Seamless Services and a Waste-Free New Kerala
M.B. Rajesh
Minister for Local Self Governments, Rural Development, Town Planning, Regional Development Authorities, Excise, KILA and Parliamentary Affairs
A comprehensive overview of Kerala’s local governance transformation, digital progress, and inclusive development.
Local self-governing institutions are undergoing a transformation as part of implementing a corruption-free civil service. The ILGMS (Integrated Local Governance Management System) platform introduced in panchayats has enabled citizens to access services online. It marked the beginning of a system where people could pay fees, apply for certificates, and receive them digitally. The government is now further modernising this system to enhance user-friendliness.
K-SMART
On 1 January 2024, the K-SMART (Kerala Smart) online platform was launched in all municipalities across the state. T hrough this system, birth and death certificates, as well as marriage registrations, can be completed within minutes. Paying fees and obtaining various certificates have also become significantly faster. By submitting all required documents online, all forms of approvals, including building permits, can now be obtained almost instantly. So far, 1,355,805 users have registered on K-SMART, with 3,318,621 files created, out of which 2,502,407 (75.4%) have already been processed. Starting 10 April 2025, K-SMART will be expanded to all three-tier panchayats as well.
Waste-Free New Kerala
On 30 March 2025, in alignment with International Zero Waste Day, Kerala formally announced its goal of a Waste-Free New Kerala. Extensive plans have been introduced to process waste at the source, collect and manage non-biodegradable waste, and implement advanced waste management systems. The Haritha Karma Sena (Green Task Force) has emerged as the frontline force in maintaining a clean Kerala. Their numbers have increased from 33,378 to 37,176, while private agencies engaged in waste management have grown from 74 to 267. Significant achievements have been made in door-to-door waste collection, which increased from 47% (March 2023) to 89% (January 2025). The user fee collection too rose from 34.9% to 72%. The number of mini MCFs (Material Collection Facilities) grew from 7,446 to 19,602. The MCFs, meanwhile, increased from 1,160 to 1,327, while that of RRFs (Resource Recovery Facilities) from 87 to 191. 3,557 CCTV surveillance units have been installed and enforcement actions have been significantly strengthened. In March 2023, only 1,138 inspections were conducted, with fines amounting to Rs.3 lakh. However, by January 2025, this rose to 50,559 inspections, resulting in Rs.5.5 crore in fines. Of the 2,774 towns targeted for waste-free status, 1,791 have already achieved this goal. Among 3,118 public markets and spaces, 2,408 have been cleaned. In 303,872 neighbourhood groups, 265,893 have become waste-free. Of the Green Schools, 13,477 out of 14,536 schools have been certified waste-free, while among the Green Colleges, 1,206 out of 1,410 institutions have achieved this goal. As many as 49,402 out of 57,282 Green Offices are now waste free. 127 out of 410 Green Tourism destinations have adopted waste-free practices. Out of 59 major waste dumping sites, 24 have been completely cleared, while 10 others, including Brahmapuram, are in the final stages of remediation. New liquid waste treatment plants have been established at Muttathara, Kochi, Guruvayur, Padanna Bridge, Ernakulam Marine Drive, Kaloor, Wellington, Brahmapuram, Thrissur Madakkathra, and Kalpetta.
AMRUT Phase 1 (2015 – Present)
T he Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) is a central government-backed urban renewal programme. In the first phase, Rs.2,358 crore was approved for 1,111 projects. So far, 1,004 projects worth Rs.1,658 crore have been completed, and 107 projects worth Rs.880 crore are in their f inal stages. T he first phase is being implemented across all municipal corporations, as well as in Alappuzha, Palakkad, and Guruvayur municipalities. Kerala’s contribution, including that of local self government institutions, amounts to Rs.1,376.8 crore.
AMRUT 2.0 (2021 – Present)
In the second phase, Rs.3,514 crore has been approved for 740 projects, with Rs.2,140 crore coming from the Kerala government and local self-government institutions. The programme is being expanded to all municipalities in the state. Currently, 121 projects have been completed, focusing on the aspects of water supply, sewage treatment, restoration of water bodies, and development of parks and green spaces.
