CM for stern action against Alphons

By Our Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, AUG. 29. The Chief Minister, Mr. A. K. Antony, said here on Wednesday that he and his Cabinet colleagues were satisfied with the explanation given by the Education Minister, Mr. Nalakath Soopy, on the allegation that the latter had sought to manipulate the rank-list of entrance examinations for medical and engineering courses.

If Mr. K. J. Alphons Kannamthanam, who was the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations, had any complaints, he should be representing the matter to the Chief Secretary instead of airing his grievances publicly. Mr. Alphons had breached service rules by his conduct, the Chief Minister told presspersons after a Cabinet meeting. Mr. Antony said Mr. Soopy had told the Cabinet that he had not done anything inappropriate. However, he declined to disclose the full details of the explanation given.

The Chief Minister said civil servants did not have the right to criticise the policies of the Government or the actions of Ministers in public. The Government could not take public criticism from the part of the officials lightly. The matter would be dealt with sternly. However, Mr. Antony declined to specify whether disciplinary action would be taken against Mr. Alphons.

He said Mr. Alphons was free to meet him personally. He had sought an appointment earlier. However, he visited his office on Tuesday and told his Secretary that he did not wish to meet him immediately as he had taken charge as Commissioner of Land Use Board. (Mr. Alphons had earlier complained about his posting).

``Let him speak to the Chief Secretary first,'' Mr. Antony said when reporters pointed out that Mr. Alphons had wanted to disclose the serious issue involving Mr. Soopy to the Chief Minister. ``Later, if he wants to see me, he can meet me.''

Replying to a question, he said the Government would take action if a complaint is received either about manipulation of rank-list or subversion of reservation quotas.

He said the Cabinet had discussed the draft approach paper to the Tenth Five Year Plan. However, the State's views would be disclosed only at the meeting of the National Development Council.

To a question about the return of the Kerala Road Fund Bill by the Governor, the Chief Minister said such actions by the Governor were not very unusual. This had happened in the past also. He denied that there was any friction between the Governor and the Government.

Hill, coastal area authorities

The Cabinet, he said, had decided to constitute separate development authorities for comprehensive development of the coastal and hilly areas. The Irrigation Secretary, Mr. K. Jayakumar, would be appointed special officer to work out the details for formation of the Coastal Development Authority. The Revenue Secretary, Mr. Sajan Peter, would be appointed special secretary for the Hill Development Authority.

The Coastal Development Authority would address problems of the coastal areas such as drinking water supply, transportation, power supply, housing and marketing of fish. The Hill Development Authority would deal with transportation and marketing of agriculture produces in the hilly areas.

He said the previous UDF Government had mooted the idea of formation of the authorities. However, the LDF had dropped the proposals. The reports prepared by Mr. C. Chandran and Mr. M. S. Joseph during the UDF rule would be used as the basis for formation of the authorities.

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