2 days ago
Kerala Cabinet Dissolves Loka Kerala Sabha, Plans Diaspora Alternative
Kerala has decided to end a group called the Loka Kerala Sabha.
The group was created to connect people from Kerala who live in other countries with the state.
Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan said some of the group’s decisions were not carried out.
He also said the group had become controversial and cost a lot of public money.
Five editions were held between 2018 and January 2026.
The government says people living abroad will still have a way to share their concerns.
It plans to create a new and more efficient platform for them.
A group of ministers will also study how money sent home by expatriates can support useful economic projects.
The Kerala Cabinet decided to dissolve the Loka Kerala Sabha, a global diaspora platform launched in 2018.
Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan cited unimplemented resolutions, controversy, and alleged financial extravagance.
The five editions reportedly cost the state an estimated Rs 10–12 crores through January 2026.
The government plans a replacement platform and mechanism to address Non-Resident Keralites’ concerns.
A Cabinet sub-committee will explore channeling diaspora remittances into productive economic investments.
- Who
- The Kerala Cabinet and Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan announced the decision; the Loka Kerala Sabha represented Non-Resident Keralites.
- What
- The government decided to dissolve the Loka Kerala Sabha and introduce an alternative platform and welfare mechanism.
- Where
- The announcement was made at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
- When
- The decision was announced on Wednesday; the Sabha held five editions from 2018 through January 2026.
- Why
- The government cited unimplemented resolutions, controversy, alleged financial extravagance, and limited tangible benefits.
Government Critics
Forum Supporters
Value for money
Government Critics
The government and the opposition United Democratic Front said substantial public money was spent with limited tangible benefits and alleged financial extravagance.
Forum Supporters
The Sabha was established as a global forum to involve the Malayali diaspora in Kerala’s socio-economic development.
Implementation of decisions
Government Critics
The government cited the non-implementation of resolutions adopted at three previous sessions as a reason for dissolution.
Forum Supporters
A separate secretariat under the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs Department had been established to implement the Sabha’s recommendations.
Future representation
Government Critics
The government says a new, more efficient platform can address expatriates’ grievances and needs directly.
Forum Supporters
The Sabha already provided a formal platform connecting Non-Resident Keralites with Kerala’s development, and its events were held across five editions.
Key facts
- Forum launched
- 2018, under the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front government
- Editions held
- Five, between 2018 and January 2026
- Estimated spending
- Rs 10–12 crores for the five editions
- Dissolution decision
- Taken by the Kerala Cabinet
- Planned replacement
- A new platform and mechanism for Non-Resident Keralites
- Diaspora population cited
- More than 30 lakh Malayalis in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar, plus 8–10 lakh in the United States and Europe
- Remittance initiative
- A Chief Minister-led Cabinet sub-committee will examine productive economic investments
Quotes
Satheesan
Kerala Chief Minister who announced the Cabinet’s decision and outlined an alternative diaspora mechanism
“There will be a platform for pravasis (expatriates), and there will be an alternative mechanism to address their issues.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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