In Kerala, the socio-economic and political challenges faced by the Christian community have become a topic of significant discussion. Despite being a community that has contributed immensely to the fields of education, healthcare, and social service, Christians are increasingly facing marginalization. Crises in agriculture, particularly in high-range and coastal areas, have further aggravated their situation. Against this backdrop, the demand for a comprehensive study and remedial measures to address these issues gained momentum, leading to the appointment of the J.B. Koshy Commission in 2020.
The state government, under mounting pressure from the Christian community, decided to form a commission headed by Justice J.B. Koshy in November 2020. The commission included prominent members like Christy Fernandez IAS and Jacob Punnoose IPS. This move was seen as a response to long-standing demands for an in-depth investigation into the socio-economic challenges faced by Christians.
The commission received 487,000 grievances and studied detailed reports submitted by various dioceses, organizations, and church bodies. For instance, the Syro-Malabar Church, under the guidance of the PAROC Research Centre in Thrissur, submitted a scientific study of over 7,000 families, analyzing their socio-economic, employment, and educational conditions. After two and a half years of meticulous work, the J.B. Koshy Commission submitted its report, comprising over 300 recommendations, to the Chief Minister in May 2023.
The report's submission was met with high hopes from the Christian community. However, one-and-a-half years later, no concrete actions have been taken. This delay starkly contrasts with the quick implementation of the recommendations made by the Paloli Mohammed Kutty Committee in 2008 for Muslim welfare, which saw immediate action from the then Left government within two months.
The lack of progress on the J.B. Koshy Commission's report has been widely criticized as discriminatory. Protests erupted as months passed without any response from the government. Amid rising tensions, parts of the report were unofficially leaked, revealing 284 recommendations intended for consideration by various departments.
Despite repeated promises by Minority Welfare Minister V. Abdurahiman in December 2023 and March 2024 to implement the recommendations, tangible progress remains elusive. In March 2024, the government formed a three-member committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary, to review the report and provide actionable suggestions. However, even nine months later, the recommendations are still under review, leading to growing frustration among the Christian community.
Church leaders and community organizations have repeatedly raised the issue with the Chief Minister, who assured them of prompt action. Yet, the promises remain unfulfilled, further eroding trust in the government's sincerity.
Over the four years since the commission's establishment, the government’s actions have been marred by delays and inaction. The commission's initial work was hindered by inadequate facilities, and subsequent steps, including the formation of committees, have failed to yield results. Critics argue that these moves are mere political tactics aimed at diffusing protests and securing electoral gains.
As protests intensify, the government faces growing pressure to act. To restore faith and demonstrate its commitment, it must take concrete steps to implement the recommendations and publish the full report without further delay. Failure to do so risks deepening the sense of alienation among Kerala’s Christian community and calls into question the government's commitment to minority welfare.
For the Christian community, the path forward remains uncertain, with hopes pinned on swift and genuine action from the authorities.