Unemployment Kerala's major problem: CM

KOCHI: Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan on Saturday said unemployment was a major problem faced by the state.

Inaugurating the Kerala Youth Forum of the state Youth Welfare Board here, he said the major complaint of the youth was lack of job opportunities.

Pointing out that a majority of the youth from Kerala were working in other states and also in the Gulf countries, the Chief Minister said Kerala was depending on labourers from West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Bihar in the construction sector.

He said the discussions that would be held in the youth forum would benefit the youngsters and it would also help in the progress of the state.

Refuting the allegation of KPCC President Ramesh Chennithala that he (Achuthanandan) had insulted former State Chief minister R Sankar while addressing at the cenetenary celebration of Sankar, he said ' Chennithala should learn to become a good leader'.

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said youth should have political awareness. India was blessed with youth and it was the strength of the country.

State ministers M Vijayakumar, Mons Joseph and S Sarma were among those spoke.