The Kerala state cabinet, in a significant meeting, has announced a series of crucial decisions impacting social welfare, infrastructure development, and administrative appointments. The moves are set to benefit backward communities, boost the IT sector, and streamline village administration.
Major Expansion of OBC List in Kerala
In a landmark decision for social inclusion, the state cabinet has acted upon the recommendation of the Kerala State Backward Classes Commission. It has decided to include several communities in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) list. The communities to be added are: Balija, Kavarai, Gavara, Gavarai, Gavarai Naidu, Balija Naidu, Gajalu Balija, and Valai Chetty.
To formalize this inclusion, the government will amend the Kerala State & Subordinate Services Rules, 1958. Specifically, the change will be made in Part I, Schedule List III, Item No. 49 B. This step is expected to provide these communities with access to reservations and welfare benefits in government jobs and education.
Financial Guarantees for Development Projects
The cabinet has given its nod to substantial financial backing for key projects. To accelerate IT infrastructure growth, the government will provide a guarantee for a loan of Rs 190.22 crore. This loan, sourced from NABARD's National Infrastructure Development Assistance (NIDA), is earmarked for constructing a second IT building at the Kozhikode Cyberpark. The repayment period for this loan is set at 15 years, subject to specific conditions.
In a separate decision aimed at empowering women, the cabinet approved an additional government guarantee of Rs 100 crore for the Kerala State Women's Development Corporation. This guarantee will be valid for a period of 8 years, again subject to stipulated conditions.
Key Administrative Decisions and Appointments
A major step in enhancing forensic capabilities in the region was approved. As part of the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme, the cabinet has sanctioned a long-term lease agreement. Five acres of land in Melthonnakkal village at Technocity, Technopark Phase IV Campus, will be leased to the Central Ministry of Home Affairs. The land will host a new Central Forensic Science Laboratory in Kerala. The lease is for an extensive period of 90 years at a nominal annual rate of Rs 100 per acre. The Technopark Chief Executive Officer has been granted approval to execute this agreement.
The cabinet also made important personnel appointments. Roy Abraham, currently the Chief General Manager at the Kerala State Co-operative Bank (Kerala Bank), will be elevated to the position of Executive Director. Furthermore, Babu T S has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Travancore Titanium Products Ltd.
Other Significant Cabinet Decisions
In a move to improve early childhood education for tribal communities, the honorarium for employees at 18 model pre-schools under the Scheduled Tribes Development Department has been increased. Following the revision, teachers will now receive a monthly honorarium of Rs 13,000, while ayahs and helpers will get Rs 9,000.
To improve local governance and administrative efficiency, the cabinet approved the division of Madathumpady Village from the Poyya-Madathumpady-Pallipuram Group Village in Kodungallur Taluk, Thrissur. Consequently, necessary positions will be created for the smooth functioning of the new village entity. These positions include one Village Officer, one Special Village Officer, one Village Assistant, and two Village Field Assistants.
