By Citu State
Copyright thehindu
Former Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac said that improved infrastructure and a stronger public transport system are essential to enhance women’s participation in income generation. Inaugurating a seminar on ‘Kerala Economy and Central Policies’ as part of the 45th State convention of the KSRT Employees Association in Kozhikode on Monday (September 22), he pointed out that women’s employment rate in Kerala (20%) is lower than the national average (30%) despite higher education rate, and said that only a safe environment would encourage more women to step out and work.
Mr. Isaac added that building the required infrastructure was the next step in Kerala’s development, after its significant progress in the education and health sectors. However, he said, Central policies were choking the State financially, slowing down growth. “We are facing a financial crisis, caused by low revenue and rising expenditure. Meanwhile, the Centre has been partly withholding our annual share and blocking our opportunities to take loans,” he said, alleging that these restrictions were intended to sabotage the State’s progress.
Former Minister and MLA Kadakampally Surendran and CITU district president Mampatta Sreedharan participated in the subsequent discussions. KSRTEA president and MLA T.P. Ramakrishnan moderated the session.
The convention will be formally inaugurated by CITU State general secretary Elamaram Kareem at MAM Jubilee Hall, Tali, at 10 a.m. on Tuesday (September 23). The delegates’ session will continue for two days and conclude at 5 p.m. on Wednesday (September 24).
