Permanent Solution to House Number Changes During Ward Delimitation: Digi Door to Be Implemented in Kerala, Says Minister K. M. Shaji
Kochi: Kerala will implement the Digi Door project, which will assign permanent numbers to houses across the state, said Minister for Local Self-Government K. M. Shaji. He was speaking after inaugurating the Future Kochi Conclave jointly organised by Jain University and Kochi Corporation. The new system will help eliminate the difficulties caused by changes in house numbers during ward delimitation and speed up disaster management activities. The Minister said, blindly replicating foreign models in urban planning would not benefit Kerala, and the state needs designs and construction methods suited to its climate and geographical conditions. True urban development should ensure clean drinking water for children, better transport facilities, safe footpaths for senior citizens, employment opportunities for the youth and a favourable environment for entrepreneurs. Emphasising the need for planning based on people’s needs rather than the interests of governing bodies, he criticised the practice of equally distributing plan funds of local bodies among ward members, without a development vision.
The Minister also extended full support to Kochi Corporation’s ‘Kochi 3D Digital Twin’ project aimed at making urban planning transparent. He assured that the project would receive priority consideration for funding under the Urban Challenge Fund. He also said the financial feasibility of the Rs 1,500-crore Vyttila Civic Square project would be examined and considered in the second phase.
Kochi Mayor Adv. V. K. Minimol, who presided over the function, said this was the most appropriate time for Kochi’s development and that the opportunity should be utilised effectively through collective efforts. Such gatherings are essential to prepare a safe and well-defined development blueprint for future generations. Local self-government institutions need to be further empowered and administrative hurdles removed to accelerate urban development. Universities can play a significant role in harnessing Kochi’s immense potential in IT, tourism, commerce and transportation. The Mayor said universities should go beyond academic curricula and contribute innovative ideas and models for the city’s future development.
Hibi Eden MP said expanding the boundaries of Kochi Corporation was a necessity of the times for the city’s comprehensive development. Central funds for development activities are allocated based on population, and Kochi would receive its rightful benefits only if its boundaries were expanded, he pointed out.
Dr. Tom Joseph, Director of New Initiatives, said Jain University’s objective was to contribute in every possible way to Kochi’s growth, just as foreign universities play a crucial role in the development of their respective cities. He said the Future Kochi Conclave was the latest step in the university’s social engagement initiatives since its establishment in Kerala as an agent of change.
MLAs Tony Chammany, T. J. Vinod, Deepak Joy and Uma Thomas, along with Deputy Mayor V. R. Sudheer, also spoke at the function. Former Minister K. Babu, Ernakulam District Collector Priyanka G. and Future Kerala Mission Chairman Venu Rajamony participated in various sessions held on the first day.
****
