Prominent representatives of various communities, including Bbackward Classes, Dalits and OBCs, have submitted a petition to the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, MP, expressing concern that the recently reconstituted Kerala State Planning Board has not given adequate consideration to social diversity and proper social representation.

The memorandum requests that corrective steps be taken to ensure that the constitutional values of social diversity, professional excellence, inclusion and equal opportunity are reflected in the composition of the Planning Board.

Kerala has a large pool of eminent professionals from various social strata, including academics, administrators, scientists and social thinkers. These include many experts of national and international standing from Backward Classes, Muslims, Dalits etc who have historically not been represented adequately and who also do not find a place in the present composition of Planning Board, it is pointed out.

It said that none of Kerala’s distinguished women scholars and economists have representation on the Board.

The petition says that as the State Planning Board is an institution that handles long-term development planning and policy-making, appointments to such institutions should give due consideration to professional competence, proven expertise and relevant experience and broad social representation

The signatories pointed out that social justice and representation are inseparable components of India’s democratic and constitutional values and urged that their concerns about the State Planning Board’s constitution is examined objectively and necessary measures taken for better social representation