Achievements
ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE DISTRICT PANCHAYAT
Kannur has emerged as a model for the entire State in several areas, including becoming an extreme-poverty-free district, a fully digitally literate district, and a completely waste-free district.
The State Vayosevana Award, State Disability Award, first place in the Swaraj Trophy for the Best District Panchayat, first place in the State for outstanding waste-management activities, and the State Haritha Kerala Award, among other recognitions, have made the Kannur District Panchayat a symbol of excellence during its five-year tenure.
The District Panchayat implemented development activities based on the principles of sustainable development across all sectors during these five years.
Agriculture
During the 2020–25 period, the Kannur District Panchayat implemented comprehensive programmes to revitalise the agricultural sector. During the five-year tenure of the governing body, development activities worth more than ₹23 crore were implemented in the agricultural sector.
The production capacity of the district was enhanced through paddy development programmes, while farmers were provided training in modern technologies. The traditional Kaipad farming system was revitalised.
Through the “One Basket of Flowers for Onam” project, the district took another step towards self-sufficiency in floriculture, reducing dependence on neighbouring States for flowers during the Onam season.
Biodiversity parks were established at Kottila and Ulikkal Higher Secondary Schools under the District Panchayat to conserve biodiversity and create awareness among students about its importance.
Under the agricultural mechanisation programme, modern agricultural machinery was distributed to farmers. To address the shortage of skilled personnel for repairing agricultural machinery, training was provided to interested individuals and those working in the automobile sector. This created new local facilities for farmers to repair and maintain their machinery.
Through the “Fallow-Free District” project, agricultural land that had remained unused across the district was brought back into productive cultivation.
The District Panchayat implemented the Basic Infrastructure Development of Paddy Fields project to support paddy-field areas. Financial assistance was provided to Grama Panchayats for infrastructure development in these areas.
Students of technical educational institutions interested in agriculture were encouraged to undertake agricultural research, and their innovations were introduced to farmers.
Special projects such as Passion Fruit Villages were implemented. Through the Native Mango Orchard Project, grafted saplings of traditional mango varieties were distributed to help conserve indigenous mango varieties and ensure the survival of traditional crops.
Financial assistance was provided to the Kuttiyattur Mango Producer Society, one of the major agricultural producer organisations in the district. The production of value-added agricultural products was also promoted.
As part of the Kannur Chillies Project, various varieties of chillies, including Kanthari and capsicum, were cultivated on a large scale.
Through these comprehensive interventions, the agricultural sector of the district has grown in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner, contributing to increased income and productivity among farmers.
Agricultural Farms
There are four agricultural farms under the District Panchayat. The most important among them is the District Agricultural Farm at Karimbam, Taliparamba.
Spread over 56 hectares, the District Agricultural Farm is a rich repository of biodiversity. Seedlings of coconut, arecanut, mango and several other plants are produced and distributed from the farm.
The Agri-Biotechnology Division and Tissue Culture Laboratory, which operate using advanced technologies, are major attractions of the District Agricultural Farm.
The State Seed Production Centre, Kankol; State Seed Production Centre, Vengad; and State Coconut Nursery, Palayad also function under the District Panchayat.
The Kannur District Panchayat allocates substantial funds every year for the day-to-day operations and infrastructure development of the farms under its jurisdiction.
Animal Husbandry
The Kannur District Panchayat implemented comprehensive programmes to strengthen the animal husbandry sector. During the past five years, the District Panchayat spent ₹4.5 crore on animal husbandry programmes.
An Animal Birth Control (ABC) Centre was established at Padiyoor for controlling the breeding of stray dogs in the district. The centre plays an important role in controlling the stray-dog population.
The District Veterinary Centre, the district's major animal-husbandry institution, functions under the Kannur District Panchayat. The centre is widely relied upon by the public for the treatment of domestic animals and provides advanced treatment using modern technologies.
The District Panchayat allocates funds every year for its functioning. A fair-price veterinary medical shop has also been established at the centre to make veterinary medicines available to the public at affordable rates.
The Kommeri Government Goat Farm, one of the district's major animal husbandry farms, functions under the Kannur District Panchayat. The farm produces and distributes a large number of goat kids every year.
Dairy Development
The District Panchayat has taken steps to provide milk subsidies to increase milk production and ensure financial support for dairy farmers. More than ₹1 crore is allocated every year towards milk subsidies.
The Kannur District Panchayat provided ₹5 lakh in financial assistance for the successful implementation of the “Dairy Village” project of Udayagiri Grama Panchayat.
As part of community-based dairy development, cattle sheds-cum-mini dairy farms were established. These initiatives helped increase milk production at the local level and strengthen the development of the dairy sector.
Fisheries
Various projects were implemented to strengthen the fisheries sector and increase the income of local fish farmers.
These included live fish markets, backyard fish farming in small ponds, backyard biofloc fish farming using GIFT Tilapia, pearl spot farming in ponds, and lined-pond fish farming.
