Kerala joins nation in celebrating 65th Republic Day

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Leading the 65th Republic Day celebrations in Kerala, Governor Nikhil Kumar today wanted the government to explore the possibility of PPP model for the state's economic growth.

"It will be useful to examine the feasibility of public private partnership, which is a popular model these days, in the execution of well selected projects so as to ensure all-round development of the state," Kumar said after unfurling the national flag and inspecting a guard of honour.

Referring to the apprehensions of people living in high range areas over the Gagdil-Kasturirangan report on Western Ghats preservation, he said, "It is good that the state government is determined to ensure that legitimate interests and legal rights of the people there are protected".

Platoons from Army, Air Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Railway Protection Force, Special Armed Force, Trivandrum City Armed Reserve Police, Kerala Prison Department, Kerala Fire and Rescue Force, were among those which took part in the parade.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and senior government officials were present on the occasion.

State Ministers took part in the Republic Day celebrations organised in the district headquarters. Cultural programmes were also held as part of the celebrations.