Palakkad MLA Ramesh Pisharody Responds to Public Issues: Paddy Procurement, Roads, Waste, Bus Services and More

Palakkad’s public problems are not small. Farmers are waiting for paddy payments, roads are broken in many places, waste management is still weak, bus connectivity needs improvement, and key public facilities are still pending.

In a “Hello MLA” phone-in programme published by Malayalam Manorama, Palakkad Edition, Palakkad MLA Ramesh Pisharody responded to several questions raised by residents from different parts of the constituency.

Credit: This article is an English summary and adaptation based on the report published in Malayalam Manorama, Palakkad Edition.

Chief Minister-level coordination for paddy procurement issues

One of the biggest issues raised was the crisis in paddy procurement and payment distribution. Farmers in Palakkad have been facing delays in both procurement and price payment.

Ramesh Pisharody said that steps would be taken to coordinate the issue under the leadership of the Chief Minister. He also said that meetings involving the Agriculture and Cooperation departments would be sought to find a proper solution.

This is important for Palakkad because paddy farming is not just another occupation here. It is part of the district’s economy and identity. If farmers are forced to wait for months for payment, the system is clearly failing them.

Roads and traffic points need urgent attention

Several callers raised complaints about bad roads, unfinished road works and dangerous traffic spots.

Issues mentioned included the Thanavu-Chandranagar road, Kannannur-Chungam road, Puthur-Anappalam-Chandra Junction road, Kottathara-Kallekkad road and accident-prone areas like Mannappullikkavu Junction and Mercy College Junction.

The MLA said that action would be pursued with the concerned departments. For Kannannur-Chungam road, the report mentions that ₹8.6 crore has been sanctioned through KIIFB and work is expected to move ahead.

Road development in Palakkad should not remain stuck between departments. Public Works, Water Authority, municipality and traffic police must stop playing passing-the-file games. People need roads, not excuses.

Demand for better city bus connectivity

Residents also demanded better bus services connecting the bus stand, railway station and main junctions in Palakkad town.

The MLA said the matter is under preliminary discussion and that a meeting with bus owners and the RTO would be considered in the first phase.

This is a basic requirement for a growing town. A district headquarters should have a proper city bus network. Students, workers, senior citizens and patients should not be forced to depend only on autos or private vehicles for every small trip.

Waste management still needs a permanent solution

Waste management was another major issue raised during the programme. People complained about plastic waste and household waste not being handled properly.

Ramesh Pisharody said that a permanent solution is needed and that talks would be held with the government and other agencies.

This is one area where Palakkad cannot afford half-hearted work. Waste collection must be predictable, area-wise and transparent. People should know when collection happens, what type of waste is collected, and who is responsible when it fails.

Palakkad Government Medical College needs better facilities

Callers also pointed out the shortage of doctors and facilities at Palakkad Government Medical College.

The MLA said that making the medical college hospital fully functional is important and that the issue would be taken up with the government.

This is a serious matter. Palakkad needs a stronger public healthcare system. For many ordinary families, a government hospital is not a backup option – it is the main lifeline.

Multi-level parking and urban planning

The shortage of parking space in Palakkad town was also discussed. The MLA said that finding suitable land for multi-level parking is a challenge, but the issue could be examined with the municipality and Public Works Department.

This is exactly the kind of urban planning Palakkad badly needs. The town is growing, but the infrastructure still behaves like it is stuck in an older decade.

Indoor stadium, school ground and sports infrastructure

People also asked about pending sports infrastructure, including an indoor stadium and development of school ground facilities.

The MLA said these matters would be brought to the attention of the government and, where possible, options such as MLA fund and KIIFB support would be explored.

Palakkad has enough young talent. What is missing is consistent investment in sports spaces, training facilities and public grounds.

Jal Jeevan Mission and drinking water complaints

Some residents complained that Jal Jeevan Mission-related works have been pending for a long time, with pipes laid but water supply still not reaching households.

The MLA said the issue is being coordinated and that action has been assured.

Water supply projects should not end as pipes buried under broken roads. The final result must be water in people’s homes. Otherwise, it is just another ribbon-cutting project with no real benefit.

Support for students and public welfare

The issue of financial support for poor students was also raised. The MLA said there would be intervention at the constituency level and support through government channels where possible.

This is a sensible point. Education support should reach students without making families run from office to office like they are applying for a visa to Mars.

The larger message from the phone-in programme

The public questions show one clear thing: Palakkad wants practical governance.

People are not asking for luxury projects. They are asking for paddy payment, working roads, better buses, safe junctions, clean waste systems, stronger hospitals, water supply, parking, sports facilities and support for students.

These are not “big dreams”. These are basic duties of government.

If the MLA can bring the municipality, departments, ministers and the Chief Minister’s office into one coordinated system, Palakkad can see real improvement. But the test is simple: people should see results on the ground, not just statements in newspapers.

Source/Credit: Based on public questions and responses reported in Malayalam Manorama, Palakkad Edition through its “Hello MLA” phone-in feature with Palakkad MLA Ramesh Pisharody.