The “Suchitwa Sagaram–Sundara Theeram” project was implemented with the objective of making the coastal areas of the district clean and hygienic. This helped improve the cleanliness of coastal surroundings.
Other initiatives, including mussel farming, backwater drumstick cultivation, and green mussel farming, were also implemented to support groups of fish farmers.
Local Economic Development and Employment
Comprehensive activities were undertaken with the objective of promoting local economic growth and employment opportunities.
Industrial fairs were organised to showcase traditional agricultural and industrial products. A revolving fund was provided to promote entrepreneurship, while interest subsidies were also provided to ensure financial support for small-scale entrepreneurs.
An Investors' Desk was established to provide guidance to those planning to start new businesses and thereby encourage greater investment in local industries.
The Labour Bank mobile application was developed to connect workers with employers.
Several innovative projects, including Kannur Pudava, Kunhimangalam Bronze Village Cluster, and Palaharam Village, were implemented as part of local economic development initiatives.
The District Panchayat provided financial assistance to handloom societies for purchasing yarn. An electronic jacquard machine was provided to the Payyannur Khadi Centre, and infrastructure facilities of Khadi centres were improved, thereby revitalising the handloom and Khadi sectors.
Water Conservation, Sanitation, Biodiversity and Disaster Management
Comprehensive and sustainable activities were implemented in the areas of water conservation, sanitation, biodiversity conservation, and disaster management.
Under the “Jalam Sulabham” project, financial assistance was provided for water-conservation activities, ensuring the protection and accessibility of local water resources.
Financial assistance was provided to Grama Panchayats for the construction of Vented Cross Bars (VCBs) for flood control and rainwater harvesting.
In addition, riverbank protection was promoted along the Anjarakandy River through the laying of coir geotextiles and planting of bamboo.
Financial assistance was provided to Grama Panchayats for the construction and renovation of modern crematoriums. Modular toilets were installed in schools to ensure hygienic facilities for students.
A Sanitation Awareness Campaign was also organised to promote sanitation awareness and social participation.
The Smart Eye Project was implemented by installing innovative CCTV cameras capable of operating without an internet connection. The project aimed to ensure cleanliness in public places and identify individuals involved in illegal dumping and other offences.
Uniforms were distributed to Haritha Karma Sena members who play a leading role in maintaining cleanliness across the district.
Financial assistance was provided for installing solar-powered fencing in human–wildlife conflict areas, with the aim of protecting wildlife while ensuring the safety of human life.
As part of disaster management, financial assistance was provided to Grama Panchayats for constructing shelters for relief camps to support people affected by natural disasters.
With the objective of creating a Carbon-Neutral District, 30 Miyawaki forests were established across the district and a Rent-a-Cycle project was implemented.
Health
Comprehensive activities were undertaken to improve healthcare services and ensure public health and safety.
Three of the district's major healthcare institutions function under the Kannur District Panchayat:
- Kannur District Hospital
- District Ayurveda Hospital
- District Homoeo Hospital
The District Hospital has been upgraded with modern facilities and advanced equipment. These include a modern trauma care unit, ICU, Cath Lab, oxygen plant, 24×7 help desk, geriatric ward, mother-and-child block, dialysis unit, and artificial limb manufacturing unit.
A renovated women and children's ward was established to provide free treatment. Free medicines were also distributed to liver-transplant recipients, and follow-up treatment was provided for kidney-transplant patients.
With the support of CSR funds, six dialysis units and a vehicle were procured to ensure better access to healthcare services.
The District Ayurveda Hospital expanded its services with a modernised OP counter, cosmetology clinic, Panchakarma centre, specialised clinics, and renovated female ward.
At the District Homoeo Hospital, services were further expanded through the Janani Fertility Centre, renovated pharmacy, casualty department, inpatient treatment, Seethalayam, and palliative care services.
The District Panchayat strengthened services for senior citizens by providing financial assistance to palliative-care projects of Grama Panchayats.
A Nutritional Rehabilitation Programme was implemented for people living with HIV/AIDS. Awareness programmes on substance-abuse prevention were conducted under the theme “Life is Addiction-Free – Addiction is Not Life.”
Comprehensive initiatives such as lifestyle disease-control programmes, Kannur Fights Cancer, nutritional-kit distribution for tuberculosis patients, and Healthy District further expanded healthcare services in the district in a people-oriented and effective manner.
Education
There are 73 Government Higher Secondary and High Schools under the Kannur District Panchayat.
The governing body gave special attention to the infrastructure development of these educational institutions. As a result, significant improvements were made in the infrastructure and overall standards of the schools during this period.
Quality furniture, computers, laboratory equipment and other essential facilities were provided to students.
Financial assistance was provided to Grama Panchayats for the construction of playgrounds.
Under the “Uyarām Parakkām” project, skipping ropes were distributed to schoolgirls studying in schools under the District Panchayat.
