Article(print)1991

Kerala State, India: Radical Reform as Development

In: Monthly review: an independent socialist magazine, Volume 42, Issue 8, p. 1-23

Franke, Richard W; Chasin, Barbara H

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Abstract

Kerala State in southwestern India has achieved among the Third World's highest rates of life expectancy, literacy, & infant mortality, despite one of the lowest per capita incomes. Especially notable is the nearly equal distribution of development benefits to urban & rural, male & female, & high & low caste sections of the population. Even population distribution, a cosmopolitan trading history, & the development of militant worker & small farmer organizations led by dedicated activists account for these achievements. Land reform has redistributed wealth & political power from a rich elite to small holders & landless laborers. Public food distribution at controlled prices, large-scale public health actions, accessible medical facilities, & widespread literacy combine with & reinforce each other to maintain & expand Kerala's achievements. Serious unemployment is a threat, but Kerala nonetheless offers important lessons to development planners, policymakers, & Third World activists. 4 Tables. AA

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