Kerala Student Leader Files PIL Against State's Welfare Survey
Kochi witnessed a significant legal development as Kerala Students Union state president Aloshious Xavier approached the High Court. He filed a Public Interest Litigation challenging the ongoing Nava Kerala Welfare Survey, also known as the Citizens' Response Programme. This initiative is being conducted by the state government across Kerala.
Court Seeks Government Response
A bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V M Syam Kumar heard the petition. The court directed the state government to provide instructions regarding the allegations raised. The matter has been adjourned to January 21 for further consideration.
Massive Survey Under Scrutiny
The government launched this extensive survey on January 1. It aims to cover nearly 80 lakh households throughout the state. The stated purpose involves evaluating existing welfare schemes and gauging public opinion on various issues.
Allegations of Political Misuse
In his petition, Aloshious Xavier makes serious allegations. He claims the timing of this survey raises fundamental questions. Conducting it immediately before the upcoming state assembly elections, using public money, constitutes a major concern.
Xavier argues this amounts to a door-to-door political outreach program. He describes it as a manifesto-preparation exercise for the ruling political front. Such actions, he contends, grant an unconstitutional and unfair advantage to the government. This advantage comes directly at the expense of ordinary taxpayers.
Financial Allocation Concerns
The petitioner cites specific media reports in his submission. These reports suggest the survey is being directly handled by the Chief Minister's Office. They further allege an allocation of approximately Rs 20 crore for this exercise.
Xavier strongly contends this represents a clear misuse of public funds. He argues it involves the improper use of government machinery. The entire operation, he states, effectively functions as a partisan political campaign. It is merely disguised as a routine administrative exercise.
Relief Sought from the Court
The PIL seeks specific judicial intervention. The primary request is for an immediate stay on the ongoing survey across Kerala. Additionally, the petitioner requests the court to direct the government. The direction would compel the state to disclose the detailed operational plan for the survey. It would also require full transparency regarding the complete financial outlay proposed for this program.
The case highlights growing tensions between political activity and administrative actions as election season approaches in Kerala.
