CPPR Book Discussion –Beyond Cynicism Kerala 2.0 Insights from Insiders, Edited by P.H Kurian and T Balakrishnan
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March 10, 2026CPPR Book Discussion –Beyond Cynicism Kerala 2.0 Insights from Insiders, Edited by P.H Kurian and T Balakrishnan
| Event Start Date: March 5, 2026 | Event End Date: March 5, 2026 | Event Venue: Virtual meeting platform - Zoom |
CPPR Book Discussion on
“Beyond Cynicism Kerala 2.0 Insights from Insiders”
Edited by P.H Kurian and T Balakrishnan
Date: Tuesday, 5th March 2026 | Time: 3:00 – 4:00 PM | Platform: Zoom
The Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) is hosting an online book discussion ‘Beyond Cynicism Kerala 2.0 Insights from Insiders’ authored by administrative professionals, both working and retired, who belong to the Kerala Civil Service milieu, edited by P.H Kurian and T Balakrishnan, and published by Paridhi Publications in 2025.
About the Book
‘Beyond Cynicism: Kerala 2.0, Insights from Insiders’, the book is a compilation of articles by 13 retired and serving IAS officers, two retired IPS officers and a public finance expert. The book, a first-of-its-kind in any state, was edited by former additional chief secretaries P H Kurian and T Balakrishnan. Beyond Cynicism’ creates a sober, dispassionate space to reimagine Kerala – a space, as the book’s title indicates, that is beyond the all-too-familiar standpoint of cynicism. This work provides priceless reading not only for economists, sociologists, political scientists, social historians, and politicians, but for all those who care for Kerala and its wonderful people.
The book is available on Amazon and Flipkart
About the Speakers
B Ashok IAS
Dr B. Ashok is a 1998-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, known for his roles in agriculture development and as a former President of the IAS Officers’ Association in Kerala. Currently serving as the Agricultural Production Commissioner, he has a background in veterinary science and has previously held positions, including Vice-Chancellor of Kerala Agricultural University.
T Balakrishnan IAS (Retd)
Former Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Kerala
T. Balakrishnan is a retired 1980-batch Kerala cadre IAS officer (Additional Chief Secretary rank) known for his significant roles in Kerala’s infrastructure and tourism development, retiring in 2011. He was later appointed as a special officer for the Thiruvananthapuram capital city development programme. He has also co-authored studies on Kerala’s development.
About the Moderator
Dr. D Dhanuraj
Chairman, Centre for Public Policy Research, Kochi.
Dr. D Dhanuraj is a leading public policy analyst with over two decades of experience in policy research, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement across education, governance, and regulatory reform.
Key Takeaways
- The “Kerala Model” requires urgent updates: While the state has excelled in social indicators like health and education, it now faces significant economic and industrial stagnation compared to other states.
- Radical land reform is necessary: Outdated land ceiling laws and restrictions on land use and leasing currently hinder both modern industrialisation and agricultural productivity.
- The state must reduce its “paternal” role: Excessive government control and monopolies in sectors such as transport and electricity limit competition and increase costs for citizens.
- Fiscal sustainability is at risk: High levels of public debt, along with the heavy burden of salaries, pensions, and loss-making Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), require a “radical surgery” of state finances.
- Bureaucracy is bloated and inefficient: The state has an excess of government employees who often receive higher wages than their private-sector counterparts despite lower productivity.
- Labor laws need modernisation: Current regulations are often restrictive; the government should transition to being an impartial “umpire” between employers and employees to foster growth.
- Infrastructure needs more private investment: To meet development goals, Kerala must move beyond state-funded projects and embrace hybrid Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models.
- A public movement for “economic freedom” is needed: There is a vital need for public economic education so that citizens can demand realistic fiscal policies rather than unachievable political promises