Keralam at 70: holding a mirror to India
The Hindu - Opinion · Published 11 November 2026 · Last updated
Keralam's development model, characterized by robust democracy, religious diversity, and high human development achievements despite modest economic beginnings, challenges income-centric national development paradigms.
Key points
- In 1956, Keralam was amongst the poorest States in India, performing on par with Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
- Presently, Keralam ranks amongst the richest States and boasts an infant mortality rate lower than that of the United States.
- If counted as an independent nation, Keralam would rank 75 on the Human Development Index, placing it ahead of China.
- Keralam's Human Development Index ranking stands 55 ranks above India as a whole, which is positioned at 130.
- The 16th Keralam Assembly features a legislative composition of 51% Hindu, 25% Muslim, and 24% Christian MLAs.
- The current legislative representation roughly corresponds to the religious demographics of the State's population.
- The national development regime continues to prioritize Viksit Bharat 2047, which relies primarily on an income-based development measure.
- Universal adoption of Keralam's infant mortality levels across India would save over 5,00,000 infant lives annually.
Background
- In 1956, Keralam's economic status was comparable to the poorest regions in the country before embarking on a divergent development trajectory.
- Over the decades, the State built its growth model on the foundation of a robust democracy and religious diversity.
Prelims facts and Mains angle for this issue are in the full SWAदेSH note.
Original report: The Hindu - Opinion