PREFACE
Kerala has been on the frontline in terms of the development of physical and social infrastructure and in human development. However, in the coming years, the State need to focus increasingly on the sustainability of this model. Kerala needs innovative methods of management of its economy as well as of design and implementation of development programmes. However, any such reforms can trickle down and get reflected in the lives of its people only through unleashing the repressed productive forces and entrepreneurial energies in various sectors of the economy. This can be achieved only through the active participation of different sections of the people, well informed and with enhanced morale. To realise the above objectives, we need to have a clear understanding of, not only the constraints of today, but also a clear vision on the future scenario. Hard data and information on the State's economy and society, and a realistic understanding of its performance and interdependencies, are vital.
Against this background, the State Planning Board and the Institute of Small Enterprises and Development (ISED), Cochin, jointly organised the 'Conference on Database of the Kerala Economy' at Cochin on August 14, 2002. The programme, since the design stage, had the active encouragement and support of the Planning Commission and the United Nations Development Programme. I wish to place on record our appreciation of these two institutions in making this event a successful initiative. The Conference had the active participation of planners, administrators, businessmen, academicians, non-governmental organisations, financial institutions, and of various government departments. I wish to thank them all.
We hope that, this publication will kindle light on several less explored areas of Kerala's economy and society, generate a live discussion, and will positively lead to an enhanced production of usable data by all concerned.
P M Mathew
Cochin
Director
Institute of Small Enterprises and Development
24 -10 - 2002.