Poverty-Free Kerala
Kerala leads India in poverty eradication and mitigation efforts. According to the 2023 National Multidimensional Poverty Index released by NITI Aayog, Kerala has the lowest poverty rate in India, with only 0.55% of the population experiencing severe poverty. As part of its first cabinet meeting after assuming office for the second time, the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government launched the Ultra-Poverty Eradication Programme to uplift families facing extreme poverty. A comprehensive, participatory approach at the local and ward levels identified 64,006 ultra-poor families, comprising 103,099 individuals. A three-tier intervention strategy (short-term, mid-term, and long-term) was developed to systematically eliminate the hardships faced by these families. By 23 March 2025, 30,658 families (47.89%) were lifted out of ultra-poverty. By 23 March 2025, 49,626 families (77.53%) were rehabilitated. The state aims to eradicate extreme poverty entirely by November 2025. This will make Kerala the first Indian state to fully achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on poverty eradication and hunger elimination.
LIFE Mission: Housing for All
Under the LIFE Housing Mission, 5,46,327 families have received financial assistance for home construction, of which 4,37,319 homes have been completed, and 1,09,008 are under construction. The government aims to provide housing for around 6.5 lakh beneficiaries within its tenure. In 2017, a comprehensive list of land-owning but houseless beneficiaries was prepared, ensuring that all eligible applicants received financial support for home construction. In 2020, LIFE KERALA CALLING 2025 MAY 59 KERALA CALLING 2025 MAY 59 Mission opened an online application process to identify any deserving families left out. Applications were screened, verified, and finalised through ward-level committees and local body approvals. Special provisions were made for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, fisherfolk, and those identified through the extreme poverty survey. Financial aid was extended to the general category based on the availability of local government funds. For landless houseless beneficiaries, LIFE Mission has constructed and handed over four completed housing complexes, with 21 more in various stages of construction. Two complexes have been built through public-private partnerships, and another is under progress. So far, 960 flats have been handed over through LIFE Mission, local governments, partnerships, and sponsorships. Under the ‘Manassodithiri Mannu’ (Contribute Land with a Kind Heart) campaign, 31.61 acres of land have been pledged, of which 21.76 acres have been transferred to local bodies or beneficiaries. This land is being utilised for individual home construction and housing complexes. In addition, collaborations with Chittilappilly Foundation and Lions Club are facilitating land distribution and the construction of a 100-home village project. Work has also resumed on the stalled Vadakkancherry f lat project after legal reviews.
Employment Guarantee Programme
Kerala stands out as the most exemplary state in implementing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). The state has consistently ranked first in providing the highest average workdays to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) families in both the previous and current years. Kerala also leads the nation in ensuring 100 days of employment for SC/ST families. Last year, Kerala ranked second in the country in terms of average workdays provided per family, but this year, it has secured the top position. While the national average stands at 60 KERALA CALLING 2025 MAY KERALA CALLING 2025 MAY 48.9 days per family, Kerala has achieved an average of 64.1 days. Notably, it is the only state in India to have completed 100% social audits for the scheme. Kerala has introduced several new models in the execution of the employment guarantee programme. In the current financial year, 3,97,684 families have completed 100 workdays, making Kerala the top-performing state in this category at the national level. To mark the Onam festival, families that completed 100 workdays were given an Onam allowance of Rs.1,000. The state allocated Rs.56.91 crore for this initiative this year. Under the Tribal Plus Scheme, SC/ST families completing 100 workdays under MGNREGS receive an additional 100 days of employment as a state-sponsored benefit. Last financial year, Rs.41 crore was allocated for this initiative and this year, Rs.18 crore has been sanctioned so far. Kerala became the first state in India to establish a Welfare Fund Board for MGNREGS workers, ensuring pensions, medical benefits, and financial assistance for labourers under the scheme. Under the Subhiksha Kerala initiative for the 2024-25 financial year, MGNREGS funds have been used to construct as many as 2,537 cattle sheds, 1,829 goat sheds, 2,740 poultry sheds, 951 agricultural ponds, 585 azolla tanks, and 71 work sheds for self employed individuals and entrepreneurs. As part of the Suchitwa Kerala (Clean Kerala) Initiative, the scheme has facilitated the construction of 13,795 soak pits and 3,878 compost pits, significantly contributing to waste management in rural areas.
