History Of Institution
Keezhmad Grama Panchayat
History • Heritage • Development
History of Keezhmad Grama Panchayat
A journey from the Village Union system to the modern Local Self Government Institution
Historical Background
Local self-government institutions based on urban areas existed in Travancore as early as the beginning of the twentieth century.
In 1925, the Travancore Village Panchayat Act came into force. However, only seven village panchayats were established under this Act.
Later, in November 1939, the Travancore Village Union Act was implemented. As a result, two types of local administrative systems — Village Panchayats and Village Unions — were functioning in Travancore even before India attained independence.
Keezhmad was constituted under the provisions of the Village Union Act and subsequently developed as an important local self-government institution.
Formation of Keezhmad Village Union
In 1947, the members of the Village Union were nominated by the government. Prominent persons from the village were generally selected for nomination.
The first President of the Keezhmad Village Union was Makkar Pillai.
The Village Union functioned from the office of the Keezhmad Gramaodharana Cooperative Society. Each Village Union operated according to its own set of regulations.
Under the leadership of Makkar Pillai, the Keezhmad Village Union demarcated its boundaries and initiated steps for the construction of major roads.
Important Milestones
1947
Formation and Nomination
Members of the Keezhmad Village Union were nominated by the government. Makkar Pillai became the first President of the Keezhmad Village Union.
18 December 1963
T. O. Haidrose Committee
A committee headed by T. O. Haidrose assumed office on 18 December 1963. Due to repeated postponement of panchayat elections by the government, this governing body remained in power for sixteen years.
1973
Laksham Veedu Padhathi Achievement
Under the leadership of T. O. Haidrose, Keezhmad Panchayat became the first panchayat in Kerala to complete the construction of houses under the One Lakh Housing Scheme (Laksham Veedu Padhathi).
6 January 1973
Inauguration at Keeramkunnu
The then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, inaugurated the housing scheme at Keeramkunnu on 6 January 1973.
1973
Government of Kerala Award
Keezhmad Panchayat received an award from the Government of Kerala for the rapid and highly efficient completion of 100 houses under the scheme.
1979
New Panchayat Committee
Following the panchayat elections held in 1979, a nine-member committee headed by K. K. Seyd Mohammed came to power.
Key Historical Figures
Makkar Pillai
First President of the Keezhmad Village Union. His leadership contributed to the demarcation of boundaries and initiation of major road construction activities.
T. O. Haidrose
Headed the committee that assumed office on 18 December 1963 and led Keezhmad Panchayat during a significant period of development.
K. K. Seyd Mohammed
Headed the nine-member committee that came to power following the panchayat elections held in 1979.
Laksham Veedu Padhathi
Keezhmad Panchayat achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first panchayat in Kerala to complete the construction of houses under the One Lakh Housing Scheme.
The scheme was inaugurated at Keeramkunnu by the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, on 6 January 1973.
Present Panchayat Office Building
Following the panchayat elections held in 1979, a nine-member committee headed by K. K. Seyd Mohammed came to power.
The present Panchayat Office building of Keezhmad was constructed during the tenure of this committee.
The construction of the present office building represents an important stage in the institutional development of Keezhmad Grama Panchayat.
Historical Legacy
The history of Keezhmad Grama Panchayat reflects the evolution of local governance in Kerala from the Village Union system to the modern Panchayat Raj system.
The contributions of early leaders, the development of roads and housing, the achievements under the Laksham Veedu Padhathi and the establishment of the present Panchayat Office have all played an important role in shaping the institution.
Keezhmad continues to build on this historical foundation by focusing on people-oriented governance, public services, social welfare and sustainable development.
Keezhmad Grama Panchayat
A proud journey from the Village Union era to a modern Local Self Government Institution, carrying forward its historical legacy while working towards inclusive and sustainable development.
