Ayarkunnam
Grama Panchayat

DEVELOPMENT AND WELFARE ACTIVITIES OF AYARKUNNAM GRAMA PANCHAYAT

Significant changes have taken place in the agriculture, animal husbandry and dairy development sectors. Agricultural activities have been expanded by bringing fallow land under cultivation. There has also been a considerable increase in egg production and the production of fish and meat.

HEALTH SECTOR

In order to provide government healthcare services within the Panchayat, institutions under Allopathy, Homoeopathy and Ayurveda are functioning, namely Ayarkunnam Community Health Centre, Government Homoeo Dispensary and Government Ayurveda Dispensary.

Under the Community Health Centre, effective maternal and child healthcare activities are being carried out through five Family Welfare Centres.

DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION

Ayarkunnam Grama Panchayat has approximately 62 drinking-water schemes, including borewells, ponds and wells. Various drinking-water projects have been implemented in recent years. Schemes for the construction of new wells and the cleaning and maintenance of existing wells are also being undertaken.

Waste management requires the active participation of the public. Biodegradable waste is being treated at source, while non-biodegradable waste is collected by the Haritha Karma Sena, appointed by the Panchayat, from households and establishments on payment of a user fee.

STREET LIGHTING

Maximum efforts have been made to restore and reinstall street lights in the Panchayat and to replace and repair damaged lights. Steps have also been taken to install meters for street-light connections. Necessary procedures for carrying out repairs through a maintenance contract are in progress.

WOMEN AND CHILDREN

Several more projects need to be implemented in the women and child-friendly development sector. Initiatives such as the Gender Resource Centre, employment enterprises and strengthening of Kudumbashree need to be implemented as part of these activities.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

The Panchayat has carried out commendable activities in the field of social justice with the cooperation of the Jagratha Samithi, Kudumbashree and other departmental heads.

Jagratha Samithi meetings are being conducted regularly, and complaints received are addressed through sittings held promptly, with appropriate recommendations for remedial action. Scholarships are provided to students requiring special consideration, thereby encouraging them to continue their education.

POVERTY ALLEVIATION AND EMPLOYMENT

A considerable number of people living below the poverty line reside in Ayarkunnam Grama Panchayat. BPL families, Ashraya families and people living in other disadvantaged conditions are among the beneficiaries of various welfare programmes.

There are 117 Ashraya families and approximately 3,500 BPL families in the Panchayat. A significant number of elderly persons, persons with disabilities and people facing physical and mental challenges also reside here.

Unemployment is one of the major problems faced by the rural population. Various programmes are being implemented for the welfare of the unemployed, homeless persons, Ashraya beneficiaries and BPL families. These interventions have helped bring many families above the poverty line to some extent.

Several employment-generation projects are being implemented to address unemployment. Employment initiatives through the Panchayat and poverty-alleviation activities implemented through Kudumbashree have also helped reduce poverty to a certain extent.

DEVELOPMENT OF SCHEDULED CASTES AND SCHEDULED TRIBES

A considerable number of people belonging to the Scheduled Caste community in Ayarkunnam Grama Panchayat continue to live below the poverty line.

There are 10 Scheduled Caste settlements in the Panchayat, comprising 160 families, with 415 men and 455 women. In addition, there are 209 individual Scheduled Caste families, comprising 398 men and 391 women.

In total, there are 317 Scheduled Caste families with 1,251 persons in Ayarkunnam Grama Panchayat.

The granting of land titles to 37 families in Mahatma Colony in Ward No. 12 is considered a significant achievement of the Panchayat. The Scheduled Tribe colony in the area is home to 148 persons.

The major problems faced by the people living in these areas are unemployment and social and economic backwardness, which have resulted in severe poverty. It is our primary responsibility to bring these communities into the mainstream of society. Providing them with employment, housing, land and other basic amenities can help them achieve social and economic inclusion.

EDUCATION

There are 17 educational institutions across the 21 wards of Ayarkunnam Grama Panchayat.

Of the 9 Lower Primary schools, 2 are Government schools and 7 are aided schools. Among the 3 Upper Primary schools, 1 is a Government school and 2 are aided schools. There are 5 High Schools, all of which are aided schools.

The Government Upper Primary School at Aymanam/Arumanoor should be upgraded to a High School. Higher Secondary/Vocational Higher Secondary batches should be started in all existing High Schools.

All Primary Schools should be upgraded to Upper Primary Schools with the facilities required under the Right to Education Act.

DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

In view of the unexpected floods experienced in the State, disaster-management activities need to be implemented in a scientific and environmentally sustainable manner.

The reconstruction of roads, houses and bridges should be undertaken based on proper environmental assessment and studies. Protection of water resources and implementation of waste management with greater public participation should also receive special attention.

In the context of the devastating floods of 2018 and 2019 and the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, planning documents need to be prepared to enable the Panchayat to effectively respond to various types of disasters that may occur in the future.

With this objective, Ayarkunnam Grama Panchayat has prepared a Disaster Management Plan at the local level with the cooperation of government officials, experts, volunteers, political representatives, Kudumbashree members and Residents' Associations.

BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

As part of Biodiversity Management, efforts need to be made to conserve various indigenous plant species that are gradually disappearing.

Particular attention should be given to conserving the biodiversity of the Panchayat and protecting its natural resources for future generations.

CITIZEN SERVICES AND GOVERNANCE

Services that are required to be provided to the public by the Panchayat are being delivered within the stipulated time under the Citizen's Charter/Citizen Rights framework.

Modernisation of the Panchayat Office is also being undertaken. The office is progressively adopting computerised systems and other modern facilities to improve the efficiency, accessibility and transparency of Panchayat administration.