Internal Vigilance System
To enhance the efficiency of local self-government institutions and ensure timely, high-quality services for the public, the Local Self-Government Department has introduced an integrated Internal Vigilance System. This system serves as a robust support mechanism, assisting public representatives in effectively fulfilling their responsibilities. It provides practical solutions to issues, legal guidance, exemplary models, and capacity-building initiatives.
Permanent Adalat System
To make local self-government operations more efficient and citizen-friendly, the department has implemented an innovative grievance redressal mechanism known as the Permanent Adalat Committees. T hese committees act as facilitative platforms that review complaints within 30 days, assess resolution possibilities, and provide solutions. The government refers to this initiative as Citizen Assistant, recognising its role as the voice of the public. Grievances are addressed at the taluk level, and unresolved cases are escalated to the district level. Matters that remain unsettled at this stage are forwarded to the state-level Adalat Committee. T he system also offers an online platform for filing and tracking complaints.
Local Adalat
Adalat initiative was introduced to directly address unresolved complaints. The Minister personally conducted Local Adalats across 14 districts and three municipal corporations. A total of 17,288 complaints were received, out of which 17,171 were resolved. Among them, 14,095 complaints have already been implemented. Notably, over 92% of cases were settled in favour of the applicants. Following these Adalats, 124 proposals suggesting amendments and government recommendations were submitted to the Principal Director, leading to 12 government orders being issued so far.
Literacy Programmes
T he Deepti Braille Literacy Project, aimed at empowering visually impaired individuals, is being implemented in all 14 districts with the support of local self-government institutions, benefiting 1,466 learners. The Changathi Initiative helps migrant workers achieve literacy in Malayalam. As part of this effort, a specially designed textbook, ‘Hamari Malayalam’, was introduced. Of the 2,506 candidates who appeared for the examination, 2,480 successfully passed. Additionally, 476 have cleared the 4th-grade equivalency exam, and 1,007 candidates passed the 7th-grade equivalency exam this f iscal year. So far, 1,82,704 have successfully passed the 10th grade equivalency exam.
Ease of Doing Business
To streamline business operations, a single-window system has been introduced for permits and licences issued by local self government bodies. For low-risk buildings, a self-certification mechanism has been implemented for obtaining building construction approvals, significantly reducing bureaucratic delays.
Vijnana Kerala: Employment Survey & Initiatives
Between 8 and 15 May 2022, a survey conducted by Kudumbashree across all wards identified 53 lakh job seekers in Kerala. The campaign ‘My Job, My Pride’ registered 6.5 lakh people seeking employment. By engaging job seekers in employment conferences held at the ward level, the concept of Vijnana Jobs reached approximately 20 lakh individuals. A total of 1,072 grassroots job fairs were conducted, resulting in 1,29,929 individuals securing employment
Towards Universal Digital Literacy
Digital literacy has become an essential skill for everyday life, enabling people to access government benefits, official certificates, financial transactions, and other services online. Kerala is on the verge of becoming the first state in India to achieve complete digital literacy under the ‘Digi Kerala’ initiative. The programme ensures digital literacy for every citizen above 14 years, rather than limiting training to just one member per family, as in previous schemes. T hrough 2,57,000 volunteers, a survey was conducted using a mobile application, covering 83,45,879 households and 1,50,82,536 individuals. Among them, 21,88,398 individuals required digital literacy training, which was successfully provided. Additional training sessions are being conducted for those in need. Given this achievement, Kerala is poised to be declared the first fully digitally literate state in the country.
Palliative Care
Kerala is renowned for its community-based palliative care model, which provides home-based care at minimal cost, ensuring inclusive healthcare services without discrimination. Currently, 1,142 primary palliative care units are operational under the government, offering care to 1,14,439 patients including 19,816 individuals who receive active treatment. A continuous support system is Kerala’s unique strength. Presently, one home care unit caters to every 30,000 people, but this ratio will soon be improved to one unit per 20,000 people. Palliative care services will be expanded without rural urban or APL-BPL distinctions. To establish a universal palliative care network, services across the state will be integrated and enhanced. A Palliative Care Grid software too has been developed in collaboration with the Health Department to streamline coordination.