Journal of Contemporary Politics

Abstract

Nordic countries are well known for their progressive socio-economic policies that are impactful in people’s lives. The state of Kerala is the closest example to have adopted it and established a social-democratic model known as the Kerala model. Despite having a high per-capita income, and minimal poverty, the state is infamous for its lack of industries, investment, and economic opportunities. The current issues such as the rising youth unemployment rate, lack of skilled jobs and reduced industrial growth are a result of the failed one-sided implementation of the Social Democratic model. A new opportunity is knocking at the doorstep of Kerala, i.e. the controversial K-Rail and Silverline Project. This project has the potential to change the way in which Kerala will be seen by the business community and utilise the change giving the utmost priority to wooing investors and fixing the economic pitfalls of the Kerala model. This article elaborates on the need to change the deficient model Kerala has been following and how K-Rail can fix that.