Is Kerala a Communist State?

Overview

Is Kerala a communist state? The question has long been a subject of debate and discussion, encrusted with various dynamics of governance, economy, and society. This article delves into the historical and contemporary faces of communism in Kerala, analyzing its impact on the state’s progress and socio-economic conditions.

The Original Communists: The Idealists (AKG, EMS, etc.)

AKG, EMS, and Other Early Leaders: The communist movement in Kerala initially spearheaded by figures like AKG and EMS aimed at elevating the poor and fostering a thriving society. Their efforts led to the establishment of extensive road networks, ensuring easy accessibility to goods and services. They championed education and poverty alleviation, contributing significantly to Kerala's reputation as a role model for healthcare and education standards.

Communism in Kerala Today: The Opportunists

Economy

Remittance Driven Economy: Today, the state's economy heavily relies on remittances. Around 30% of Kerala's GDP is attributed to money sent back by family members working abroad. This has kept the state afloat, despite the largely ineffective state government. The reliance on remittances highlights the state's reliance on external support rather than internal economic growth, raising questions about the inefficacy of the state's political leadership.

Agriculture and Industry

While agriculture and industry have seen some development, the influence of the MAFIA (the term used for the political and business oligarchy) in sectors like liquor and gambling has stifled genuine economic growth. Many entrepreneurs face heavy pressure from political interests, often leading to failure. This atmosphere has bred an environment where political affiliation trumps genuine economic development.

The MAFIA's control over certain sectors has been detrimental to the state's progress. Their activities, including ‘push to harvest’ as it is locally called, have contributed to the politicization of everyday economic activities.

Law and Order

Genuine Policing: Despite the muddied waters of political interference, the police in Kerala are largely seen as a force for good. They are generally uncorrupt and dedicated to maintaining order. This has helped in the effective management of remittance-dependent activities without the state government needing much intervention.

Unemployment and Political Activism

High Unemployment: Unemployment is a pervasive issue in Kerala, leading to a high number of hartals (strikes) and political activism. This unrest is partly due to the lack of job opportunities, leading to the constant engagement in political activities as a means of survival.

The prevalence of hartals, often used as tools of political leverage, has become a significant issue. These strikes not only disrupt daily life but also impede the progress of other essential services, including healthcare and education.

Education, Healthcare, and Environmental Awareness

Strengths in Key Sectors: Despite its shortcomings, Kerala has performed commendably in areas like education and healthcare. The state's high literacy rates and low infant mortality rates are testament to the successes of the communist ideology during its more idealistic early years.

General Environmental Responsibility: Kerala's society is known for its high environmental awareness and sustainable practices, which is evident in the state's relatively cleaner status compared to other parts of India. However, this has come at the cost of rampant unemployment and an overabundance of leisure time for the youth, contributing to a cycle of political activism and hartals.

Conclusion

While Kerala has faced significant challenges under communist governments, it has also achieved notable successes in certain sectors. The state's focus on education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability continues to set it apart. However, the socio-economic landscape demands a reassessment of the current model to ensure a more balanced and prosperous future for all residents.

Key Takeaways:

Economic reliance on remittances High unemployment and political activism Strengths in education and healthcare Environmental consciousness and sustainability

References and Further Reading

For further exploration of this topic, refer to the following sources:

Link to a documented article or book Link to an official government or independent report on Kerala's economic and social indicators Link to data sources for remittance, unemployment rates, and environmental metrics