Date:17/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/17/stories/2008041760930400.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Cabinet decides to form minority cell

Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Cabinet on Wednesday decided to form a minority cell under the General Administration Department to carry out the recommendations of the Sachar Committee for welfare of the minorities.

Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan said that an Under Secretary would head the cell.

He said the Cabinet had also resolved to liberalise the conditions for admission of Scheduled Tribes to MBBS and BDS courses. Many seats, reserved for them, could not be filled now according to the existing norms. The government wanted to ensure that the tribal students got the seats reserved for them.

Mr. Achuthanandan said that the Cabinet would meet specially on April 22 to finalise a comprehensive programme to increase the food production in the State substantially. The Cabinet had also decided to continue distribution of rice at lower prices by the State Civil Supplies Corporation. The Corporation would supply raw rice at Rs.13.50 a kg and boiled rice at Rs.14 a kg.

The State pension for freedom fighters would be increased by Rs.2,500a month from Rs.3,900 a month. The increase would have effect from April 1, 2008.

Usha Titus, he said, would posted as nodal officer for carrying out preliminary works for the railway coach factory proposed to be set up at Palakkad. IAS Officer E.K. Manjo Kumar, who is returning after deputation to the Centre, would be appointed as Secretary (Resources) in the Finance Department.