Kerala Cabinet Approves Key Decisions Including DGP Term Extension and Police Department Reforms
The Kerala state cabinet has made a series of significant decisions impacting law enforcement, infrastructure, and public welfare. In a move aligned with Supreme Court directives, the cabinet has extended the term of Director General of Police (DGP) Ravada A Chandrasekhar for an additional year. Originally set to retire on June 30, 2026, Chandrasekhar will now continue in his role until June 30, 2027, ensuring continuity in police leadership.
Police Department Enhancements and New Bureau Establishment
To address promotional stagnation and structural inadequacies within the police force, the cabinet has sanctioned the creation of 51 new posts. This includes upgrading positions equivalent to police constable drivers to four sub-inspector drivers, 12 assistant sub-inspector drivers, and 35 head constable drivers. These changes aim to improve the feeder post system and facilitate employee career progression.
Additionally, a new fingerprint bureau will be established in the Kannur Police Rural district, which currently lacks such a facility. The bureau will comprise four posts: one tester inspector, two fingerprint experts, and one fingerprint searcher, enhancing forensic capabilities in the region.
Infrastructure and Development Initiatives
In a boost to maritime infrastructure, the cabinet has approved the lease of approximately 66.15 hectares of land for the development of Azhikkal Port. This includes 38.88 hectares in Azhikode North village and 27.27 hectares in Mattool village, both in Kannur district. The land will be leased to Malabar International Ports and SEZ Ltd, subject to specific conditions, to advance port operations and economic growth.
Furthermore, two major tenders have been sanctioned for infrastructure projects. A tender worth around Rs 12 crore is allocated for the construction of the Ezhuthumpara bridge across the Churiyod River in Kongad, Palakkad. Another tender, valued at approximately Rs 27.36 crore, will fund the augmentation of the water supply system to Kochi City and adjoining panchayats, including urgent measures at the 225 MLD Water Treatment Plant in Aluva.
Social Welfare and Educational Measures
The cabinet has taken steps to empower persons with disabilities by forming self-help groups named ‘Sushakti’ under the Kerala State Disability Welfare Corporation. These groups aim to provide upliftment and comprehensive empowerment, with the cabinet also approving the society's organizational principles and bylaws to ensure effective implementation.
In the education sector, the cabinet has approved post determinations for the 2024-25 academic year in government higher secondary schools. It has also decided to provide appointments to 34 teachers and one non-teaching staff member under the Area Incentive Programme, considering this a special case with humanitarian considerations, pending confirmation of post availability by the director of public education.
Salary Revisions and Contract Extensions
Salary enhancements have been approved for various sectors. Permanent employees in government-approved posts at Kinfra will receive the 11th salary revision, effective from June 20, 2022. Contract employees under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) will see a 10% salary increase starting April 1, 2025.
The cabinet has also extended the term of Manoj N K, director of the bureau of public enterprises in the department of planning and economic affairs, on a contractual basis, ensuring continued leadership in economic affairs.
