Kerala Ranks Lowest in Corruption Among Indian States: VIT Chancellor

Kerala has the lowest corruption rate in India at around 20%, according to Transparency International data. The state ranks first in the country in terms of human development and has the highest per capita income among southern states. Despite its strong economic indicators, Kerala faces the challenge of creating employment opportunities for educated youth, with most remittances used for building houses or buying gold rather than investment.

Kerala, a southern state of India, has emerged as a standout performer in terms of low corruption and high human development. According to recent data from Transparency International, Kerala has the lowest corruption rate in the country, with approximately 20% corruption [1]. This is significantly lower than the national average and even lower than its neighbor Tamil Nadu, which has a corruption rate of around 62% [1].

Kerala's strong economic indicators are also noteworthy. The state ranks first in India on the Human Development Index (HDI), which measures parameters such as education, economy, per capita income, and life expectancy [1]. Additionally, Kerala has the highest per capita income among all southern states, with a per capita income of around $4,700, significantly higher than the national average of $2,900 [1]. Despite having a relatively modest population of around 3.6 crore, Kerala ranks second in remittance inflow [1].

However, Kerala faces the challenge of creating employment opportunities for its educated youth. Most remittances from Kerala's diaspora are used for building houses or buying gold rather than for investment [1]. The state's Higher Education Minister, R Bindu, has highlighted the need to bridge the education-employment gap and transform students into job creators [3]. Initiatives such as ‘Industry on Campus’ and ‘Connect Career to Campus’ are being implemented to strengthen academic-industry linkages and establish techno-business incubators [3].

To further boost its talent pool and innovation capabilities, Kerala is hosting the Global Skill Summit on August 29 and 30 in Kochi. The summit will bring together global experts, industry leaders, academics, and policymakers to explore how Kerala's human resource strength can be transformed into a powerful driver of innovation and economic growth [2]. The event will also launch the LinkedIn Kerala Talent Report 2025, providing insights into the state's talent base, employability trends, and growing global footprint [2].

In conclusion, while Kerala's low corruption rate and high human development indices are commendable, the state must address the challenge of creating employment opportunities for its educated youth. The upcoming Global Skill Summit is a significant step towards achieving this goal and positioning Kerala as a global hub for skilled talent.

References:
[1] The Hindu. (2025). Kerala tops in least corrupt states in the country. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/kerala-tops-in-least-corrupt-states-in-the-country-vit-chancellor/article69996644.ece
[2] Economic Times. (2025). Kerala to host two-day global skill summit to boost talent innovation. Retrieved from https://hr.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/kerala-to-host-two-day-global-skill-summit-to-boost-talent-innovation/123561439
[3] Times of India. (2025). Need to bridge education-employment gap: Kerala minister. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/need-to-bridge-education-employment-gap-kerala-minister-r-bindu/articleshow/123590805.cms