Malappuram turns 57 today; Demand for new district gains momentum

Malappuram: As calls for district reorganisation grow louder, Malappuram marks its 57th anniversary on Wednesday. The district was officially formed on June 16, 1969. There is an increasing demand to carve out a new district by including parts of Malappuram, citing its large population and vast geographical area.

Even former district collectors have stated that dividing Malappuram is essential to ensure balanced development and equitable distribution of government funds and resources. Political parties, including Muslim League, and various organisations have also backed the demand. With the UDF government now in power, hopes for the creation of a new district have strengthened. The fact that Revenue Minister AP Anil Kumar, a Congress leader from Malappuram, represents the district has also added to the optimism.

UDF leaders to meet CM today

The UDF district leadership has decided to intensify its campaign for the formation of a new district by bifurcating Malappuram. At a meeting held last week, the UDF passed a resolution demanding the appointment of a Special Officer to study the feasibility of district reorganisation.

UDF district chairman KP Abdul Majeed said that all constituent parties of the alliance unanimously support the proposal. Along with convener Ashraf Kokkur, he will meet Chief Minister VD Satheesan and other ministers on Wednesday to present the demand. A memorandum incorporating the points raised in the resolution will also be submitted.

The UDF maintains that the proposal is aimed solely at improving development and public convenience. The district leadership wants the Special Officer to be appointed without delay, arguing that if the process begins now, the reorganisation could be completed during the tenure of the current government. The alliance has also stressed that the demand has no political or communal motive.

Muslim League to prepare comprehensive development master plan

Marking the district's 57th anniversary, the Muslim League has announced plans to prepare a comprehensive development master plan for Malappuram. As part of the initiative, the party's district committee organised a 'Malappuram Vision and Mission' Leaders Summit, bringing together elected representatives and party leaders to gather suggestions and recommendations.

In the second phase, the League will conduct a public development seminar with public participation. Local camps will be organised at the panchayat and municipal levels, while consultations will also be held with students, youth groups, social and cultural organisations, and government officials. Based on these discussions, a comprehensive development master plan will be prepared and submitted to the Chief Minister and the state ministers.

The district committee observed that Malappuram still has significant gaps to address in the education and healthcare sectors in proportion to its growing population.

The summit was chaired by district president Panakkad Abbas Ali Shihab Thangal.