Kerala Cabinet Approves Comprehensive Relief and Development Measures
The Kerala state cabinet, in a significant session held on Monday, announced a series of decisions aimed at providing relief to disaster-affected families, streamlining industrial operations, and boosting infrastructure development across the state.
Financial Assistance for Landslide Victims
In a compassionate move, the cabinet decided to sanction Rs 10 lakh each from the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) to families whose houses were completely destroyed in the devastating landslide that occurred on October 25, 2025, along the Kochi-Dhanushkodi national highway. This financial assistance is specifically intended for residents of the M N Smaraka Laksham Veedu Colony, who lost their homes in the tragedy.
The funds are subject to certain conditions and are designated to help these families purchase land and construct new houses, providing them with a fresh start after the disaster.
Quarry Regularization to Address Operational Delays
In a bid to resolve ongoing technical issues, the cabinet decided to grant operational permission to quarries functioning on assigned land. This decision comes in response to delays caused by problems with the portal for fee remittance, despite existing rules for regularization.
The new approach involves:
- Obtaining affidavits from quarry owners committing to remit prescribed fees during the regularization process
- Collecting required bank guarantees as security
- Granting permission based on an affidavit approved by both the finance and law departments
- Ensuring all other necessary licenses for quarry operations are secured
Employment for Commonwealth Games Medallist
In recognition of sporting excellence, the cabinet approved employment for Tresa Jolly, who won two medals for India at the 22nd Commonwealth Games in 2022. She will be provided with a position in the state goods and services tax department through the creation of a supernumerary post, highlighting the government's commitment to supporting athletes beyond their competitive careers.
Enhanced Welfare Benefits for Fishermen
The cabinet enhanced benefits under the 'Sampadya Samashwasa Padhathi' scheme, which aims to support fishermen during lean months and promote savings habits. The assistance amount has been increased from Rs 4,500 to Rs 6,000, providing additional financial security to those in the fishing community during challenging periods.
Legislative Amendment for Temple Administration
To modernize temple administration, the cabinet approved a draft bill to amend various sections of the Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1951. This amendment will enable temples under the Malabar Devaswom Board to prepare their annual accounts based on the financial year instead of the traditional Fasli year, bringing their accounting practices in line with contemporary standards.
Technical Consultant for Emergency Operations Center
For enhanced disaster preparedness, the cabinet decided to appoint Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd (TCIL), a mini ratna company under the Government of India, as the turnkey technical consultant for establishing an Alternate State Emergency Operations Centre (ASEOC) at the Secretariat. TCIL will function as a single-vendor solution provider, handling agency selection and micromanagement until project completion.
Creation of New Government Posts
The cabinet approved the creation of multiple new positions across different departments:
- Nine new posts at Trikaripur taluk hospital in Kasaragod district, including:
- One junior consultant (paediatrics)
- Five nursing officers grade II
- One nursing assistant
- Two hospital attendants grade II
- 66 new posts in the Malabar Devaswom Board, including:
- 26 Clerks
- Eight typists
- 27 office attendants/watchmen
- Four confidential assistants
- One goldsmith
Extension of Leadership Tenure
The contract tenure of L Radhakrishnan, IAS (retd), managing director and chief executive officer of Malabar International Port & SEZ Ltd, has been extended by one year, ensuring continuity in leadership for this important development project.
In-Principle Approval for Dam Construction
In compliance with the order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal, the cabinet granted in-principle approval for constructing a concrete dam across the Pambar river and allied works. This project aims to make water allocated to the Thalayar scheme fully utilisable, addressing long-standing water management challenges in the region.
These comprehensive decisions reflect the Kerala government's multifaceted approach to addressing immediate relief needs while simultaneously pursuing long-term development goals across various sectors of the state's economy and society.
