Local Self-Government Minister K.M. Shaji underscored the need for everyone to stand together to “weave the development dreams” of the State, recalling how the successive governments in Kerala supported and promoted democratic decentralisation and the people’s plan campaign.

Inaugurating a conclave of people’s plan campaign activists held here on Sunday to mark the 30th anniversary of the campaign, Mr. Shaji said it was imperative that in the emerging scenario, it was essential to make use of technological tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) to drive projects and the planning process.

Local bodies should also explore ways to generate revenue, he said. To take forward the people’s plan campaign, it is also necessary to supply Gen-Z with clear answers as to why they should associate with the process, he said.

The Minister said the campaign, launched on August 17, 1996, contributed constructively to the State’s development in attempting to hand power, money and governance to the people. The idea, Mr. Shaji said, is as old as the Freedom Struggle and dates back to the Grama Swaraj concept of Mahatma Gandhi.

Transport Minister C.P. John, speaking on the occasion, said discussions on the future course of the people’s planning should take into account aspects such as demographic changes, population depletion and the urban-rural mismatch in local body allocations recommended by the 16th Union Finance Commission.

Speakers at the panel discussions organised as part of the day-long conclave stressed the need to ensure better utilisation of devolved funds including the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan and Tribal Sub-Plan funds, and to reduce the number of school drop-outs through innovative measures.