CM VD Satheesan announces relief for Palakkad farmers, Rs 14 lakh aid for Thrissur blast victims
Thiruvananthapuram, June 4
Keralam Chief Minister VD Satheesan on Thursday announced a series of cabinet decisions, including measures to clear pending dues of paddy farmers in Palakkad, financial assistance for families affected by a fireworks unit explosion in Thrissur, and a recommendation to the Centre for a CBI probe into the death of former Additional District Magistrate Naveen Babu.
Addressing a press conference after the cabinet meeting, Satheesan said the government had resolved a long-pending issue concerning paddy farmers in Palakkad district.
"Paddy farmers in the Palakkad district had been facing several hurdles in receiving their dues. The issue was discussed in detail through meetings, recommendations were examined, and the Cabinet has now taken a decision that fully addresses the problem," he said.
The Chief Minister said primary cooperative societies had been completely exempted from the process of sanctioning PRS loans, enabling prompt payments to eligible farmers.
"With this decision, payments can now be disbursed to all eligible farmers without delay," Satheesan added.
The cabinet also approved financial assistance for families of those who died in a fireworks unit explosion in Thrissur. "The Cabinet has also decided to provide financial assistance of Rs 14 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives in the explosion at the fireworks unit in Thrissur, where the victims were identified during the official inquiry," he said.
In another key decision, the government resolved to remove individuals who continue to hold positions in various Boards and Corporations through what Satheesan described as irregular or unauthorised appointments.
The Chief Minister further announced that the cabinet had decided to recommend a CBI investigation into the death of ADM Naveen Babu. "The Cabinet has decided to recommend to the Central Government that the death of ADM Naveen Babu be investigated by the CBI," he said.
The announcement came on a day when the UDF government also tabled a fiscal status report in the Assembly, highlighting significant financial challenges inherited by the state. The report pegged Keralam's outstanding liabilities at Rs 5.07 lakh crore and called for structural reforms in public finances, including a review of the functioning of the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).
— ANI
Reader Comments
Rs 14 lakh for Thrissur blast victims' families is a good gesture, but no amount can bring back a loved one. The fireworks unit should have been inspected thoroughly before operating. Hope this tragedy prompts stricter safety audits across Kerala's crackers industry.
CBI probe into ADM Naveen Babu's death? That's the right call. The family deserves justice, and a neutral investigation is essential. But why did it take so long? Let's not let this become another forgotten file.
I'm glad the cabinet is clearing unauthorised appointments in Boards and Corporations. These "irregular" positions have been a drain on public money for years. But I hope the government also reviews KIIFB's functioning – Rs 5.07 lakh crore debt is no joke. Fiscal discipline is the need of the hour.
Good decisions overall, but I hope the government is transparent about how the Rs 14 lakh aid is distributed. Also, what about the injured victims in the Thrissur blast? They need medical support too. Let's not forget them.
As a farmer from Palakkad, this is a huge relief! We were about to fall into debt traps. But I hope the government also focuses on irrigation projects – water scarcity is our biggest fear. One step at a time, I suppose.
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