In a significant nod to Kerala’s innovative diaspora outreach efforts, the Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is actively considering the implementation of the state’s Loka Kerala Sabha (LKS) model in other Indian states with large migrant populations, according to sources within the state administration.
The MEA has formally approached the Kerala government, seeking a detailed overview of the LKS framework and its recent initiatives. In a letter dated 13 May, MEA Joint Secretary Angan Banerjee requested Chief Secretary A Jayathilak to submit a comprehensive report on the functioning and impact of the platform.
This development follows a strong endorsement by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs.
In its April 2025 report, the panel described LKS as a “progressive” and pioneering model of diaspora engagement and urged the central government to explore its replication in other states to empower migrant communities across the country.
Established in 2017, Loka Kerala Sabha serves as a first-of-its-kind platform allowing Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs)—both from abroad and other Indian states—to directly engage with the state government.
The Sabha offers NRKs a forum to voice their concerns, share insights, and participate in policy dialogues that affect their lives.
Highlighting the crucial role of state governments in addressing migrant affairs, the parliamentary panel noted: “Initiatives like LKS allow diaspora members to actively contribute to policy shaping, creating a sense of belonging and democratic participation.”
Officials from the Department of Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) welcomed the Centre’s interest, describing it as national recognition of Kerala’s leadership in diaspora policy.
They expressed optimism that this move could pave the way for a nationwide framework enabling structured interaction between state governments and their migrant communities.
If adopted, the LKS model could become a cornerstone of India’s broader diaspora policy, helping to bridge the gap between migrant citizens and state-level governance.
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