LOKA KERALA SABHA (LKS) 2020

Related Topic in KAS Prelims Syllabus:

Economy [Paper-II]: Economy of Kerala, Programmes and Schemes, Pravasi and Foreign remittance

News

• The second edition of Loka Kerala Sabha (World Kerala Assembly) summit was held at Kerala legislative assembly complex from January 1 to 3, 2020.
• The first edition was held on January 12 and 13, 2018.

Context

• Kerala’s people and its culture have travelled beyond borders, and to every corner of the world, fostering their assimilation and integration with the rest of the world.
• It is imperative to constitute a democratic space in order that cultural, socio-political and economic co-operation between home and outer Keralites are facilitated, and channelled into the creation of a Global Kerala Synergy.
• Thus, Government of Kerala has decided to constitute Loka Kerala Sabha (LKS) as a common platform.

What is Loka Kerala Sabha (LKS)?

• It is a platform for the cultural, socio-political and economic integration of non-resident Keralites (NRK).
• It aims at utilizing the expertise of Non-Resident Keralites (NRK) for developing Kerala state.
• Loka Kerala Sabha is proposed to happen once in two years.
• The LKS will conduct discussions on the job opportunities available in various countries, and also the languages and different set of skills required for acquiring jobs.
• It will also discuss ways to do away with the exploitation of middle-men.

Need for Loka Kerala Sabha

• Majority of the decisions that pertain as well to the lives of non-resident Keralites are taken within the home Kerala.
• Loka Kerala Sabha shall address this concern by providing for a more inclusive democratic space wherein these non-resident Keralites are duly represented.

Constitution and Structure

• The 351-member LKS shall comprise the Members of the Legislative Assembly of Kerala, the Members of the Indian Parliament from Kerala, non-resident Keralites of Indian citizenship nominated by the Government of Kerala, and select members of the returnee community.
• The non-resident members shall be selected from abroad and other states/UTs within India, taking into account the diversities of gender, age and occupational status; they shall also include eminent non-resident Keralites who have contributed immensely in their respective fields of engagement to achieve public acclaim.

[Source: Indian Express, lokakeralasabha.com]