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Thiruvananthapuram, July, 2025 : V.S. Achuthanandan, veteran communist leader and former Chief Minister of Kerala, passed away, leaving behind a political legacy that spanned over seven decades. While widely celebrated for his relentless fight for social justice and anti-corruption, his contributions to Kerala’s Information Technology sector were equally transformative, marking a defining era in the state’s digital journey.
Achuthanandan served as Chief Minister from 2006 to 2011, a period that witnessed unprecedented strides in Kerala’s IT infrastructure. Under his leadership, Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram underwent major expansion with the rollout of Phases II and III, and the ambitious blueprint for Technocity was initiated, envisioning Kerala’s first integrated IT township.
He was instrumental in spreading IT development beyond the capital, ensuring that smaller cities were included in the state’s tech vision. His government established the first district-level IT park in Kollam, and laid the foundation for Infopark Cherthala and Infopark Thrissur, thereby decentralizing IT growth and creating new job hubs across Kerala.
Achuthanandan also played a key role in reviving the stalled SmartCity Kochi project by renegotiating terms with Dubai-based Tecom Investments, helping unlock the potential of one of the state’s most high-profile IT-SEZ ventures.
Equally notable was his unwavering support for Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). In 2006, he formally declared Kerala’s commitment to FOSS in governance and education, drawing praise from global tech activists, including Richard Stallman. His administration’s focus on digital inclusivity made Kerala a model state in public tech policy.
However, his tenure was not without criticism. Projects like Technopark Kollam faced scrutiny from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) for underutilization, with critics pointing to rushed inaugurations and inadequate tenant onboarding. Additionally, detractors accused him of adopting an “opposition-style” governance even while in office, often engaging in public protests rather than administrative dialogue—leading to delays in executing complex public–private partnerships.
Despite of all challenges, Achuthanandan’s contributions remain foundational. His steadfast belief that technology should serve the people—especially the youth and marginalized—resonated through his decisions and policies. The IT parks and infrastructure he helped establish continue to benefit thousands of professionals and entrepreneurs across Kerala.
With the passing of Shri V.S. Achuthanandan, the IT fraternity of Kerala mourns the loss of a visionary leader. His pioneering efforts in expanding Technopark and taking IT to new frontiers laid the foundation for Kerala’s digital journey. We remain grateful for his lasting legacy.
For TechnoparkToday.com
