Kerala-

Kerala- God's own Country... What other title can best describe this state bestowed with as many as 44 rivers and other immense natural resources? A tourists' paradise, the state ranks among the top states in India for its literacy rate, its health facilities etc. In fact, Kerala has all the indicators of an economically developed society which one can compare with the most developed nations of the world. But, sadly, the present day Kerala is one of the best examples of an economic paradox.
Along with an increase in the literacy rate, there has been a phenomenal increase in the number of unemployed educated youth in the state. The state, which boasted to be home to quite a number of industries in the mid seventies and eighties, today has hardly any industry standing tall.Labour strikes, hartals and bandhs seem to be the order of the day. And worst of all, Kerala society seems to be slowly degrading in values.
What has happened to this gifted state? What has come over its people? What all factors are responsible for reducing Kerala to the state it is in, today?
Every year, the state's educational institutions churn out talented youngsters. But the state doesn't get to utilise this vast manpower. In fact, the cream of them are 'exported' to other states or to other countries. Those who stay back are the secondary talent. So, it is no surprise that there has been an increase in the number of unemployed educated youth. The primary aim of any graduate in Kerala seems to be "to leave the state for good". Like minded parents hasten the departure of their children from the state. If some company has branches in Bangalore and Kochi, the youth prefer going to Bangalore rather than stay in Kochi. Such is the mindset of Kerala's generation next.
The lesser said about the industrial scenario in Kerala, the better. Many of the industrial units are facing lockouts. Only trade unions and labour strikes seem to be going strong in the industrial scenario. As a result, the state is proving to be the graveyard of many a budding entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship has had a sudden death in the state. The best illustration of this can be seen in the way in which the Venture Capitalist fund set up the state government has been underutilised. Even after five years of its allocation,only about Rs 6 crores of the Rs 20 crore fund have been utilised.
Slowly but surely, the state administration is awakening to these austere realities. The government is planning a public awareness campaign as well as organising events to promote the state as an investors' destination. If there is a boom in the industrial sector in Kerala, it will definitely solve the problem of unemployment.With that,many of the present problems plaguing the society will be solved.
After all, it is better late than never to make amends.