Tap investment for socio-economic growth: P Sathasivam

Thiruvananthapuram: Joining the nation in celebrating the 66th Republic Day, Governor Justice P Sathasivam Monday asked the state government to come out with innovative models of development to utilise the inflow of investment and funds for socio-economic growth.

"Government has approved a detailed scheme for resource mobilisation to the tune of Rs 25,000 crore to meet investment requirements for basic infrastructure development and funding projects," he said in his address after unfurling the national flag and inspecting the ceremonial parade at the Central Stadium here.

"Bank deposits by Non-Resident Keralites are set to reach enormous proportion, following higher remittance in recent days. Innovative models of development may be designed to leverage this inflow of funds, to the socio-economic growth of the state," he said.

He, however, emphasised the importance of securing 'green nod' from authorities concerned before embarking on mining and quarrying operantions.

"Kerala has a lot of ecologically fragile areas. We should take maximum care to secure the green nod from concerned authorities before embarking on mining and quarrying operations. Issuance of new permits should be done only after obtaining clearance from the concerned statutory authorities," he said.

Transparency should be ensured in all governmental activities, he said, adding "Those at the helm of affairs should be both credible and accountable in whatever they do and say."

The Governor also lavished praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"The Prime Minister has upheld the vision of a transformed India where the government becomes an enabler of growth with such initiatives as Swachh Bharat Mission, Jan Dhan Yojana, Make in India and Digital India which are at once far-sighted and result-oriented," he said.

Besides contingents of armed forces, Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police, Railway Protection Force, Special Armed Force and India Reserve Battalion, cadets of NCC, student police cadet and Bharat scouts and Guides and mounted police also took part in the parade.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and senior civil and police personnel were present.

Republic Day celebrations were also held in district headquarters across the state.