Block Panchayat Association hands an 'Approach Document 2026' to the Chief Minister at a conclave of over 2,000 representatives

10 October 2026

Chief Minister V D Satheesan inaugurated a conclave ('Mahasangamam') of elected representatives organised by the Kerala Block Panchayat Association at the Eram Convention Centre, Thottumugham, near Aluva in Ernakulam district, on 10 October 2026. More than 2,000 representatives attended. The association's president Kottayil Radhakrishnan and general secretary P.K.C. Abdurahiman handed the Chief Minister an 'Approach Document 2026', asking that powers be returned to block panchayats and raising coordination problems in the Local Self Government Department, planning rules and updates to the Panchayati Raj Act. The Chief Minister did not speak because of a sore throat; Higher Education Minister Roji M. John, speaking on his behalf, said the government's stand is to strengthen local self-government institutions. Women and Child Development Minister Bindu Krishna gave the keynote address, and retired KILA faculty led sessions on climate change and local planning. Kottayil Radhakrishnan presided; Benny Behanan MP and Anwar Sadath MLA also spoke.