Thiruvananthapuram: Nearly 600 recommendations were submitted to the government through the 5 sessions of the Loka Kerala Sabha, but only a handful have been implemented. Most of the measures could have been taken without even convening such a gathering. According to Norka figures, fewer than 20 recommendations have been implemented.

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The Sabha was launched with several objectives, including utilising investments by expatriates to boost the state's economic growth and introducing welfare schemes for Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs). Although it was conceived as a platform bringing together expatriates, questions are now being raised about whether it has achieved its intended goals.

The UDF government, which declared that the Loka Kerala Sabha would no longer continue, had dissolved its secretariat. The previous government had maintained that the expenses of the sessions were borne by sponsors.

Major recommendations implemented

- Overseas Keralites Investment and Holding Limited: A company was formed with the Chief Minister as its chairman to attract investments from expatriates for the state's development and employment generation. As its first initiative, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) named Restop was established. Its first project is in Kasaragod.

- Expatriate Welfare and Development Cooperative Society has begun operations.

- NRK Women's Cell: A dedicated women's cell was set up at Norka to create awareness, address complaints and ensure safer overseas migration for women.

- International Migration Centre: An international migration centre was established at the Centre for Development Studies (CDS) to promote scientific studies and research in the migration sector and provide inputs for policy formulation.

- Loka Malayalam: A periodical publication was launched for expatriates.

- Expatriate Grievance Redressal Committees: Committees were formed in every district, with the respective District Collector as chairman.

- Pravasi Mithram Portal: An online portal was launched to resolve complaints related to revenue matters.