History of Grama Panchayat

Elders say that the name Tholicode (തൊളിക്കോട്) evolved over time from Tholithode (തൊളിത്തോട്). During the rainy season, the area would accumulate 'tholi' (mud/slush), forming a stream-like path that was impassable for people. The place where this slush collected, Tholithode, eventually transformed into the name Tholicode.

The demand for forming the Tholicode Panchayat gained momentum when hundreds of people submitted a petition, signed by them, to the then Minister for Panchayat Affairs, Shri. A. V. Uukkadarkutty Nakha, during his visit to the Tholicode Junction for the annual inauguration of the Fishermen’s Union. Following strong pressure from social, cultural, and political circles, the government initiated favourable action.

When the then Vithura Panchayat Administrative Committee (which included the areas of the proposed Tholicode Panchayat) was asked for its opinion on the division, the majority of the members opposed it. Despite this opposition, the Government Order for the formation of the Tholicode Panchayat was issued, to come into effect on 01.03.1973. In protest against the order issued against the Panchayat Committee's decision, the then Vithura Panchayat President, Shri. K. Sambasivan, resigned.

 

The First Ad-Hoc Committee and Leadership

 

A new Ad-Hoc Committee for the newly formed Tholicode Panchayat was established on 17-03-1973. Its members included:

  • Shri S. K. Ashari (Pulichamala)
  • Shri Pushkarapanicker (Panacode)
  • Shri M. Abdul Ghani
  • Shri K. Velayudhan Nair (Malayadi, Anappetty)
  • Shri Lakshmanan Kani (Reservation member)
  • Government Nominees: Shri T. M. Sali, Shri Eesukunju, and Smt. Nalini Kunhikrishnan.

Shri T. M. Sali was the first Panchayat President.

 

Key Contributors to the Panchayat's Formation

 

The formation of the Panchayat was spearheaded by a strong local movement. The idea of a Panchayat was first championed by the Shariathul Islam Library, established in 1952 (now Tholicode Library).

Many individuals are gratefully remembered for their leadership in the formation and subsequent functioning of the Panchayat. Notable names include: Shri T. M. Sali, P. M. Ismail, N. M. Sali, A. Abdul Rasheed Forester, Aliyarikunju, S. Sainudeen, N. Abdul Basheer, Teacher Aliyarikunju, Cheruvakonam Baker, and M. Muhammad Abdul Khader.

Shri A. M. Baker, a retired Superintendent from the Education Department, deserves special mention for providing a building free of cost for the Panchayat to function and for his contributions to its growth.

 

Administrative History and Subsequent Committees

 

 

First Elected Committee (29.09.1979 – 10.12.1982)

 

The first elected committee was led by Shri S. K. Ashari.

  • Members (Wards): T. M. Sali (Thevanpara), M. Abdul Ghani (Anappetty), S. K. Ashari (Pulichamala), G. Raveendran Nair (Chayam), V. Purushothaman (Thottumukku), P. Pushpangadan (Malayadi), P. K. Ammukutty (Chettiyampara), T. Rajan (Cheruvakonam), and M. Prathapachandran Nair (Panacode).
  • Change in Leadership: Due to a non-confidence motion (triggered by a defection) on 10.12.1982, Shri S. K. Ashari resigned as President. Subsequently, Shri M. Abdul Ghani took charge as President and Shri P. Pushpangadan as Vice President.

 

Direct Administration and Second Committee

 

  • Direct Control: From 30.10.1984 to 02.02.1988, the Panchayat was under the direct control of the Nedumangad Taluk Panchayat Officer.
  • Second Elected Committee (06.02.1988 – 27.07.1993): Shri M. Abdul Ghani was President and Smt. P. Susheela was Vice President.
    • Members: P. M. Ismail, S. K. Ashari, N. Sasidharan Nair, B. Venugopalan Nair, R. Krishnan Nair, C. Ponnamma, Vijayakumaran Nair, and L. Sukumaran.
    • This term ended when Shri Abdul Ghani resigned after a vote of no-confidence on 27.07.1993.
  • Direct Control (Again): From 10.12.1994, the administration was again placed under the control of the Nedumangad Taluk Panchayat Officer due to a hung committee (no majority).

 

Subsequent Committees (Post-1995)

 

  • Committee (04.05.1995 onwards): Smt. Shobhana George became President and Shri A. Shihabudeen was Vice President. Shri P. Pushpangadan was the lone Standing Committee Chairman.
  • Later Committee (Wards increased from 10 to 13): Shri P. Pushpangadan became President and Smt. Naseema Ismail became Vice President.
    • Standing Committees: During this term, three Standing Committees (Finance, Development, and Welfare) were formed for the first time.
    • Achievements: The 10th Plan was known as the Kerala Development Plan (KDP). The Panchayat successfully implemented numerous KDP activities and hosted the State-level closing ceremony of the Kerala Development Plan, inaugurated by the then Hon'ble Governor of Kerala, Shri. Sikandar Bakht, with seven state ministers and MLAs in attendance.

 

11th Five-Year Plan Period

 

  • The 11th Plan was implemented as the second phase of the People's Planning Campaign (Janakeeyasoothranam).
  • The President's position was reserved for the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category, and Shri P. M. Prakash became President. Shri C. Prabhakaran was Vice President.
  • The E. M. S. Housing Scheme was launched during this period. The Panchayat had 15 Wards.

 

12th Five-Year Plan Period

 

  • Shri S. S. Premkumar was President. The Vice President role was held by Laila Haneef (first 2 years) and then R. Shobhanakumari (3 years).
  • The number of Standing Committees increased from 3 to 4 during this time.
  • Palliative Care services were introduced in the Panchayat.
  • The Aasraya Scheme (General and ST Aasraya) was fully launched, with the ST Aasraya project becoming a model for the entire district. The Panchayat secured second place in the district for its Palliative Care Program.
  • This committee was able to construct a new multi-story building for the Grama Panchayat (which was previously operating from a cultural centre) and achieve numerous developmental gains across all sectors.

 

13th Five-Year Plan Period

 

  • The President's position was reserved for women. Smt. Shamna Navas became President. Shri R. C. Vijayan was Vice President.
  • Standing Committees: Smt. Nalinakumari (Development), Shri G. Jayakumar (Welfare), and B. Susheela (Health and Education).