, stating that commitment and efficient execution are the real drivers of development.
Beyond Government Funds: A Call for Private Partnership
The Governor made these remarks during a meeting with the councillors of the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation at Lok Bhavan on Tuesday. He asserted that the development of the state capital could be significantly accelerated by not just relying on government funds but by actively mobilising substantial support from the private sector. He underlined the need for collective efforts to bring visible and sustainable development to Thiruvananthapuram.
Addressing a persistent civic issue, Governor Arlekar called for a practical solution to frequent protests that disrupt city life. He urged all stakeholders to come together to identify a designated space for conducting agitations, ensuring that the daily routine of citizens remains unaffected.
Rise Above Politics, Focus on Public Welfare
In a strong message to the elected representatives, the Governor emphasised that politics should be kept out of civic administration. "Once inside the Corporation Hall, councillors must set aside political differences and focus solely on public welfare," he said. He prompted them to introspect, asking not how they were elected, but why they were elected. Finding the answer to this, he added, would enable them to undertake meaningful initiatives for public good over their five-year term and strengthen their prospects of re-election.
Arlekar further advised the councillors to present a united front when seeking assistance from the Centre. He made it clear that the nature of the government at the Centre should not be viewed as an obstacle in seeking support for the city's development.
Transparency, Accountability, and Leading by Example
Highlighting the pillars of good governance, the Governor suggested that each councillor present an annual progress report of their work before the public to ensure transparency and accountability. In a notable appeal for civic discipline, he called upon the councillors to lead by example by strictly following traffic rules, thereby setting a model for all citizens to emulate.
The session saw Mayor V V Rajesh deliver the introductory address. CPM parliamentary party leader S P Deepak and Congress parliamentary party leader K S Sabarinadhan also addressed the gathering. Several councillors shared their visions and ideas for the city's development, focusing on critical areas like infrastructure, public services, and overall quality of life.
The interaction was widely seen as a constructive effort to foster cooperation across party lines and encourage a more people-centric approach to governance in Kerala's capital city.