Water-quality testing laboratories were established in schools to ensure the safety and quality of drinking water. Water purifier systems were also purchased and installed in schools under the District Panchayat.
New school buildings were constructed, furniture was distributed, science laboratories were modernised, and laptops were distributed as part of school infrastructure-development initiatives.
At the District Panchayat Science Park, an audio-visual hall was established, the library was completed, and exhibition materials were repaired. These initiatives created wider opportunities for students to learn science through interactive experiences.
Support was also provided for Student Police Cadet activities and contributions were made to SSK, helping to promote social awareness and participation among students.
Social Welfare and Inclusion
The Kannur District Panchayat implemented numerous social-welfare programmes giving priority to the welfare and active participation of various sections of society.
Special attention was given to persons with disabilities through initiatives such as scholarships for students with physical and mental challenges, financial assistance to BUDS schools, and the construction and infrastructure development of old-age care and rest centres.
Art-training programmes were organised for the transgender community, providing opportunities for artistic development and social empowerment.
Specially designed electronic wheelchairs were distributed to children affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Smartphones equipped with accessibility software were provided to blind and visually impaired persons, helping to improve their quality of life.
For senior citizens, senior citizens' arts festivals were organised, along with programmes honouring people who had completed 100 years of age.
Assistive devices and three-wheelers were distributed to persons with disabilities.
Musical and sports equipment were provided to BUDS schools to promote the holistic development of children.
Evening cultural programmes were organised at old-age centres to encourage artistic expression and enhance the mental well-being of senior citizens.
Women and Child Development
Various programmes were implemented with priority given to women and child development and women's empowerment.
The She Night Home in Kannur city has been functioning successfully, providing safe accommodation for women visiting the city.
Women's economic self-reliance and social advancement were promoted through initiatives such as financial assistance to women's fitness centres, women's coffee banks in 10 Panchayats, fish booths for women's groups, School Cafés, and the “One Enterprise in One CDS” project.
Women's entrepreneurial capacity was strengthened through initiatives including revolving funds for Kudumbashree women's enterprise groups, a delivery van for the Kannur Kudumbashree Curry Powder Consortium, and Kudumbashree kiosks in schools under the District Panchayat.
Women's status studies and programmes providing women and children with training in martial arts, karate, kalari and swimming contributed to women's social empowerment.
Planting materials were provided to women's groups for passion-fruit cultivation, while financial assistance was provided to value-added production units to strengthen their economic security.
The She Night Fest, Gender Resource Centre, and financial assistance for the construction of Anganwadi buildings were also implemented as part of social and child-development initiatives.
Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Development
Priority was given to the comprehensive development and empowerment of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities.
Financial assistance was provided to Grama Panchayats for infrastructure development of Scheduled Caste cultural centres, along with furniture distribution.
Scholarships were provided to Scheduled Caste students pursuing higher education, while employment-oriented skill training and competitive-examination coaching were provided to young men and women.
These initiatives contributed to improvements in education and employment skills.
To promote social and cultural activities, training was provided in Shinkari Melam and Nasik Dhol, and performance troupes were formed.
Pre-recruitment training for the armed forces was conducted to prepare young people for career opportunities.
Attention was also given to social infrastructure development through the renovation of colony crematoriums and financial assistance to women's vocational training centres.
For Scheduled Tribe communities, initiatives such as the distribution of musical instruments and bands, educational support programmes, internet connectivity in tribal settlements, and the Gothra Velicham/Gothra Sarathi projects were implemented to support cultural and educational development.
A breakfast programme and hygiene-kit distribution programme were implemented to encourage ST students to attend school.
Skill training and competitive-examination coaching were provided to young men and women, creating better employment opportunities for the new generation in the Scheduled Tribe community.
As a result of these initiatives, the economic, educational, social and cultural status of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities was improved, paving the way for comprehensive development.
Housing
The Kannur District Panchayat has given due attention to providing stable and secure housing for economically weaker sections by contributing funds to the LIFE Mission and PMAY housing programmes.
During the tenure of the present governing body, the District Panchayat contributed ₹47.65 crore to the LIFE Mission.
Roads and Infrastructure
The District Panchayat maintains approximately 415 km of roads.
Special attention is given to their repair and maintenance. Major roads have been upgraded through mechanised bituminous/macadam tarring, thereby improving their quality.
The projects implemented by the District Panchayat have helped improve the quality of roads, provide better transportation facilities, and strengthen rural–urban connectivity across the district.
Overall Achievement
Overall, as a result of the activities undertaken during the past five years, the Kannur District Panchayat has been able to undertake the maximum possible interventions for the comprehensive development of the rural areas of Kannur district.
In addition to financial assistance from the Central and State Governments, the District Panchayat was able to make maximum use of its own revenue and CSR grants for development activities.
The various recognitions received by the Kannur District Panchayat during this period stand as a testament to its achievements in diverse areas of development.
