Kerala among top states in drug-related convictions: Min

Mar 18, 2025, 20:47 IST

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Kerala among top states in drug-related convictions: Min

T'puram: Kerala recorded one of the highest conviction rates in the country in drug-related cases, with a 98.34% success rate in 2023, excise and local self-govt minister MB Rajesh said in the assembly on Tuesday. He added that in 2024, the state maintained a 96.5% conviction rate, well above the national average of 75%.
Replying to the demands for grants of the excise and local self-govt departments, the minister said that since the govt took office, 26,454 NDPS cases and 72,755 Abkari cases were registered. In 2023, 4,998 people were convicted, and in 2024 so far, 4,473 individuals were punished. Three offenders were sentenced to over 35 years in prison.
Rajesh stressed the need for a united front against drugs, urging political parties, communities, and media organisations to cooperate. "This is not a partisan issue. The drug crisis can affect any family," he said.
Rajesh also pointed out Kerala's leadership in local self-governance. The state's allocation for local bodies has steadily increased, from 20.45% in 2010-11 to 28.35% by 2025-26. He described Kerala's decentralised governance as a national model.

Addressing waste management concerns, the minister said Kerala is making significant progress. At Brahmapuram, 75% of the eight lakh tonnes of waste have been cleared, with the remainder set to be removed by May. A bio-gas plant converting 150 tonnes of waste into fuel for BPCL will be operational by April. Fines for waste management violations have risen from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5.57 crore in two years.
Rajesh also criticised the Centre's demand for branding under the LIFE Mission scheme, calling for the support of Kerala MPs to oppose it. Despite challenges, 5.44 lakh houses were sanctioned under the scheme, with 4.32 lakh completed.
On poverty eradication, Kerala lifted 48,941 of the 64,006 identified families out of extreme poverty, achieving a 76.46% success rate. Rajesh said Kerala remains committed to furthering its progress in social welfare and local governance.

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