The positive note struck by the new Government has drawn all-round praise. That the new government meant business was clear from the first few decisions it took.

In deference to the wishes of CPI(M) patriarch, V. S. Achuthanandan, top priority has been given to curbing price rise. The new government has doubled the allocation to the Civil Supplies Corporation from Rs 75 crore to Rs 150 crore to achieve this goal. What is noteworthy is the decision to allocate more funds to the Corporation if necessary. The public distribution system under the Corporation is in for a a much-needed revamp.

Another task which VS wanted the new government to undertake forthwith was to ensure the safety of women in the state. As a first step towards this end, the team probing the gruesome rape and murder of a Dalit girl in Perumbavoor has been reconstituted. A house would be constructed for the girl, Jisha’s mother within 45 days. Also, Jisha’s sister would be provided a government job, too. The mother would also be given a monthly pension of Rs 5,000.

Besides, welfare pensions have been enhanced to Rs 1000, and arrears running into a few thousand crores would be cleared immediately. The above-mentioned people-friendly steps have come in for all-round praise, even from the LDF’s political rivals. VS summed it all up with his comment that it was an excellent start.

The prompt response to VS’s suggestions on governance is in line with the new-found unity within the CPI(M) and the importance the Vijayan government accords to leveraging Achuthanandan’s rich and vast experience in governance as a former Chief Minister. The growing VS-Vijayan chemistry augurs well for the future of the LDF Government. The doubting Thomases and prophets of doom have been forewarned.

That said, it must be noted that the new government will have to face formidable challenges, especially on the economic front. The state exchequer is near-empty thanks to the profligacy and economic indiscipline practised by the Oommen Chandy government. As new Finance Minister Thomas Isaac pointed out, the immediate liabilities which have to be cleared amount to over Rs 6,000 crore. Isaac, however, allayed fears of a tax increase, ruling it out.

Another politically significant decision is to go ahead with the 13th five-year plan and retain the State Planning Commission, ignoring the Modi-led BJP Government’s decision to wind up the Planning Commission.

Last but not the least has been the decision to constitute a sub-committee headed by Electricity Minister A K. Balan to look into all controversial decisions taken by the Chandy Government at the fag end of its term.

The Assembly is scheduled to meet on June 2; senior CPI(M) MLA S. Sarma has been named as the pro-term Speaker who will supervise the swearing in of the newly-elected MLAs.

Other daunting problems which need to be addressed immediately are the alarming fall in remittances from Gulf countries in the wake of the steep decline in oil prices. The serious crisis faced by commercial crops like rubber, coconut and spices, again due to a big crash in prices, is another problem which brooks no further delay. Then, there is the question of providing employment to the large number of youngsters whose aspirations have gone up sky-high with the assumption of power by the LDF Government.

A job well begun is half done. So goes the saying. The Pinarayi Government has plunged itself heart and soul into the daunting task ahead. The miasma of cynicism and negativism which had marred the previous UDF government has yielded place to hopes of better days, corruption-free rule and people-friendly governance. (IPA Service)