In a significant move to accelerate critical infrastructure and administrative reforms, the Kerala state cabinet on Wednesday announced a series of key decisions. The most prominent among these is the approval of a special compensation package for the long-delayed Udupi-Kasaragod 400kV inter-state transmission line project, a vital initiative for the state's power sector.
Powering North Kerala: A Major Hurdle Cleared
The cabinet's green light for a special compensation package for the Udupi-Kasaragod power line is expected to remove a major roadblock. This package is designed to ensure fair compensation for landowners affected by the project's path. The funding for this compensation will be provided by Udupi Kasaragod Transmission Ltd (UKTL), a special purpose vehicle created by Sterlite Power Transmission Ltd.
This transmission line is a crucial component of the state's strategy to augment electricity supply to the northern districts of Kasaragod and Kannur. These regions currently depend on ageing 220kV feeders from Areekode. Once operational, the new 400kV line is anticipated to significantly enhance grid stability and meet the rising power demand in the area. Notably, a 400/220kV gas-insulated substation at Karinthalam, built on 12 acres provided by the state, has already been completed.
Administrative and Judicial Expansions
In other important decisions, the cabinet sanctioned the establishment of an additional bench of the Kerala Administrative Tribunal (KAT) at Thalassery. This bench will function from the old additional district court building. For its operation, the government has sanctioned 22 posts, including 16 newly created positions. An allocation of Rs 87.30 lakh has been approved for civil and electrical works, and Rs 1.89 crore for office infrastructure.
Strengthening healthcare and forensic services was another focus area. The cabinet approved the creation of 159 posts at the Kochi Cancer Research Centre. This includes 91 permanent and 68 contract positions. Additionally, 12 scientific officer posts will be created in the forensic science laboratory—three in biology, four in chemistry, and five in the documents division.
Key Policy Decisions and Appointments
The cabinet also addressed several policy and staffing matters. It decided to recommend to the Governor to convene the 16th session of the 15th legislative assembly from January 20. To bring uniformity, the retirement age for staff of the Kerala Agro Machinery Corporation and the Kerala Livestock Development Board has been standardized at 60 years.
In a major relief to many workers, the cabinet decided to regularize part-time and honorarium-based workers in grama panchayats, municipalities, cultural institutions, libraries, and nursery schools as part-time contingent staff. This regularization applies to those appointed through prescribed procedures who have completed at least 10 years of continuous service, including workers originally engaged via employment exchanges.
Other decisions included the appointment of Manoj Kumar C P as the Managing Director of Kerala Agro Industries Corporation. The cabinet also cleared the release of Rs 5.70 lakh towards salary arrears for 16 junior health inspectors who served temporarily in the endosulfan-affected areas of Kasaragod. These arrears for April-May 2024 will be paid during the 2025–26 financial year under the Kasaragod Development Package.
