Date:10/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/10/stories/2008111052130300.htm

Kerala

Sanitation a major challenge: Paloli

Special Correspondent

Stresses role of municipalities in providing amenities

Public hygiene a priority issue for government
Assures municipal workers of all help on part of the government

THALASSERY: Sanitation is a major challenge as urban centres are developing rapidly, Minister for Local Self-government Paloli Mohammed Kutty has said.

He was inaugurating the State conference of the Kerala State Municipal Workers’ Federation here on Sunday. The Minister said municipalities had a greater responsibility in ensuring sanitation and hygiene as the towns in the State were experiencing rapid growth.

The State government had been treating public hygiene as an important issue and steps for total sanitation would be taken, he said.

Mr. Paloli said municipal workers should be able to absorb timely changes in their work culture and rise to the expectations of the public. The government would take all steps to discuss problems being faced by them and redress their grievances, he added.

He also called upon the local bodies to develop adequate infrastructure in each town keeping in mind their development needs.

Federation president M.M. Lawrence presided over the function. Rubco chairman E. Narayanan and Municipal Chairman K.P. Raveendran were also present.

P. Satheedevi, MP, was also present at the function.